Forum Discussion

Nfrank's avatar
Nfrank
Explorer
Dec 17, 2013

Using Truck Alternator to Charge House Batteries

I've installed dual 6v golf cart batteries, a 2300 watt inverter, and two 100 Watt solar panels on my travel trailer. Sometimes if my campsite is shaded after a few days my batteries can't handle maki...
tenbear's avatar
tenbear
Explorer
Dec 18, 2013
IMHO the biggest problem in using the truck alternator to charge the trailer batteries is the wiring between the truck and trailer. Unless things have changed since I had a trailer, the trailer wiring, and maybe the truck wiring too, is to small to carry the current that a discharged battery requires. There will be a large voltage drop which will result in a very slow charge.

As you say, jumper cables work fine if you keep the RPMs up.

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