otrfun wrote:
noteven wrote:
. . . DC DC probably has some control around overloading the alternator.
Especially REDARC equipment- Australia has been a decade or two ahead of north North America using on board charging equipment in campers and trucks operating in remote regions.
Outside of input/output connections and a trigger input to turn the unit off and on, there are no other connections or sensors on a Renogy dc to dc charger that would relay any info about an alternator's condition, load or output rating. I've briefly read through the 25a/40a Redarc manual and I believe this is also true for the Redarc.
There are a number of ways to program the *output* of a dc to dc charger to protect and properly charge the battery; however, very few options (if any) to regulate the *input* load to protect the alternator (the only exception is the half-power mode on the Renogy).
This is why choosing a dc to dc charger with the proper current rating is important (in respect to alternator load).
I think otr is correct ^. I have a Renogy on the project shelf. It is a 40amp model. The literature states input amps are 60amps at 40amps output.
High output alternators are not super expensive if your oem one kicks the bucket..
