coolmom42 wrote:
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
A question is, with one thousand watt limit what are the options in a power factor corrected charger dept? Trying to recharge 100 amp hours at 30 amps is dooming the user to listen to the generator for four hours at a stretch to charge to 75-80% with regular batteries and perhaps 80-85% with AGM. I would be -mighty- tempted to fit a 140 amp alternator to that van and let it whack the AGM's for a half hour while concurrently running the Honda. But there is a finite amount of amps that a Honda 1000 will ignite and if memory serves me correctly that figure is 50 amperes or less
I'm looking at the Nissan NV or Ford Transit vans, and they generally do have a heavy-duty alternator. That's on the list to double-check when serious van-looking time arrives.
They also have a built-in inverter that would allow me to plug in the battery charger at any time the van is running. The inverter plug-in while driving would be a good way to top off the batteries, since most days I will be driving some.
It will probably be more efficient to charge your house batteries with the vehicle's alternator while traveling rather than doing the two conversions with an inverter and charger. A separate rectifier and bigger wire will be an improvement over the stock charging system. FWIW. I have a HD alternator in my Ford truck and it is a great piece of gear. Just replaced the original battery last year. 10 yrs., one month of not-so-easy life.
I'd suggest you review solar charging some more. It is one of the best charging systems for the boondocker and is basically maintenance free. I use mine to run refrigeration and the whole system was cheaper than a new absorption fridge. I wouldn't own an RV without solar.
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