(619)949-7564
info@sprintervansolutions.com
7754 Arjons Dr, Ste B, Ca San Diego, 92126
info@sprintervansolutions.com
7754 Arjons Dr, Ste B, Ca San Diego, 92126
LIMITED-TIME 10% OFF FOR NEW CUSTOMERS!
Book your service online before the end and get 10% off for parts. Don’t miss this chance to give your Sprinter expert care at an exclusive discount.
*Discount applies only to new customers booking through the website.
LIMITED-TIME 10% OFF FOR NEW CUSTOMERS!
Book your service online before the end and get 10% off for parts. Don’t miss this chance to give your Sprinter expert care at an exclusive discount.
*Discount applies only to new customers booking through the website.
Text Us
Leave a request and we will contact you as soon as possible
Schedule an Appointment
It's totally free
SprinterVanSolutions
48V Wakespeed Charging System: Ford E350/E450 Second Alternator Install San Diego
⚡ Ultimate Power: Ford E-Series 48V Second Alternator & Wakespeed Install in San Diego
January 6, 2026
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
- The Generator Killer: A dedicated 48V secondary alternator generates massive power while driving, eliminating the need for noisy Onan generators.
- Wakespeed Intelligence: The WS500 regulator talks directly to your batteries, adjusting the charge rate in real-time to prevent overheating and maximize lifespan.
- Ford E-Series Ready: Custom brackets allow us to fit this system seamlessly into E350, E450, and E550 engine bays.
- Run Your AC: With a 48V system, you can run high-load appliances like air conditioners directly from your battery bank while idling in traffic on the 5 or cruising to Baja.
Stop relying on shore power and loud generators. If you own a Ford E-Series (E350, E450, or E550), you have a massive engine bay begging to be utilized for off-grid power.
At Sprinter Van Solutions, we don't just work on Mercedes. We are San Diego's premier experts in advanced automotive electrical systems. Recently, we completed a high-performance integration: installing a 48V secondary alternator managed by the Wakespeed WS500 "Super Smart" Regulator. This setup is the holy grail for RVers and VanLifers who want to charge their lithium banks at lightning speeds while the engine is running.
What is a Wakespeed 48V Charging System?
A Wakespeed 48V charging system utilizes a secondary high-output alternator controlled by a WS500 regulator to intelligently charge a 48V lithium battery bank. Unlike standard regulators, it communicates via CAN-bus to monitor battery temperature and current in real-time, ensuring safe, rapid charging without frying your alternator.
Most stock alternators are "dumb"—they just output a fixed voltage. That works for a starter battery, but it kills expensive lithium banks. The system we install treats your alternator like a precision instrument.
Under the Hood: The Installation
- Fitting a second alternator into a Ford E-Series requires precision. We use specialized bracketry to mount the new 48V unit alongside the factory 12V alternator.
The Brains: Wakespeed WS500 Regulator
The heart of this upgrade isn't the alternator itself; it's the black box controlling it.
The Wakespeed WS500 (shown above) is widely considered the most advanced regulator on the market.
- CAN-bus Communication:It talks to the BMS (Battery Management System). If the batteries say "we are full," the Wakespeed tells the alternator to stop pushing power.Temperature Sensing:If the alternator gets too hot while climbing the grade to Julian on a hot day, the Wakespeed dials back the power to prevent damage.Charge Profiles:It is programmable for specific battery chemistries (LiFePO4).
Safety and Integration
We take safety seriously. A 48V system packs a punch, and improper fusing can lead to catastrophic failure. We use marine-grade Blue Sea Systems fusing to protect the main feed lines
The result? Massive charging current. In our testing, we verify the output to ensure the system is delivering the promised amperage without voltage sag.🛠️ The Installation Process
Mounting:We install a dedicated bracket kit for the Ford E350/E450/E550 block to accept the second alternator.Belt Routing:A new, longer serpentine belt or dedicated drive belt is installed to spin the new unit.Wiring the Brain:The Wakespeed WS500 harness is woven into the system, connecting to battery temp sensors, the alternator field wire, and the CAN-bus network.Programming:We configure the Wakespeed specifically for your battery bank size and voltage (48V).Frequently Asked Questions- 48V systems are more efficient for high-power loads. They use thinner wires (less weight/cost) and run cooler. If you plan to run an AC unit off batteries, 48V is the industry standard.
- Yes! We have bracket kits for both the V8/V10 gas engines and the PowerStroke diesel engines found in the E-Series lineup.
- Generally, no. This is a parallel system that does not modify the engine's internal components or the factory ECU. It operates independently from the Ford electrical system.
- A 48V second alternator can often recharge a depleted battery bank in 1-2 hours of driving, significantly faster than solar or a standard DC-DC charger.
📅 Power Up Your Ford E-Series Today
Whether you are driving a Sportsmobile, a shuttle bus conversion, or a Class C RV, you deserve reliable power. Don't let a dead battery ruin your trip to the desert.
Trust San Diego's Advanced Electrical Experts.
Contact us:
📍 7754 Arjons Dr, Ste B, San Diego, CA 92126
📞 (619) 949-7564
🌐 sprintervansolutions.com — Book an inspection today.#FordESeries #VanLifePower #SecondAlternator #WakespeedWS500 #48VSystem #SanDiegoVanBuild #OffGridPower #Sportsmobile #E350 #E450 #SprinterVanSolutionsSchedule Your Service Today!