Charging Amps engine alternator vs Generator

msiminoff wrote:
Hi Stagecoachdriver,
I agree with Mr Wizard that your charge currents seem excessively low.
Are you confident that your battery monitor is working correctly?
Do you know that the SOC (and/or Amps used) value displayed on the monitor is correct?
Do you have another ammeter that you can use to verify charge current?
What are the charge voltages at the converter and at the alternator?
What gauge are the cables from the converter to battery and alternator to battery?
What is/was the voltage of your house battery at rest?

In general, a vehicle's alternator can charge at a much higher current than a typical converter can. Of course this is dependent upon using the correct charge voltage and cable size. By way of example; My alternator is wired to my battery (bank) with 2ga cable and will charge at 14.7V and over 100A when my battery SOC is low.

John & Angela wrote:
The v10 makes a good genny.

I always charge from the alternator while driving... but charging from an idling V10 is an extremely expensive way to charge a house battery, especially at only a 10A charge current!

Cheers
-Mark

You are probably right Mark but it's still easier than trying to lug around a genny. For us it's the right way. Doesn't use a lot of fuel and like I say we see charge rates approaching 20 amps when the batts are down. Sometimes higher. Seems to me we have over 170K on her now, plus some time idling (although not lots) and she runs like a champ. I'm not too worked about longevity at this point. But yah I know what you are saying. There are other and better ways....just not for us. :)