I'm seeking an education on generators. First off, I have a new Yamaha 2000IS. It's great, but I do have some questions. I have one battery 85 ah battery, and will eventually get a bigger one. I don't use the A/C.1. What's a general rule of thumb for the time it takes to recharge a battery? I realize it depends on how low the battery is, but lets say the generator is used every day to replinish 30 amps, and then 70 amps. 2. These generators have the economy switch of some sort. Do you agree it's better to not use this switch if the intention is to watch TV and charge the battery?3. In your opinion, is a 1000W generator inadequate for charging a battery? Seems they're perfect for most appliances, but they may not be practical for charging batteries also.4. And finally, maybe it's fairly simple. The 1000W generator produces 7.5-8.3 amps, while the 2000W generator produces 13.3-16.7 amps. If 70 ah are being used in a day, then is it safe to assume that the 1000w generator would have to run for about 9 hrs per day, while the 2000w generator would have to run for about 5 hrs?Thank you for you input..........Note....I'm beginning to realize a good way to do things is a solar panel and a generator. I could probably get by with a 1000w generator and a 100W panel. My problem is battery bank. I can't fit more than two small batteries or one large one. I'll probably get one large one.

1000w will drive about 40 amps into a battery and is fine for one or two charging. 2000w will drive about twice and is better suited for three or more batteries. Use the eco switch for quieter operation. Full power is still available. My rule of thumb is 15 to 20 amps per battery is fine. Some others will push 35+ amps to really hurry up the process. Charging should take 2 to 4 hours to hit 90%. The last 10% can take another 4 to 6 hours and is best completed at home.Post a pic, we will find a way to get you 3+ batteries.

My HTT came with one battery and two 30# propane tanks. I swapped the tanks and battery locations so now I have 2-12v batteries where the tanks were, and one 30# propane tank where the single battery was. The next trailer will get 2 golf cart batteries. And I found only one source for a single 30# tank cover, but at least I found one.I have a Honda 2000i generator and added a stand-alone 55-amp converter in the forward compartment. When on the generator it'll handle the battery charge, fridge, and a few other items easily. For the price difference I opted for the 2000 over the 1000 and I'm glad I did.On point #4 - you're talking 70AH but that's at 12 volts. The generator amp output is at 120 volts. For round numbers 7.5 amps at 120 volts would equate to 75 amps at 12 volts (assuming 100% converter efficiency.) Realistically a 1000 watt generator would run a 50-60 amp converter but not much else. The 2000 watt genny gives you a cushion for more 120vac stuff. Actually the converter load is higher since they run 14.4 volts or so at first then ramp down.

Hi ZZS.Here is a chart:"The chart above shows the amount of time it took a PD9155 (55-amp) converter set to three different output voltages to recharge a 125 AH (Amp Hour) battery after it was fully discharged to 10.5-volts.14.4-VOLTS (Boost Mode) – Returned the battery to 90% of full charge in approximately 3-hours. The battery reached full charge in approximately 11 hours.13.6-VOLTS (Normal Mode) – Required 40-hours to return the battery to 90% of full charge and 78-hours to reach full charge.13.2-VOLTS (Storage Mode) – Required 60-hours to return the battery to 90% of full charge and 100-hours to reach full charge."

If my batteries are down, my 1000 Honda will run my PD 55 amp converter, but not in the highest (14.4) bulk charge mode..Using the charge wizard, I must shift to normal (13.6) mode for several minutes, before I can shift to bulk mode.If I'm using Sat tv while charging, the charge rate is reduced even more.If your converter is 45 amp max, the 1000 is fine, otherwise get a 2000 if...unlike me, you have room to store it.

I believe my converter is 30 amp. It's this:http://www.wfcoelectronics.com/Images/Products/OtherDocs/9-3.pdfI'll have to get that picture of the tounge of my trailer. See if I can create more battery space. Thanks for asking.

Generators and charging RV batteries - Questions/Comments

time2roll
Nomad
Aug 13, 2012
http://www.wfcoelectronics.com/Images/Products/OtherDocs/9-3.pdf

The 45amp and under seems to get to boost mode easier... especially with more than two batteries.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Aug 13, 2012
Hi,

The WFCO converters rarely, if ever, get into boost mode. Sometimes beefing up the wiring may help. See the "normal" curve in the chart I sent for approximate charge times.
ZZSPIRAL1
Explorer
Aug 13, 2012
I believe my converter is 30 amp. It's this:
http://www.wfcoelectronics.com/Images/Products/OtherDocs/9-3.pdf

I'll have to get that picture of the tounge of my trailer. See if I can create more battery space. Thanks for asking.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Aug 12, 2012
If my batteries are down, my 1000 Honda will run my PD 55 amp converter, but not in the highest (14.4) bulk charge mode..
Using the charge wizard, I must shift to normal (13.6) mode for several minutes, before I can shift to bulk mode.If I'm using Sat tv while charging, the charge rate is reduced even more.If your converter is 45 amp max, the 1000 is fine, otherwise get a 2000 if...unlike me, you have room to store it.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Aug 12, 2012
Hi ZZS.

Here is a chart:

"The chart above shows the amount of time it took a PD9155 (55-amp) converter set to three different output voltages to recharge a 125 AH (Amp Hour) battery after it was fully discharged to 10.5-volts.

14.4-VOLTS (Boost Mode) – Returned the battery to 90% of full charge in approximately 3-hours. The battery reached full charge in approximately 11 hours.

13.6-VOLTS (Normal Mode) – Required 40-hours to return the battery to 90% of full charge and 78-hours to reach full charge.

13.2-VOLTS (Storage Mode) – Required 60-hours to return the battery to 90% of full charge and 100-hours to reach full charge."
mbopp
Explorer
Aug 12, 2012
My HTT came with one battery and two 30# propane tanks. I swapped the tanks and battery locations so now I have 2-12v batteries where the tanks were, and one 30# propane tank where the single battery was. The next trailer will get 2 golf cart batteries. And I found only one source for a single 30# tank cover, but at least I found one.
I have a Honda 2000i generator and added a stand-alone 55-amp converter in the forward compartment. When on the generator it'll handle the battery charge, fridge, and a few other items easily. For the price difference I opted for the 2000 over the 1000 and I'm glad I did.

On point #4 - you're talking 70AH but that's at 12 volts. The generator amp output is at 120 volts. For round numbers 7.5 amps at 120 volts would equate to 75 amps at 12 volts (assuming 100% converter efficiency.) Realistically a 1000 watt generator would run a 50-60 amp converter but not much else. The 2000 watt genny gives you a cushion for more 120vac stuff. Actually the converter load is higher since they run 14.4 volts or so at first then ramp down.
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 12, 2012
1000w will drive about 40 amps into a battery and is fine for one or two charging. 2000w will drive about twice and is better suited for three or more batteries. Use the eco switch for quieter operation. Full power is still available. My rule of thumb is 15 to 20 amps per battery is fine. Some others will push 35+ amps to really hurry up the process. Charging should take 2 to 4 hours to hit 90%. The last 10% can take another 4 to 6 hours and is best completed at home.

Post a pic, we will find a way to get you 3+ batteries.

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