S Davis wrote:
otrfun wrote:
S Davis wrote:
My Redarc 50amp just senses the voltage increase from the alternator and turns on, no trigger wire.
Nice to have that capability built-in. I don't understand why all dc to dc charger manufacturers don't include the equivalent of a Battery Isolator (BI) or Automatic Charging Relay (ACR) with their units. It's a basic requirement for operating a dc to dc charger in the vast majority of installations.
The 50a Redarc dc to dc charger is a nice unit, built like a tank. See a number of off-roaders using them.
One big caveat though, they cost $500+. One could potentially purchase & stack 4, 40a Renogy dc to dc chargers for 160a of output for $519. Of course, this would require a dedicated, high capacity alternator to provide the necessary current. I've been told Renogy doesn't recommend stacking (connecting in parallel), but I've stacked 2 of them with no issues.
I know but having the charger just work without babysitting it is priceless, especially for LifeP04 batteries. Next step is a dedicated alternater.
It only took us 10 min. and a few short wires to install a BI on the input of our dc to dc charger. Agree, having the ability to run our dc to dc charger in the background, unattended, 24/7, with zero concerns is nice.
Thumbs-up on the dedicated alternator. Have plans to purchase a new truck this summer. A dual alternator is definitely on the option list. Hoping to use a 2nd, stacked 60a dc to dc charger so we can power our truck camper a/c unit via alternator indefinitely. Right now, using both the lifepo4 and dc to dc charger at the same time we can run it for up to 2.5 - 3.0 hours. Lifepo4 only, about 1.5 hours. All times are with the compressor running a 100% duty cycle.
Envy all the room and easy access you have. Like you, we installed a DIY lifepo4, silicone heating pads, thermostats, inverter, dc to dc charger, etc. Unfortunately, we were working with a fraction of the space you have. Just running/pulling the 4/0 and 2/0 cable throughout our truck camper, took 2-3 days. But, all said and done, it was 200% worth it!
