Multiple charging sources, how should they be tied to my house batteries?

[Scoutman]

I have used the supply mode quite a bit when doing stuff like programming vehicle ECU's etc. Or at times when you are running some load. I've got the 7002 it's worked ok, it's slow, but works.

Slow as in slow to charge a battery? If that's the case and it's only pushing 7A of current then the 3300 would be super slow at 3.3A.

I was looking at the specs on the battery I'm planning to use and the charge/float voltage is higher on the charger than what the battery says it wants.

 

[Scoutman]

AlphaCel Tech Sheet The one I have is an 180GXL-5

 

[LovinPSDs]

So to clarify something.. Is there a like the 205S that has a 120V input also? If so that's basically the does all unit yeah?? I scanned through Ctek's page and didn't see something that would take solar, land power and alternator power...

Thinking outloud one more time... Why would you want to run the alternator power through a charger? Wouldn't you just want it on a solenoid with a heavy cable for faster charging? So the Ctek unit really needs to have a solar and 120V input only?

 

[jdinevens]

So to clarify something.. Is there a like the 205S that has a 120V input also? If so that's basically the does all unit yeah?? I scanned through Ctek's page and didn't see something that would take solar, land power and alternator power...

Thinking outloud one more time... Why would you want to run the alternator power through a charger? Wouldn't you just want it on a solenoid with a heavy cable for faster charging? So the Ctek unit really needs to have a solar and 120V input only?

If you look at their diagrams they usually have the 205S and smartpass tied together with a 3rd product for the shore power going directly to the battery, so they will not handle shore power by themselves...

 

[LovinPSDs]

Why would you want to run the alternator power through the Ctek?

Ideally you want a Shore power and Solar dual source, not Solar and Alternator right!?

 

[4RunAmok]

Why would you want to run the alternator power through the Ctek?

Ideally you want a Shore power and Solar dual source, not Solar and Alternator right!?

Because the CTEK will provide a proper charging profile as opposed to using the voltage regulator/alternator. And this also serves as a battery isolator, but lacks the ability to combine batteries to self jump, but with the D250S, it charges both batteries, so the premise is you'll never need to self jump!

 

[Scoutman]

So I'm still kicking ideas around for my charging system...

My original assumption was that my power converter is 'dumb' and it sounded like I needed to get a smarter charger or risk damaging my battery again. So I went out and got the make and model of the converter and found it to be an Elixir ELX-25. I found the manual online and it says that...

"When 120VAC (240VAC for ELX-20-240 and ELX-25-240) is connected,
your converter will sense and provide primary power to the DC demand
source, while providing remaining current to the battery charge. Once the
RV battery is fully charged, your converter will reduce battery charge to a
maintenance rate until it falls below "full charge" again"

So it sounds like it's not completely dumb but it's not as intelligent as the new chargers out there. I did learn a few things about how it operates though. Enough to say that I'll use it for the short term and focus my attention to how the truck charges the battery when hooked up and underway without discharging my truck battery(s). Right now I just have the camper battery hooked to the 12v pin on my 7 pin trailer connection. This should be ok for now as long as I remember to unplug when I get to camp or if I park for extended periods. Honestly since there isn't much pulling current unless setup at camper I may keep that arrangement. If I plan to boondock for a while then I'll make sure to unplug from the truck.