Charging RV batteries with TV
In a pinch (generator, solar, goes south), what's the best/safest way to charge 1 or 2 RV batteries with a truck's alternator? Simply parallel the RV batteries with the truck's battery with a pai...
Forum Discussion
Using the jumper cables is a great plan B but you will be violating RULE #1 as to NEVER MESS with your truck start battery system as this is your only way to get home.
A better solution is to install a SECOND DEEP CYCLE BATTERY to your truck battery system using one of these smart relays. This way you will always have a second battery available to use with the trucks stand-alone activities and not do harm to your truck alternator system. This second battery will only be normally charged whenever the truck battery is being charged and is switched away from your truck start battery when being used. This keeps from running down your truck start battery. This battery than can be switched into your RV Trailer needs or swapped out.
Read up on these two brands of SMART RELAYS
Your truck Alternator DC OUTPUT can range from 110AMPS to 250AMPs depending on what model alternator you are using... The 140AMP model is what most newer trucks are using today. The problem with using the standard alternator is when you connect in a second battery using jumper cables the alternator may only sense the close-by truck start battery and adjust its charging output current accordingly. There will be too much loss in the jumper cable due to the long lengths involved.
Also playing around with the truck start battery system will most likely end up really getting you stranded. Something I always want to steer clear of...
My 2KW Generator sitting secured in the tailgate corner of my covered truck bed is my main PLAN B backup source of power. I carry a portable VEC1093DBD 40AMP smart mode battery charger to charge my battery bank if needed.
usually somewhere on the campground is a 120VAC source in a localized bath room, rangers office, etc.. I always note where these places when going into my off-road camping sites. Never know when you may need to drive back and re-charge some batteries if need be. We are always running out of ice and fresh water on these trips too.
Roy Ken
A better solution is to install a SECOND DEEP CYCLE BATTERY to your truck battery system using one of these smart relays. This way you will always have a second battery available to use with the trucks stand-alone activities and not do harm to your truck alternator system. This second battery will only be normally charged whenever the truck battery is being charged and is switched away from your truck start battery when being used. This keeps from running down your truck start battery. This battery than can be switched into your RV Trailer needs or swapped out.
Read up on these two brands of SMART RELAYS
Your truck Alternator DC OUTPUT can range from 110AMPS to 250AMPs depending on what model alternator you are using... The 140AMP model is what most newer trucks are using today. The problem with using the standard alternator is when you connect in a second battery using jumper cables the alternator may only sense the close-by truck start battery and adjust its charging output current accordingly. There will be too much loss in the jumper cable due to the long lengths involved.
Also playing around with the truck start battery system will most likely end up really getting you stranded. Something I always want to steer clear of...
My 2KW Generator sitting secured in the tailgate corner of my covered truck bed is my main PLAN B backup source of power. I carry a portable VEC1093DBD 40AMP smart mode battery charger to charge my battery bank if needed.
usually somewhere on the campground is a 120VAC source in a localized bath room, rangers office, etc.. I always note where these places when going into my off-road camping sites. Never know when you may need to drive back and re-charge some batteries if need be. We are always running out of ice and fresh water on these trips too.
Roy Ken
