Thanks Kiwi_too, thats a good suggestion.
From what I understand, Trojan recommends about 10 to 13% of the 20 hour Ah for longer charges and up to 20% when faster charging is required. As the batts would be about 450 Ah, it looks like the range would be between 45 on the low end (which I have now) and 90 amps on the high end. But yes, apparently with 100 I run the risk of damaging by batts.
I think reaching out to Randy is prudent anyway, so I do thank you for the reference/recommendation.
As for the generator vs. engine charging the batts and which is most economical, I hadn't thought of that. That is definitely worth testing. Ideally, what I'm trying to do here is to have the batts charge either via the engine, shore, solar, etc. And the inverter with a transfer switch so the system acts like a battery backup in the absence of shore power or gen. At least for 110 service.
Best,
Tim
Kiwi_too wrote:
If I were you, I'd list what my batteries are, size of wiring, distance of run and if you are willing to upgrade wiring. Then call Randy at Best Converter. 100 amps may be over kill.
I might disagree with the idea that the generator is a better option than an alternator. This depends on your alternator size and charge line size. It might even be cheaper to run the engine alternator than a generator. Check out the fuel consumption, per hour, on your genny. Genny's are convenient but not always efficient power converters, especially just to plug into the rig for running a converter/charger. You could use a 3 stage battery charger straight from genny to batts.
Now if you are running the genny in the am, while using the micro to cook or the electric coffee maker, than you can charge batts at the same time then combining the two requires the genny. Just charging batts does not.
