On the contrary Hotrod, I repair alternators for a living and I will say that 90% of alternator failures are due to Bad or Low batterys. An alternators electronic regulator senses output voltage only, so a regulator will feed the fld circut full power to try and bring the system up to the voltage set point, regardless of the Amp output. So in many cases and alternator will work itself to death trying to charge a battery. Diodes will come un-soldered and stators will get so hot the varnish will burn off.
Always use a battery charger to charge your battery. A generator is more likely to slow charge a battery that is if you want to drive for the same length of time that you would slow charge your battery for with a charger.... anyone care to drive for 8-12hrs?? LOL I'll put the coffee on when you get up here to Canada.
