Do batteries actually charge while driving?

[switz]

Our installed solar system charges at a much higher rate when underway than the truck could alternator could provide over the factory #14 gage wiring.

[BoldAdventure]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

We've not checked to see whether our RAM 1500 provides power to the umbilical when the ignition is off, but we'll take folks' word for that and be careful. Thanks for that tip!

My 2010 does.

[dannydimitt]

We've not checked to see whether our RAM 1500 provides power to the umbilical when the ignition is off, but we'll take folks' word for that and be careful. Thanks for that tip![/QUOTE]


Our 03 2500 certainly does , in fact we always leave the pigtail plugged into the truck when camped with no source of out side power as it provides an abundant amount of 12 volt power with the two very large batteries that the truck has under the hood .

Have done this many many times and have never had an issue with starting the truck the next day . But if that were to happen , a pull on the rope of the 3500 watt generator engine would have things ready to roll in short order .

[NoResults]

I currently have a small trailer that when driving will charge the battery. If you are concerned about running down your tow vehicle you can purchase a battery isolator that can be placed in your tow vehicle or wired into your trailer. When the tow vehicle is off it prevents the trailer from draining your tow vehicle battery.

If you want to save money just unplug from the tow vehicle while camping.

Dave

[J. Morgan]

With two alternators, if you run an 8 or 10 ga wire all the way, it should charge the crap out of your battery...


Brevi tempore!