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diy solar

diy solar

zzz

As is the case if one has lot of money then everything is subjective they can get what they want.

A very large percentage of van users use LiFeP04 with some kind of inverters and you are just talking about a small specialized group of users.

I just want to reiterate unsuspecting customers that a dc-dc charger is NOT a requirement to charge your LiFePO4 through your van's alternator and gives no added benefit than what they already have if they are resourceful.

It depends a lot on the brand and model year.

Modern vans have smart alternators, and you are not in control of what that smart alternator is doing voltage wise.
 
A voltage converter is not a charger in case it helps.
If it's adjustable I could put it at a float voltage. There's so many accessories out there and so much that I already have that operate off 120ac. Even if I lose 15 or 20%. Might just be easier to go 12dc to 120 AC down to a regulated intelligent LPF charger

Just have to go to my garage and use the home team discount
 
How much power is the alternator providing compared to the rating?

Even lower cost is a direct connection. I almost always recommend a direct connection and measure the amps to know if something is needed to boost or limit the charge to within alternator specs and battery specs.

I have a truck and trailer and use the OEM connection direct.
 
How much power is the alternator providing compared to the rating?

Even lower cost is a direct connection. I almost always recommend a direct connection and measure the amps to know if something is needed to boost or limit the charge to within alternator specs and battery specs.

I have a truck and trailer and use the OEM connection direct.
A trailer with smaller wires connecting to the truck's battery would benefit from a higher voltage, lesser current, and smaller gauge wire.

In the planning stage but a small tow behind trailer on a stock F150 older model. A #10 AWG at 120Vac between the truck and trailer would offer a lot of charging power while driving to a destination a few hours away. I am told that my alternator is >200 amps. I have a couple of 3k 12V & 48V inverters and also a spare EG4 3k that I would going to put in the trailer.

Using a chargeverter, rack battery, and 48V inverter in the trailer would satisfy my needs for a weekend getaway. Of course fold out solar panels would be in future planning.

My Harbor Freight 2K Generator would get us out of trouble if we had to.

I looked at DC to DC but with my current inventory I believe that is my best alternative.
 
. . . I am told that my alternator is >200 amps . . .
Been down this road a few times.

In the realworld, a typical vehicle alternator can only produce about 65-75% of its rated capacity continuously in very hot weather while driving. At idle, parked, maybe 50-55%. Alternator case temperatures trump all alternator ratings. In hot weather, doesn't take much to spike alternator temps above 235-240f. Raising the hood can help if you're idling.

That's the good news. Still need to determine the remaining alternator capacity. Have to subtract the current needed to charge a potentially discharged starter battery, plus the current necessary to power the vehicle's electronics under worst case conditions (headlights on, a/c on, etc.), from the above. That leaves you with the alternator's remaining capacity. With some vehicles it can be crazy low.

There's also voltage drop to contend with. More voltage drop means higher current. This applies to dc2dc chargers, too. High voltage drop can cause some 40a charge current rated dc2dc chargers to pull as much as 60a on the input (alternator) side. Too much voltage drop, especially while under high load, can quickly force a lot devices into low-voltage disconnect. Takes more copper to reduce voltage drop. Copper is expensive.
 
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I have some Havis LV and timed disconnects we used to use for radios. Not going to pull to much current. It should be recharged off the home solar before departure. Not planning on any big trips just weekend getaways. Consider it a pre-retirement trial run before we spend the big bucks.

My idea of camping probably will involve Starlink, HF Radio, LED TV,.. I may need that generator after all :ROFLMAO:
 

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