Long time lurker, but first post. Want to install a charger converter in our van so we can charge the house batteries. Current set up is 2 each 6 volt Trojan T105 225 amp hour batteries mounted on the cross rail behind the differential. House batteries currently using Battery Doctor isolator to charge the batteries when running down the road. But when parked for a while would like to just plug it in to charge them. With the batteries under the van, it is a PITA to hook up my battery charger direct to the batteries. Any information on your set ups and wiring suggestions would be appreciated. Also any suggestions on battery monitors would be great. Price for those things are all over the board.
Charging converter question....
- Thread starter GRTvan
- Start date
Herbie
Rendezvous Conspirator
My needs are slightly different, but similar.
I've got an Odyssey PC2150 (100AH) AGM in my van. These batteries are notorious for needing big charge currents to get fully charged, so I'm using an IOTA DLS-45 with the IQ4 smart-charger. I've simply plugged this into a NOCO panel mount AC port/extension cable, mounted through the side of my van.
You may not need the big 45-amp charge current, but a similar AC/DC charger with a similar AC port installed somewhere convenient would probably do the job. I park the van in the driveway, snake an extension cord out under the garage door, and plug it into the port on the side of the van. Voila', DIY "shore power" that efficiently charges my battery (and also lets me pre-cool the DC fridge, etc.)
I've got an Odyssey PC2150 (100AH) AGM in my van. These batteries are notorious for needing big charge currents to get fully charged, so I'm using an IOTA DLS-45 with the IQ4 smart-charger. I've simply plugged this into a NOCO panel mount AC port/extension cable, mounted through the side of my van.
You may not need the big 45-amp charge current, but a similar AC/DC charger with a similar AC port installed somewhere convenient would probably do the job. I park the van in the driveway, snake an extension cord out under the garage door, and plug it into the port on the side of the van. Voila', DIY "shore power" that efficiently charges my battery (and also lets me pre-cool the DC fridge, etc.)
Herbie
Rendezvous Conspirator
Not at the moment, but only because the first draft of my battery system was all "cheap and fast".
I'm planning to do a solar upgrade (including a new solar charge controller), so I'll make the move to adding a battery monitor w/ shunt, etc. when I do that big rewiring. Currently I just have a panel voltmeter wired in.
I'm planning to do a solar upgrade (including a new solar charge controller), so I'll make the move to adding a battery monitor w/ shunt, etc. when I do that big rewiring. Currently I just have a panel voltmeter wired in.
Bikersmurf
Expedition Leader
Steer clear of of converters that put out a steady voltage. They’ll never fully change batteries.
To properly change you’ll need a multi stage charger. Most newer chargers aren’t designed to run 12v appliances. I’d also recommend solar to power/charge during the day.
To properly change you’ll need a multi stage charger. Most newer chargers aren’t designed to run 12v appliances. I’d also recommend solar to power/charge during the day.