charging batteries with truck
Several years ago when the fifth wheel that I had at the time only had room for one battery, I carried 2 more in the back of my truck. I used 2 sets of good jumper cables with ring terminals on one en...
Forum Discussion
time2roll wrote:
And I don't buy that alternator story dropping to 13.2v within a few minutes.
Doesn't matter what you 'buy'. You have no data proving otherwise, on any vehicle but perhaps your own, but you are of course welcome to your opinion.
I've personally seen 2 GMs, 2014 and newer, decide 12.7v cruising down the highway was fine and dandy with very occassional times above that, usually when braking or coasting.
Lots of newer cars' voltage regulators will seek to keep the battery at only 12.7v, asking for higher voltages seldomly. They shiv not one git, about battery longevity, but meeting C.A.F.E, means more profit, for them.
A battery kept intentionally discharged, can accept much higher amperage alternator amperage when the system asks for 14.5+ volts.
Each 25 amps the alternator makes is said to eat up one engine HP.
Ask for those higher voltages seldomly and when most advantageous for increasing measurable MPG as the EPA tests vehicles mileage, and manufacturers can some closer to meeting fuel economy standards across their fleets.
People should measure their voltage at different times with an actual guage on the battery terminals. This forum could use more data as to which vehicle's voltage regulation needs no assist from a DC to DC charger for their house batteries, and those whose depleted batteries are doomed to see too little electrical pressure to ever do much charging going down the road.
