hinkle_e wrote:
I am currently towing my 2014 Palomino Solaire 209BH with a 2008 Tacoma which is equipped with a factory inverter (plug in the bed) capable of putting out 400 watts. Would I be able to run a battery charger off of this to recharge my house battery while dry camping?
Yes, but you will be limited by that 400W. Also depending on the charger and the inverter, the start up (surge) current of the charger might trip the inverter breaker.
hinkle_e wrote:
If it is possible, would it be more efficient to run the camper charger or a stand alone?
From an energy stand point it would be more efficient. However that s not the whole story.
- Modern vehicle charging system do NOT do a good job of charging a second battery in parallel, especially at the end of a long wire. Large gauge wire, like jumper cables would help a lot, but it would not be the best solution. (I would still carry long jumpers for this as a backup plan.)
- Second, a proper 3 stage charge will do the BEST job of properly charging your house battery. However, it will take HOURS because you are limited by that little inverter.
The best answer is, get a charger that can recharge your battery in a "reasonable" amount of time and then get a bigger inverter to match that charger OR buy a generator.
