Reworking my small RV system. Currently 400 watts of panels, a 20 amp MPPT charger controller and 200 amps of FLA batteries. The FLA are getting long in the tooth so I am upgrading to a single 100 amp LiFe04. My DC demands are modest, a diesel heater and lights. Renology are selling their 20 amp DC to DC chargers pretty cheap now and I am thinking about picking one up. My concern is if it will kill my alternator. I have read all sort of stories about alternators dying from to much amperage draw. In my case I never draw the batteries down more that 10% or so overnight. So the soon to be installed LiFe04 battery will need little to top it off in the AM. I run no inverters that can draw the batteries down to much. Should I be concerned about premature alternator death? Or would I be OK. The RV is an 88 Toyota RV with a stock alternator. Your feedback is welcomed. Thanks
DC to DC charger Small RV system
- Thread starter GlennDale
- Start date
sunshine_eggo
Happy Breffast!
That's the point of DC-DC chargers - they output far less than a direct connect alternator preventing alternators from destroying themselves.
Question becomes: Can your alternator handle an additional 20-25A of load above baseline without failing?
Question becomes: Can your alternator handle an additional 20-25A of load above baseline without failing?
pollenface
Solar Addict
I ran a 20a ctek dc-dc charger on a vehicle with 70a alternator for 7yrs (03 Mazda bravo). I also had 130w solar
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mikefitz
Solar Wizard
- Joined
- May 28, 2020
- Messages
- 2,979
Think not. Stock alternator is 60 or 70 amps, ( UK spec, guess same for yours) so 20 to 25 amps plus vehicle requirements should be within the alternators capacity.
The Renogy DC charger needs an activation signal, either D+ or ign on. An alternative (more expensive) DC charger thats recomended , is the Victron Orion 12 12 18. The advantage of the Victron is that no activation signal is need, it auto switches on/off related to alternator output volts, a further advantage is that you have, via the phone app, complete user control of charge voltages.
12V 20A DC to DC On-Board Battery Charger
The best 12v battery charger. Free shipping. The DC-DC Battery Chargers are the most effective method to charge your home batteries from the starter battery
www.renogy.com
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-Volt 18 amp 220-Watt DC-DC Charger | Isolated (Bluetooth) - RV Solar Connections
Victron Energy Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-Volt 18 amp 220-Watt DC-DC charger Isolated is a professional DC to DC adaptive 3-stage charger with built-in Bluetooth Is suitable for both lead acid and lithium batteries, Unlimited multiple units can be connected in parallel to increase output power...
rvsolarconnections.com
RV8R
Solar Enthusiast
I like the Kisae 1250
12vdc & 50amps max (user can dial it back)
dual - Alternator & Solar
All Chemistries
Very User Programable
You did not identify your alternator from what I read ,,, unless I missed it?
PNW ,,, You can chat with “Vancouver BC” about it ?
12vdc & 50amps max (user can dial it back)
dual - Alternator & Solar
All Chemistries
Very User Programable
You did not identify your alternator from what I read ,,, unless I missed it?
PNW ,,, You can chat with “Vancouver BC” about it ?
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