battery charger for generator?

[Roguegaston]

Hello,

What battery charger(s) are recommended to use with a generator? I have read that the built in WF-9855 will not charge supply high enough voltage to really charge the batteries very well. I am looking for a battery charger that I can use with a generator and then again at home when plugged in during storage. I don't really want to replace the WF-9855, so something in addition.

Thanks!!!

Jason

[wulfraat]

Change your stock converter for a good one and your batteries will thank you. Then plug the genset into the trailer as normal. This will also ensure your batteries are cared for while on shore power.

If you have 30A service get a progressive dynamics PD4655. If you have 50A service get a boondocker.

www.bestconverter.com is your friend. Click the airstream link in the left panel.

Lots of threads on this on the forum on this topic (can use search function too).

If you really really really want an external charger I’d recommend a BatteryMINDer Model 128CEC1.

http://www.batteryminders.com

[Roguegaston]

Yes, looking for and external charger right now. I may upgrade to a PD down the road.

Thanks!

Jason

[wulfraat]

Battery minder is tops. I permanently mounted one under the hood of my truck to maintain it’s 2 batteries as it will sit for weeks at a time.

[Roguegaston]

How will the battery minder 128 do with charging batteries from a generator? Having a fast charge time is important to me.

Thanks,

Jason

[wulfraat]

If you want a fast charge use your converter in your trailer which will chuck out 14.6v @ 15-20amps and then top it off for the remaining 12-18 hours of the charge cycle with the battery minder.

The battery minder is used for long term maintenance - which is the key for healthy batteries. You should leave it connected 24/7 when not using your trailer. It will put out up-to 8amps.

Or change your stock converter and you are covered for both tasks. Takes like 30-40 minutes and cost is about the same

[KelloggKid]

Originally Posted by wulfraat

If you want a fast charge use your converter in your trailer which will chuck out 14.6v @ 15-20amps and then top it off for the remaining 12-18 hours of the charge cycle with the battery minder........

The OP has a 2018 with the new converter. While the new ones doesn't seem to have the problem of cooking the batteries like the old converters, they doesn't seem to want to go into "boost mode". Mine never goes to 14.6V.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by Roguegaston

Hello,

What battery charger(s) are recommended to use with a generator? I have read that the built in WF-9855 will not charge supply high enough voltage to really charge the batteries very well. I am looking for a battery charger that I can use with a generator and then again at home when plugged in during storage. I don't really want to replace the WF-9855, so something in addition.

Thanks!!!

Jason

I've always used the converter to charge batteries while connected to the generator. It usually takes ~3 hours on the generator per day to have full charge each evening. I partially charge when preparing breakfast and again during dinner while I am using 120v appliances at the same time.

[jnm30327]

I bought a NOCO Genius G7200 12V/24V 7.2A UltraSafe Smart Battery Charger from Amazon for $97. It is a three stage charger and works for both charging and maintaining the two AGM batteries in the trailer. I have two electric bikes that need charging as well as two 500Whr lithium batteries for backup purposes. I bought a Honda 1000 W generator to use for charging all of these batteries.

[Roguegaston]

I am wondering if I should be looking for a smart charger that can supply higher amps, say 40 or 50 amps?

[mrdfred]

I know you said you didn't want to change your charger/converter, but replacing it with a Progressive Dynamics 50, 60 or even 70 amp converter with "charge wizard" will solve all of your requirements. The higher the Amp rating on your converter the faster it will charge your batteries. You can install a higher amp charger than you have without any problems, but you can't or shouldn't go lower. A 60 amp charger will recharge your battery at about 2X as fast as a 30 Amp charger, much better if you are using a generator to recharge it/them. The "charge wizard" built into the PD charger/converter will keep your battery from overcharging. When at home and plugged in, you don't have to worry about overcharging. PD makes either replacement or upgrade units. I recommend you get at least a 60 Amp if recharging with your generator is important to you.

[Roguegaston]

Originally Posted by mrdfred

I know you said you didn't want to change your charger/converter, but replacing it with a Progressive Dynamics 50, 60 or even 70 amp converter with "charge wizard" will solve all of your requirements. The higher the Amp rating on your converter the faster it will charge your batteries. You can install a higher amp charger than you have without any problems, but you can't or shouldn't go lower. A 60 amp charger will recharge your battery at about 2X as fast as a 30 Amp charger, much better if you are using a generator to recharge it/them. The "charge wizard" built into the PD charger/converter will keep your battery from overcharging. When at home and plugged in, you don't have to worry about overcharging. PD makes either replacement or upgrade units. I recommend you get at least a 60 Amp if recharging with your generator is important to you.

Thank you so much! I will look further into the process to swap in a PD converter.

Jason

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by Roguegaston

Thank you so much! I will look further into the process to swap in a PD converter.

Jason

You do not need a new converter or a separate charger (unless the one you have is faulty), since the output on your WF-9855 converter's output is 55 amps.

This is a link to the manufacturer's description and specifications: http://wfcoelectronics.com/product/wf-9855-55-amp/

The converter you have is a good one. It is a modern three phase charger that puts out clean power, even without a battery. It will not harm your battery or appliances unless it malfunctions.

If you do the battery maintenance (checking electrolyte level) as suggested in the owner's manual you will have no problems.

If you still have questions, contact a professional. I did this and got really good advice.
http://www.bestconverter.com/Ask-Randy_ep_18-1.html

[greenflag]

Any automatic charger should work with your generator.
I take my batteries home from storage lot during extended non usage.
At home I hook them up to Battery Tender.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...battery+tender

[Roguegaston]

Originally Posted by greenflag

Any automatic charger should work with your generator.
I take my batteries home from storage lot during extended non usage.
At home I hook them up to Battery Tender.

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Tende...battery+tender

With only 1.25A, won't it take forever to charge a battery? I will just try the built in WF-9855 and see if it goes to Bulk mode on the generator.

Thanks all for the info!

Jason