Charging battery

wa8yxm wrote:
Most of the generator battery charger modules are pure junk.

your RV's converter (with the possible exception of the Magnetek 6300) is better by far.

Absolutely and there are a lot of Magnetek 6300's still out there. The 7000 series is marginally better but is probably better than any of the unregulated 8.3 amp chargers on almost any of the generators. Having said that best to simply plug your RV into one of the 120 volt outlets and let your onboard charger do the job.

This is my DC Charging layout for my off-road POPUP. Gotta love those BLUE SEA four position battery switches.



Roy Ken

Most of the generator battery charger modules are pure junk.

your RV's converter (with the possible exception of the Magnetek 6300) is better by far.

using the generator's 12v charging cables is nearly the least efficient way of charging the battery. only using the tow vehicle to charge is more inefficient.
the trailer's converter is nearly as good as a stand-alone battery charger. but it depends on if it's 3-stage or single stage.

i always plug the shore cord into the generator and never need to bring a separate battery charger.

TO veebyes T didn't think it was that obvious. Yes ex cruiser. Used wind, solar and smart charger alt and ministering system on sail boat.

Queens Carriage wrote:
I have more 3 battery banks. If I am pressed for time. I use the on board charger for 1 bank then my portable charger for another bank. I have battery switches. I can run any or all banks just by turning switches. Thas has worked for me. If you have more than 1 bank you could do the same, I feel this works the best with multible banks.

Ah Ha! Looks like a former boater. The wiring is more complex & it takes more than the understanding of 12V systems that many folks possess but this is a great way to go. Multiple battery banks that can be used & charged together or in any combination thereof.

Had as similar setup onboard my boat. 3 battery banks could be used for starting, house or any combo I wished simply by turning switches.

Charging rates vary, depending on battery type & capacity. A whole nuther 12V world to try to understand.

I have more 3 battery banks. If I am pressed for time. I use the on board charger for 1 bank then my portable charger for another bank. I have battery switches. I can run any or all banks just by turning switches. Thas has worked for me. If you have more than 1 bank you could do the same, I feel this works the best with multible banks.

sign man wrote:
When charging batteries which is faster?
1) Plugging camper into the generator
OR
2) Connecting the generator directly to the battery?

Depends on the generator output vs converter output.
Output is both amps and volts.

Until you post the actual charging equipment models there is no way to tell.

There is no faster way.... However you can come up with the proper battery charging voltages determines how fast it will charge.

Consider this brochure statement from Progressive Dynamics

"Progressive Dynamics ran this test on the amount of time it took a PD9155 (55-amp) converter/charger set to three different output voltages to recharge a 125 AH (Amp Hour) battery after it was fully discharged to 10.5-volts.

14.4-VOLTS (Boost Mode) – Returned the battery to 90% of full charge in approximately 3-hours. The battery reached full charge in approximately 11 hours.

13.6-VOLTS (Normal Mode) – Required 40-hours to return the battery to 90% of full charge and 78-hours to reach full charge.

13.2-VOLTS (Storage Mode) – Required 60-hours to return the battery to 90% of full charge and 100-hours to reach full charge."

Bottom line is if you can get these voltages from your on-board converter/charger or from a portable smart mode battery charger connected to your 120VAC receptacle of your generator then the above listed times will be pertinent.

If you use different DC voltages like perhaps the BATTERY CHARGE terminal on the generator it will take several days to re-charge a battery. That DC Battery Charge voltage on my generator is right at 12VDC.

If you use lower DC charging then described above it will take a lot longer to charge your battery. If you use higher DC voltage then listed above it will boil out your battery fluids and make the battery case very hot and might even explode on you...

Just my thoughts...

Roy Ken

Your rig's converter is usually more capable than the charging circuit available on most generators. We normally run our genny an hour or two and just let our onboard Iota converter quickly restore consumed amphours.