Forum Discussion

cpeebles's avatar
cpeebles
Explorer
Oct 28, 2017

Second Battery Charger - Additional Batteries.

Come spring I am headed out with a Raptor 300mp and have committed for a year. Before spending the $$$ for solar I would like to be sure I am going to like the life style. I plan on doing a fair amount of boondocking.

My question is, if I add say 3 or 4 more batteries to the existing system I am pretty sure the stock battery charger will not do the trick. Can I add another (leave the stock one in tact) good 3 stage charge controller (suggestions please). Or I guess I can just unhook the original cables to charge the house batteries?

IF I have 400 amp hours of batteries with a "Good Battery Charger" how long to take to get them topped up. AGM batteries... I would live with running the genny an hour or two a day.

I know there are a lot of variables here but just trying to get a general feel for it... THanks in advance.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 29, 2017
    “Before spending the $$$ for solar I would like to be sure...”

    Of? Cost of CGs with electricity? Generator? Gas and oil for the generator plus the hassle?

    WindyNation kit 300 solar watts MPPT $640
    Renolgy kit 300 solar watts $620
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Oct 28, 2017
    I have 450 aH of battery and 200 watts or solar. I don't run the microwave or electric coffee pot when not hooked up, use the inverter to run the TV a few hours a day and run lights at night. I start the genny in the morning and the Xantrex 458 2000 watt inverter/converter tops off the jars in less than an hour. The initial draw can get up towards 100 amps DC.

    Make sure you get a multi-stage charger. I'd lean toward an 85 amp job. Maybe this.

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