Is bigger better, when it comes to alternators ?

[RMinflorida]

I will be changing out the alternator on my 03 Journey DL. Voltage comes and go's, had it bench tested, which tests out fine. But after two years of trying to figure out the problem, running the generator just to keep the rig going, I am just going to change it out.
I will be under the "hood" changing out the cracked surge tank and do the VDC chip "repair" it just makes sense to do the alternator at the same time.

Here's the question, the stock alternator is 165 amps, should I go bigger ?
Advantages, disadvantages ?

[Dunner]

Google Ft Pierce, FL alternator repair. They might be able to rebuild yours and install a larger capacity stator winding.

[John Hilley]

Can't think of any real disadvantage in going bigger, bigger means faster charging and being able to support more accessories and bigger lights.

[bachler]

It is well to remember ; 744 watts equal 1 Horse power in 120 Volts AC Break that down into 12 Volts DC; And you may be suprised at the amount Of power it takes to turn the alternator, Remember while you are pulling a grade the engine is working , Then you turn the dash air on. which is about 30 amps; That the alternator has to pull.. it is not unusal to have a 160 amp. alternator on a motorhome. That is a power robber.

[John Hilley]

Originally Posted by bachler

It is well to remember ; 744 watts equal 1 Horse power in 120 Volts AC Break that down into 12 Volts DC; And you may be suprised at the amount Of power it takes to turn the alternator, Remember while you are pulling a grade the engine is working , Then you turn the dash air on. which is about 30 amps; That the alternator has to pull.. it is not unusal to have a 160 amp. alternator on a motorhome. That is a power robber.

The alternator would only use more horsepower when providing additional charging.

[RMinflorida]

Want to put out a thanks for the reply's. I am leaning to a higher amp alt.
Will post what I ended up doing.

Thanks again

[RMinflorida]

Update, finally changed out the alternator, I did go with a 200 amp.
It's smaller, lighter and is suppose to run cooler.
Took about two hours, luckily I had a set of flair nut wrenches, they have some hoses so close to the bottom bolt that a regular box end wrench would not work.