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heyobie's avatar
heyobie
Explorer
Nov 11, 2022

Can I charge the house battery with the engine alternator?

I have a Class C, 1988 Ford 350 Travel Master with one good house battery. When I boondock in cold weather, my propane furnace can get me thru 1 night. If I want to drive to another non electric spot,I'm out of electric and therefore heat.

I am considering adding another house battery as a solution. But I want to know if it is a simply solution to charge my house battery using the engine alternator.

Also, a battery cable has been run from the house battery into the engine. It is terminated in the engine bay but not connected to anything. It looks like factory work. Maybe a factory option.

Thanks for looking
Class C

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  • MDKMDK's avatar
    MDKMDK
    Explorer
    Nov 11, 2022
    It's probably already set up to do that, via a battery isolator or separator. Just add the 2nd battery, connected in parallel. Some will suggest you replace the original coach battery with an identical FLA to the new battery to balance the load.
  • SoonDockin's avatar
    SoonDockin
    Explorer II
    Nov 11, 2022
    Look at Victron Energy Orion DC to DC chargers. Depending on how many amps your alternator puts out, they likely have one that will work.

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