NRALIFR wrote:
otr, one thing you might look in to is whether there are any stationary power features that can be enabled on your truck that specifically pertain to managing the alternator output when idling.
On Ford superduties, there’s a feature called “Battery Charge Protect” that enables the ECM to monitor the battery voltage when the parking brake is set, and the transmission is in Park, and it will vary the engine RPM from 600-1200 while large power loads are on the charging system. This is for using inverters, DC-DC chargers, etc while idling the engine. The ECM also monitors the engine temperature while in this mode, and won’t let the engine overheat.
I have it enabled on my truck, and I use one of the up-fitter switches to turn it on. It does work, and I use it occasionally. It’s a little better than a high-idle tune on a programmer because it only does what’s necessary to maintain good battery voltage. But if your truck doesn’t have anything like that then I would look at getting a high-idle tuner if you intend to stationary charge using the truck. Doing that occasionally is your choice. Of course, if you need to do it a lot it may make more sense to buy a small generator. But, I try not to tell other people how to spend their money or use their equipment. As long as you’re paying your way, it’s your choice.
:):)
Don't believe our Ram has anything equivalent to Ford's BCP.
Our plan is to accept whatever current we can safely and reliably get at an idle from our 220a alternator. Hopefully, it's 60a. If not, we'll bite the bullet and go with a 50a or even a 40a if need be.
We look at a DC2DC charger as just another charge option. Not counting on it to do all our charging (also have a generator and some solar). However, on those occasions where the solar is not cutting it, and it's not possible to run the generator, it's nice to have a solid plan C.
