Generator vs Battery/Inverter/Solar
We have just purchased our first truck camper - a used 2007 Lance 845 and have a couple questions that I hope you can help us out with. The camper is still at the dealer and we're considering having a...
Forum Discussion
HMS Beagle wrote:
I haven't checked the new truck, the old one certainly did not have 3 stage charging. Regardless, having the start and house batteries connected directly means one or the other is not getting charged correctly, since they are unlikely to have the same State of Charge, or chemistry, or voltage.
With an isolated alternator/regulator and remote voltage sense, these problems go away and extra large cables aren't necessary. #8 or #6 is adequate to carry the current, and the voltage drops are accounted for.
Parthian shot, but:
-- You may be exaggerating the differences between AGM batteries.
-- I suspect that your Ford comes with an AGM starter battery(s).
-- I think you will find that your new Ford is at least as sophisticated as my older Chevrolet.
-- Connected on the same bus, the state of charge will tend to equalize.
-- Assuming that you want to harvest the full 100A+ that your Ford can produce, you are going to need big cables, whether you attach to the starter battery or a separate alternator.
Another alternative, of course, would be something like the CTEK D250S/SmartPass, but again, for a modern US truck, I can't see the need.
Best wishes whatever you do!
