Which is the better battery configiration
I am trying to learn more about 6 volts batteries versus 12 volts. I know the 6 volts can be drained further and recharged more (better lifetime). At least that is what I think is true. But it seems...
Forum Discussion
pianotuna wrote:
Properly set up is not possible unless you wish to buy a special purpose alternator. Or add a diode type device to the existing alternator.
The computer in the engine "looks" at the starter battery voltage. When the starter battery has recovered--charging is scaled back. Once that happens there is little or no charging of the house bank.
A dc to DC takes the incoming voltage and boosts it to an acceptable voltage for charging the house bank.
My dc to DC charger does a maximum of 20 amps. That works out to less than 5 amps per battery.
Because I have a larger than usual bank, I chose to set the output voltage of the dc to DC at 14.7 volts. Don't do this unless you have researched what the ideal charging voltage is for the house bank.
Except the house bank is connected to the starting bank when running, so the engine computer sees a lower voltage and keeps the amps up...not 100-200amps but if properly set up, it's still sending maybe 20 amps back which will largely negate the draw from the fridge.
If you want to fast charge, you need to upgrade the pathway to the house bank and make sure the alternator is one designed for continuous high output. Used to be quite popular with boats to upgrade to a 300amp alternator...now it would be simpler to add 400w of solar since most people drive during the day when the sun s out.
