Small Solar - Inexpensive

Hi Tom N,

I think you mean an alternator, not a generator. And charging in a self propelled motor home can be fast--but NOT necessarily so from a tow vehicle to a trailer or 5th wheel. Those might be as low as 3 to 10 amps.

Also alternators can fail if they are pushed past 1/3 of their maximum output for very long. In my case I have a way to limit output. Most folks don't.

Not to mention that when the engine is NOT running--well idling to charge is a poor idea, and fairly pricy. In Canada on my v-10 the cost is $1.23 for 15 minutes.

Tom N wrote:
Yes, I mean Watts. But, my point is your generator will charge batteries much faster than a solar setup. An you already own it.

The OP plan was exactly "to recharge it without firing up the noisy portable generator", as I recall.

Yes, I mean Watts. But, my point is your generator will charge batteries much faster than a solar setup. An you already own it.

Also alternators taper voltage and current the hotter they get.

Hi Tom N,

I think you mean watts--and you won't see anything near that in real life unless you have #4 or #2 wiring, not to mention the isolating diode.

Tom N wrote:
145 amps x 13.8 v = 2001 AMPS.

Yeah?

Tom N wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Tom N,

Are those observed numbers from your alternator? Some how I doubt it.

Actually, I have a 145 amp alternator.

145 amps x 13.8 v = 2001 AMPS.

-Tom

I strongly disagree, the charging circuit on alternators will limit amperage output. Otherwise you'd end up frying the battery in your vehicle. Also not all that amperage is used strictly for charging either, it will power other circuits in the vehicle.

pianotuna wrote:
Hi Tom N,

Are those observed numbers from your alternator? Some how I doubt it.

Actually, I have a 145 amp alternator.

145 amps x 13.8 v = 2001 AMPS.

-Tom

Don - yes. After returning home. It's better restoring the charge ASAP, after discharging.

Hi Almot,

Yes, and fully charge the bank again after returning home.