Xantrex Truecharge2 Reliability?

BFL13 wrote:
For $124 you can do it all and do it right instead of not quite all, not quite right for over twice that money.

Easy to use as a portable charger by cutting the end off a set of jumper cables to clamp on with.

https://www.boatandrvaccessories.com/products/powermax-pm3-60lk-12-volts-60-amp-power-converter-battery-charger-w-led-light

Two 105s can take 70 amps but a 2000w gen will struggle with that many amps so go with the 60. (That Trojan 10-13% is for when on shore power and gen time not a problem. Off-grid you do 50-90s and at max amps the batts can take and what the gen can run, whichever limit comes first)

I see. I misread your first reply in this thread. You're saying save my money, get the powermax and a cheap thermometer, and just adjust the output voltage manually, especially as I will only be using it to charge the batteries together. That makes sense, then I can charge to the full 14.82 (at 70 °F) voltage Trojan specs instead of 14.4 volts.

I'd probably not use as a portable, but instead mount inside one of the front outside storage compartments in my camper, with disconnect switches to connect and disconnect it.

I like it. This is why I like forums, you can get great ideas from other people! :)

Is the 10-13% just better on the batteries than high current? Or what would be the reason they specify 10-13%? We likely won't be using a generator a lot, but the quicker it charges at home after a trip the nicer as well, since we have to keep it at home till it charges then take it to a storage lot. Majority of our trips are weekend.

EDIT: Also forgot to add I have a Honda eu2200i, so I'm good for 1800 watts continuous on the occasions I do use a generator.

time2roll wrote:
Yes for a temporary connection to service as needed I agree with BFL's solution.
I would not use TC2 as a portable.

With the money you save consider 200 watts solar on the roof.

Not a bad idea. I've thought about some solar. We don't typically do much dry camping, but with the batteries it will sure make it easier, and solar even more so. Here in Wisconsin we typically do state parks (though I should look for other ways to camp too), which don't allow generators. Well, at least technically. I saw a bunch of Hondas at a state park the other weekend where it was cloudy and rainy at 45 in the day and 32 at night.