Charge Batteries by Idling Tow Vehicle?
This may be a dumb question, but since every tow vehicle has a generator which is connected to the batteries and they charge while driving, how about hooking up and charging at the campsite while idli...
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Idling to recharge is wasteful.
But, If one employs thick copper between distant battery and alternator, 50 to 80% can be achieved fairly quickly, IF the alternator can output 60+ amps at Idle without damage from overheating, and If the voltage regulator is seeking mid 14's instead of 13.6v. 80% to 100% takes hours no matter what.
Lots of 'If's' up there.
Use a 500 amp winch connector and 2awg cable, disconnect when camping, no Diode/isolator/solenoid required:
http://www.amazon.com/Superwinch-2236-commercial-terminals-capacity/dp/B000C7LYYM/ref=pd_sbs_263_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1J8H2NJ0BYB8BASQRABX
I was able to get 100+ amps at idle into a single group31 50% depleted lifeline AGM battery through 2awg cable, that 500 amp winch connector and about 25 feet total circuit length from alternator to Lifeline's posts.
The '160 amp' alternator quickly heated to 220F and output then maxed out at 86 amps while voltage was still in the mid 13's, indicating the battery could have accepted higher amps.
But, If one employs thick copper between distant battery and alternator, 50 to 80% can be achieved fairly quickly, IF the alternator can output 60+ amps at Idle without damage from overheating, and If the voltage regulator is seeking mid 14's instead of 13.6v. 80% to 100% takes hours no matter what.
Lots of 'If's' up there.
Use a 500 amp winch connector and 2awg cable, disconnect when camping, no Diode/isolator/solenoid required:
http://www.amazon.com/Superwinch-2236-commercial-terminals-capacity/dp/B000C7LYYM/ref=pd_sbs_263_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=1J8H2NJ0BYB8BASQRABX
I was able to get 100+ amps at idle into a single group31 50% depleted lifeline AGM battery through 2awg cable, that 500 amp winch connector and about 25 feet total circuit length from alternator to Lifeline's posts.
The '160 amp' alternator quickly heated to 220F and output then maxed out at 86 amps while voltage was still in the mid 13's, indicating the battery could have accepted higher amps.
