battery charging when boon docking

Mr. Fusion

About 5 years ago there was a hot topic here about the most cost effective way to keep batteries charged when boon docking for an extended period of time.

The consensus was to use the generator in the morning to bring the charge up to 80 percent with the generator. Then let the solar panels do whatever they could do.

Using the generator to charge to a level higher than 80 percent is a waste of gas for the generator. It will take too long to top off the batteries using the generator. The solar panels at least have no operating cost.

Of course, you need to have a way to measure when you have reached the 80 percent mark.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Mr. Fusion

x2 or check into a radiothermal generator. constant power output, no noise, no fumes

When I had a pull trailer I ran a large capacity amp battery charger up to my generator and put it on my two batteries on a high amp quick charge for a couple of hours in the morning and a couple of hours at night just before dinner. That gave me enough to last over night while on batteries. The morning charge around breakfast time gave me enough for the day and then the evening charge got me through the night. The two hours on gen at those times of day also allowed me to use 110 volt appliances when they were most likely to be needed at breakfast and dinner time.

Solar.

Otherwise replace the converter with a PD9280-14.8
Even better mount the PD next to the battery.

Good idea it is worth looking into a PD9280-148

jbeliera wrote:
What is the best way to get a good substantial charge while boon docking with a 5th wheel without running your generator for a long time to run converter

I would suggest an appropriately sized solar charging system.

Hardly ever use my generator. Solar does it almost every day. Oh, yes. When I leave camp to explore I leave the solar “on.” Try that with a generator.

Hi,


Add some solar. If you wish to nearly eliminate generator use, look around 600 watts.

This article may help: https://freecampsites.net/adding-solar/

You can buy an awful lot of gas for the price of a good solar system. Solar does not work too well if you are in the trees. If out in a desert it is great. For us the portable inverter generator makes best sense. 8 years ago we tossed the cheap & nasty converter charger & installed a programmable 3 stage inverter charger. When the battery bank gets to about 80% charge the charger steps down from the bulk charge rate & the generator throttles back accordingly burning next to nothing in fuel.