Battery charger

[A_beer]

So after talking with noco I have determined my gen1 is dead. I use it to charge a single deka intimidator gp31 agm on my at chaser trailer. In longer camping trips I can't keep the battery up and have been considering adding solar. Looking for advice as to whether I should replace my gen 1 with another of the same and keep solar separate or if something like a ctek d250s would be good. It seems like that unit mainly seems to be in vehicles for dual batteries. Also, any other options I'm not considering?

 

[john61ct]

Three separate issues are mixed in here.

First off you need a good quality mains charger that will be good for use with any future bank you may install. Remember, batteries are consumables, especially automotive starter-style 12V like that are short-lived if used for deep cycling.

AFAIK Noco is a garage style low-amp charger designed for auto starter batts.

Second you mention DCDC charging off your alternator when driving.

Finally there is solar, a whole 'nother pretty complex topic.

Pick one topic at a time, and give as much info as you can think of as relevant to your usage patterns, loads etc.

Have you got a DMM to measure voltage?

Do you know how many AH you consume, peak vs average?

How many days at a time away from shore power?

Do you carry a genny?

etc.

 

[A_beer]

Thanks for the quick reply john. I wasn't trying to do too much at once. As for the noco, the gen1 is a 10a shore charger/maintainer mounted in the battery box and what adenture trailers spec on the trailer. Mainly I was wondering if there is a better option for what I want to do other than replace like with like. I use the battery strictly to power an Engel 45 fridge. I do have a dmm but have never been interested enough to calculate exactly how many ah it consumes. We typically spend 4-5 days away running the fridge. Mainly I was looking for advice on if the ctek d250s is a good option mounted in a trailer to add solar so I don't spend extra on the new shore charger/maintainer I need as well as an mppt solar controller if I add solar.

 

[MichelleKiwi]

Personally. I wouldn't combine controllers. I would have a mppt controller separately. Less single failure points.

From what I have learnt here. The alternator plus solar will charge a battery but never to full 100%. You want to spend the money to get a decent shore charger.


I would get one system up and running before moving to the next one.

How long does the battery last before the fridge stops by the battery getting to low?

Where you park up away, do you have access to shore power?

If not, Do you want to run the alternator or a generator while you there?

Does the alternator provide high enough voltage to charge the battery?

If it doesn't, then a dcdc charger would be helpful. If it does then connect them, without a dcdc charger.
But with fuses at each end and a relay in the middle.