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mlts22's avatar
mlts22
Explorer II
Feb 18, 2015

Using an alternator to feed your house batteries?

I know I'm missing something since this seems too easy, but if I have a motorhome, and install a second alternator via a third party bracket (namely a 360 amp one), I can feed that alternator's output...
pianotuna's avatar
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 18, 2015
Hi mlts22,

The Ford V-10 can be idled for long periods of time, but it does consume 1/2 gallon per hour of run time.

Why do you need such a big second alternator? Unless you have LI batteries when you reach 85% of full on lead acid the charging rate drops to about 12 amps per 100 amp hours of storage. AGM might accept more--say somewhere up to 95% before they "push back".

In your shoes, I'd add as much solar as I could first.

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