Charging batteries with generator?

SoundGuy wrote:

POLORBR wrote:
What is the most efficient way to charge batteries with a generator? Is using the 12 volt DC charging cord connected directly to the batteries any more efficient than plugging the camper power cord into the generator. Why?

Usually the 12 vdc charging output from a genset is unregulated, meaning you can easily overcharge and boil your batteries if you're not careful. Better to plug the trailer into the genset and let the trailer's on board converter do the charging.

this is what i have none. works for me.

I have a 2400 Yamaha inverter generator with a 12 VDC socket to direct charge a battery. It outputs over 16 volts open circuit. That means it is NOT designed to be just left on there, just to charge up and probably want to avoid getting near full charge at that. It's more for maybe putting enough charge on a depleted automotive battery in order to start an engine than for recharging a deep cycle battery for maintenance.
The 120VAC charger built in will output about 35amps to my on-board RV batteries and that's a lot more than that DC output on the generator.

POLORBR wrote:
What is the most efficient way to charge batteries with a generator? Is using the 12 volt DC charging cord connected directly to the batteries any more efficient than plugging the camper power cord into the generator. Why?

Usually the 12 vdc charging output from a genset is unregulated, meaning you can easily overcharge and boil your batteries if you're not careful. Better to plug the trailer into the genset and let the trailer's on board converter do the charging.

If your generator is designed to charge batteries it should be faster than charging through the 120 volt line and the internal charger. But how much faster is hard to say.

My home generator has a twelve volt line but I am not sure if it is for battery charging or just a 12 volt line.

Look at your converter and get make and model. Some newer converters have a higher charge rate then others.
Best help cn be given by posting make and model of converter.

time2roll wrote:
Does efficient mean fast?

x2

POLORBR wrote:
What is the most efficient way to charge batteries with a generator? Is using the 12 volt DC charging cord connected directly to the batteries any more efficient than plugging the camper power cord into the generator. Why? Just curious. Thanks in advance.

Does efficient mean fast? Use both.

The converter probably has more amps but may not have a high enough voltage. 12v cord has the voltage but only 8 amps.

You can replace your converter to get both voltage and amps. Post the existing converter model number for best answers.

The 12 Volt Side of Life

I use my 5ers built in charger. May not be as efficient as better charger/converters or a good battery charger but it gets the job done when needed.
Been using the gen and built in for 6-7 years.

Probably let the onboard smart charger do it.