I'm looking to upgrade my current, factory battery charger in my truck camper to something with a higher amperage.As I understand it, the current charger converts AC to DC when I plug in and only trickle charges the battery at a couple amps. That can take days if not weeks to charge a 50% discharged battery. And the truck alternator charges it when the engine is running, but that too is a very low amps.I'd like to upgrade to something faster for AC charging, but also for DC charging off my alternator if possible. Is there such a thing?Also, can someone please explain what a solinoid is supposed to do? Apparently, my truck doesn't have one.ThanksRaz

Tell us the brand and model of converter you have now.A solenoid is a powered on-off switch. It can be normally open or normally closed although normally open is commonly used for RV applications.Whether or not your camper battery charges from the truck depends on how the truck is wired. You haven't even told us what you have.

I don't know about truck campers, but if the battery charging circuits are similar to other RV types, there are plenty of alternatives. One limitation might be available space.The solenoid is basically a high current relay. Its function in my MH is to connect the house battery to the chassis battery when the ignition is turned on. That way the house battery gets charged by the alternator. I'm surprised this isn't standard in a truck camper.

ConverterTruck alternatorTwo absolutely different systems that must be discussed separately. First of all for the truck to speed alternator charging a new, separate socket and plug must be installed a d new, larger wireIinstalled from the git-go. Are you ready to tackle that?

You should be in a position to Tell AllYour projected battery bank size. How many and what size?The way you use your camper. Length of trips. Do you use a heater with a blower?Do you expect to recharge using a generator? What size and model?Do you connect to a power post often while camping?Are you an off-grid "boondocker"?Answering all of these questions in detail will make all the difference in the world to experienced (and talented) forum folks who will help you arrive at a system that works best for you at the cheapest price.And 6-way RV sockets and plugs that attempt to pass 20-amps or more will self-destruct. School of hard knocks.Some trucks have a gorilla of a charging system. Tell us about your truck. Familarize yourself with wire-size numbers. Go to a parts store or hardware and learn the signifigance of say 8-gauge.Prepare to make a list of URL addresses to shop for parts that forum members recommend. A lot of info will be coming your way. Organizing lessens info overload frustration. And periodic appearances in a long thread means you are present and interested. Detail YOUR level of experience, knowledge and availability of tools.

You need to post what converter you have now.Some may just need a Wizard or IQ controller added.Also how many batteries do you have?

Battery charger upgrade and purpose of solinoid

MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
Converter
Truck alternator

Two absolutely different systems that must be discussed separately. First of all for the truck to speed alternator charging a new, separate socket and plug must be installed a d new, larger wireIinstalled from the git-go. Are you ready to tackle that?
tenbear
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
I don't know about truck campers, but if the battery charging circuits are similar to other RV types, there are plenty of alternatives. One limitation might be available space.

The solenoid is basically a high current relay. Its function in my MH is to connect the house battery to the chassis battery when the ignition is turned on. That way the house battery gets charged by the alternator. I'm surprised this isn't standard in a truck camper.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Jul 22, 2015
Tell us the brand and model of converter you have now.

A solenoid is a powered on-off switch. It can be normally open or normally closed although normally open is commonly used for RV applications.

Whether or not your camper battery charges from the truck depends on how the truck is wired. You haven't even told us what you have.

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Battery charger upgrade and purpose of solinoid

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