Asking for a friend... Let me know if I got the basics correct...

When swapping from a 12v generator to a 12v 1-wire-alternator besides the pulley and mounting concerns... the only thing is to bypass the voltage regulator, wire the alternator the battery, and that's it? Is it really that simple? Are we missing anything?

The generator is giving problems keeping up at night time driving and seems like its a problem keeping the battery charged, we're thinking an alternator would do the trick.

It is that simple. The voltage regulator is built into the one wire alternator. If there is a greater draw then a 12 volt generator can keep up with then there may be a problem with the generator or wiring or both. The major difference between the generator and alternator is the alternator produces power at lower speeds.