question about onbord battery charger

[roamingaz]

I currently have a 3 battery system, 1 Optima red top for the main starting battery and 2 Optima yellow top wired in paralleal. I am thinking of selling both Optimas and buying a single high amp hr. battery for my camper to run the fridge,etc. but untill then this will have to work.
All the batteries are charged by the altanator and a RV isolater selanoid, I am working on another solar setup also but my main question is about onbord 110 volt marine charger's, I bought a used 20 amp Promariner that is made for a 3 bank system, I think it puts out 10-5-5 so what would be the best way to wire this up to a single battery or 2 batteries?
I dont feel I need it connected to the main battery.
Anyone want 2 new Optimas kinda cheap?:elkgrin:

 

[762X39]

Charging multiple batteries of mixed types always results in shortening the life of at least 1 of the batteries. If you don't need to charge the main (starting) battery this will be easy (easier). Connect your new charger to the 2 "house" batteries and set the charger for AGM (ie: not wet cell) batteries and let it do it's job.If the charger is left on long enough, both batteries will get the charge they need and you are good to go!
The problem with battery "isolators" is that there is a voltage drop through them and they usually do not permit each battery to recieve the amount of charge each battery requires to fully charge them and let them live a long life.
I typically get 7 to 10 years out of my batteries but then I am anal about checking the level of charge and topping up the battery acid (I only use wet cells) whenever required.

 

[spencyg]

I've got a 2 bank system (2-15) hooked up in Boomer. If your charger is constantly looking at each bank and evaluating what level of charge it requires I would probably just tie up / isolate the 3rd bank circuit (i.e. ignore it) and hook up just bank 1 and bank 2. I personally like the option of using "stuff" onboard with the charger activated, so for me, I'd use the higher current bank off the charger to run your house bank, and leave a 5A leg to maintain the starter bank. I don't see any problems ignoring the 3rd bank of the charger, but I certainly wouldn't hook Bank 2 and Bank 3 up to one battery....might confuse the "smart" electronics within the charger, therefore overcharging, undercharging, etc. I love my onboard charger and certainly recommend it to anybody with multiple banks and lots of power-hungry goodies.

Spence

 

[roamingaz]

Another question...
I am basicly going to have 3 different charging methods. Main charging (maintaining) from the altenator, option 2 plug in 55 watt solar panel, and option 3 is 110 volt via the marine charger.
So with the charger hard wired to the camper batteries but not charging unless plugged into shore power will I need to install a inline diode so the altenator doesn't send a reverse power to the charger?
Maybe I am overthinking this but when I first had the solar panel's charge controller hard wired to the batteries as soon as I started the engine it fried the charge controller.
Any more info and/or pics would be awesome!
I am gathering all the parts to get this finished up this weekend and need to have a clear idea what I am doing.:yikes:

 

[spencyg]

I don't have any sort of reverse current protection on my charging circuit, but it was designed to be used in a marine environment where you will have the alternator charging the battery banks when not using the shore charger. I can't comment on yours though....

Spence

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: Mine is much simpler, I have the trailer set up so, when towing, the cooler and trailer internals are hooked up to the tow vehicle batt/charging sys

When detowed (new word), the solar panel, thru hard wire and disconnects, charges, JUST THE TRAILER battery, thru its controller

That way, I never jeoperdoze the tow vehicle battery and I don't worry about being stranded out in the mountains

Now, I'm not so brave I'm not preparred for HAZARDS, I have a blue top OPTIMA I carry for use with my inflatable fishing boat (minikota, motor) and I can use it wherever I might need it !!

Good luck

:costumed-smiley-007:smiley_drive::safari-rig::safari-rig: JIMBO