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06-24-2011, 11:30 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2007 28' International CCD
Springfield
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,423
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Charging batteries
What is the most efficient way to recharge batteries from generator when boondocking?
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06-24-2011, 11:41 AM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
2006 25' Safari FB SE
San Diego
, California
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 104
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Moflash, the slowest way is to use the trailer power cord. This only provides about 2 amps to the battery via the converter.
I have the Honda 2000EU generator and directly connect to the batteries via DC charging cords (separate purchase) from the generator DC outlet.
Another option is to plug a battery charger to the AC outlet and select the higher charging rate. When I do this I get about 10 amps to the batteries.
But the best option is to install solar panel charging, and leave the generator home.
I hope you are using a quiet generator. There are some very good discussions on the forum for generator use and etiquette.
Happy boondocking!
John
__________________
John and Lynn,
Silvia ('06 25' Safari SE FB) and Silvester ('05 Chevy Express 3500)
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06-24-2011, 12:31 PM
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#3
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Moflash
What is the most efficient way to recharge batteries from generator when boondocking?
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Moflash
Welcome to the forums.
The most efficient way to recharge the batteries from the generator is to replace your stock converter with a "3-stage" converter. If properly installed, these will recharge the batteries from 50% to 90% in about two hours when the shore power cord is plugged into your generator. Xantrex is probably the best known manufacturer of such converters.
The stock converter already in your trailer will also work OK. The charging current will vary depending on the state of charge of the batteries however with a 50-90% recharge requiring typically 8-10 hours.
Most people don't recommend using the 12 volt output connector on the generator. While it will work, the output is limited to 8-10 amps or so which will be insufficient if the batteries are deeply discharged or if you are using 12 volt lights and appliances at the same time.
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06-24-2011, 12:37 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1978 31' Sovereign
Oakley
, California
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,197
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I would think the fastest way is to hook up to your TV...the 100 amp altenator on most trucks should recharge them pronto!
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06-24-2011, 01:23 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Holly Lake Ranch
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,794
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So while I'm driving with my 7-pin connector connected, my TV alternator is charging my Safari's batteries?
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06-24-2011, 01:36 PM
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#6
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Moflash
What is the most efficient way to recharge batteries from generator when boondocking?
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Usually while boondocking we will use the generator about an hour every day or so, this has been sufficient to keep the batteries charged thru the IOTA converter.
Had a new Zantrex fail while camping several years ago and had to charge directly from the 2000i, took considerably longer, and had to keep a close watch on the state of charge, (2000i has no brain)
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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06-24-2011, 01:37 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Livingston
, Texas
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 586
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Yes Goal15, your TV will charge the TT battery(s)
__________________
Sphere Guy
AIR 50601
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06-24-2011, 01:39 PM
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#8
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Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrunes
I would think the fastest way is to hook up to your TV...the 100 amp altenator on most trucks should recharge them pronto!
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Despite using large wire sizes and wiring directly to the alternator I've been unable to get more than around 25a this way, reliably. With stock wiring it's less, usually around 10a.
Like so many battery and tank capacity things the usefulness varies depending on your use pattern. Sometimes I stay in one place for the weekend and then come halfway home, and the driving is enough to recharge the batteries to make it through another night.
There are people who have dual-alternator setups with modified voltage sense circuits who have done better.
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06-24-2011, 01:44 PM
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#9
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4 Rivet Member
2007 31' Classic
Kansas City
, Missouri
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 300
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I boondocked many nights this spring, which allowed us to camp in beautiful national parks in the Southwest and gave us great confidence in ourselves and our Airstream. The weather was generally awful with lows in the 30s and winds in the 40s many of the nights. After running the furnace until we went to bed, I could bring the batteries up to 12.7 plus volts in less than two hours with my Honda 2000eu while we made coffee and cooked breakfast. I know many owners bash the original inverter equipment but ours worked beautifully in conjunction with the generator. So before adding inverters and solar panels, use your camper in some dry camping situations to learn what's possible with the original equipment. I think you'll be very surprised at how capable your Airstream is.
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06-24-2011, 02:14 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1999 25' Safari
Denver
, Colorado
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,781
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RobertCross: I saw your solar panel setup in another post. Realistically, if when we're dry camping, we're only running the lights & water pump very frugally (we're just basic people not used to all the bells and whistles on our AS yet) - a 30W solar panel would do just fine for the occaisonal weekend? I like to camp, but I also like some comfort, and electric hookup isn't always available ... and we do have 2 batteries (one spare always charged) ...
Sunforce 30-Watt Amorphous Folding Solar Kit - 50232 at The Home Depot
This looks like a good kit - any words of wisdom?
Wendy
__________________
Jim D.
AIR # 56543 TAC# CO-10
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06-24-2011, 02:28 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2007 28' International CCD
Springfield
, Missouri
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,423
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I have two honda eu2000i generators so it seems the general consensus is to run the optional dc charging cords directly to the batteries???? hooking up running tv is 2nd.And hooking gens via shore power cord to gens 3rd???
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06-24-2011, 02:47 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2009 27' FB Flying Cloud
1982 31' International
1991 35' Airstream 350
Jay
, Oklahoma
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,706
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I have had good success with simply plugging the trailer’s power cord in the generator and allowing the stock converter to recharge. All ideas presented here will work, but there is no definitive answer for all users or situations.
A deeply discharged set of batteries, say from using the furnace all night on battery power only, will take several hours to come to full charge with the stock converter. However, a light daily load from using the water pump and a few lights when you need them will be replenished in an hour or two.
If you are concerned, keep a volt meter (or multi-meter) handy, and check the voltage during use and after charging a few times until you get a feel for what works for you.
Oh yeah, and happy camping!
__________________
Jeff & Cindy
'09 27FB Flying Cloud;'82 31 International
'91 350 LE MH; '21 Interstate 24GT
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06-24-2011, 02:58 PM
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#13
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Quote:
Originally Posted by StreamRollin
RobertCross: I saw your solar panel setup in another post. Realistically, if when we're dry camping, we're only running the lights & water pump very frugally (we're just basic people not used to all the bells and whistles on our AS yet) - a 30W solar panel would do just fine for the occaisonal weekend? I like to camp, but I also like some comfort, and electric hookup isn't always available ... and we do have 2 batteries (one spare always charged) ...
Sunforce 30-Watt Amorphous Folding Solar Kit - 50232 at The Home Depot
This looks like a good kit - any words of wisdom?
Wendy
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Wendy,
The 30w flexible panels are used mostly during storage to keep from having to plug into shore power. If the AGM's are charged they will maintain ok but at 1.8 amps they won't bring a low battery back.
They did come in handy two seasons ago when the new AS converter took a dump, every little bit helped.
We are "in the woods" 'dockers so the 30w@1.8a panels don't really help much in the shade. If we were "in the light" campers, and I was so inclined I might consider a permanent solar array, (at least 150w).
At minimum, just to help extend battery charge, I would consider at least two of those 30w panels. According to the specs 60w @ 4amps.
There are a lot more, (better) options available, and many here have much more knowledge than I about them. (Lewster)
Do the homework and don't rush, we did just fine for 18 Seasons with nutt'n but a 1000w generator and one battery.
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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06-24-2011, 03:11 PM
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#14
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Moflash
I have two honda eu2000i generators so it seems the general consensus is to run the optional dc charging cords directly to the batteries???? hooking up running tv is 2nd.And hooking gens via shore power cord to gens 3rd???
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I would do that bass ackward......AS converter/charger #1
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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06-24-2011, 03:17 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
1988 25' Excella
1987 32' Excella
Knoxville
, Tennessee
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,095
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Do not know the "best way". On my rig just plugging the power cord into the generator and using the built in converter seems to do the job. The recharge time might be a little longer than some other methods, but you can use the 110 in the trailer while you are doing the charging. I have thought about using a battery charger but hate to drag a battery out and hook it up.
My TV with the stock Dodge wiring does not charge the battery much at all. The 100 amp output for the alternator is for a very short, very heavy cable to the battery. Through the 60 or so feet of small wire to the camper battery and back the voltage drop is so severe it does not charge much. I might drive all day and get it to 11.5.
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06-24-2011, 03:37 PM
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#16
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3 Rivet Member
1967 22' Safari
South East Idaho
, South East Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 143
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I have 1 deep cell tied onto a regular battery on board. Do you guys find you need a 70 amp alternator to handle the job?
Getting ready for the first time out after restoration. Or should I say my work in progress.
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06-24-2011, 04:11 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1978 28' Ambassador
Morada
, California
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,584
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1. The MOST efficient way to charge your batteries is to plug your 'shore power' cord into the generator, as several above have mentioned...
2. The LEAST efficient way is the run your TV's engine to charge the AS's batteries! Running a large V-8 engine to charge the trailer batteries only a few amps, maybe 8-10 max is NOT the way to go...
3. Using the generator's DC charging circuit will only result in a 8-10 amp charge, as mentioned by others, and is not an efficient way to routinely recharge your AS's batteries...
4. It's IMPORTANT to run the generator in a routine every day to try and bring your batteries back up to a full charge, if possible...this way you are only replacing the 'energy' used the previous day, which usually takes a shorter period of time...I find that running the Honda i2000 for about two hours each morning after everyone is up and around, keeps our three 100 AH batteries up to snuff after the previous night's session with DVD or Sat TV viewing, along with other misc. 12 volt usage, pump, lights, etc...
5. If you allow your batteries to be discharged deeply by not recharging each day, it will take MUCH longer to bring them back up to a full charge...
6. Solar panels are great, but it takes lots of watts up there on the roof to really be effective, especially if you're parked in some partial shade, etc., etc...unless you're a real 'miser' using your 12 volt stuff, you'll probably need some generator time to supplement the roof-top battery charging...
__________________
Ray & Pat; Morada, CA
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06-24-2011, 04:20 PM
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#18
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Grad67
I have 1 deep cell tied onto a regular battery on board. Do you guys find you need a 70 amp alternator to handle the job?
Getting ready for the first time out after restoration. Or should I say my work in progress.
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With the Burb's 120v alt. it took a good 2-4hrs of driving to bring two Interstate deep cycles back from 12.2v. The 7-way just not very efficient.
With our '63 Safari (one D cycle), it took about an hour of TV running at the campsite to charge enough to last one day!!
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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06-24-2011, 04:32 PM
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#19
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3 Rivet Member
1967 22' Safari
South East Idaho
, South East Idaho
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 143
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I ment to ask if early alternator failure was the cause of too much work for too much batterys.
I would like the alternator to match the load requirments.
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06-24-2011, 05:42 PM
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#20
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Grad,
You could ck with a NAPA store and see what alternators are available for your truck, they may also be able to test it for you. If Dodge had a towing package available for your truck in 99 you should be able to get an up-grade that will help keep everything charged.
A bad battery, wires, or connections all can cause premature alt failure. Inspect all.
Good Luck....
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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