Good Sam Community

Tamnative · ‎Jan-05-2016

I have a friend with a class"c" RV and he would like solar to charge not only the coach batteries but the engine start battery also. Is there a solar charger made that can do this.
The charger I have has 2 terminals 1 for battery charge and 1 for load. It is my understanding that the load should only be used for lights or heating type elements and not as a second charge terminal. Has anyone done this or heard of a charge controller that will do this?

2005 Ford F-350 ex-cab Lariat 4x4 srw 6.0 Powerstroke
2008 Bigfoot 10.4

RJsfishin · ‎Jan-07-2016

I just have a switch on the dash that connects the positives of the chassis and the house batts together whenever it needs charging. Sometimes you can get what you don't pay for.

Rich

'01 31' Rexall Vision, Generac 5.5k, 1000 watt Honda, PD 9245 conv, 300 watts Solar, 150 watt inv, 2 Cos 6v batts, ammeters, led voltmeters all over the place, KD/sat, 2 Oly Cat heaters w/ ox, and towing a 2012 Liberty, Lowe bass boat, or a Kawi Mule.

EsoxLucius · ‎Jan-06-2016

The Blue Sky SB3024 also has a 2 amp auxillary output to charge a chassis battery.

2013 LTV Unity MB Theater Seats
635 watts solar panels, 440 AH batteries, BlueSky Solar Boost 3024iL & IPN-Pro Remote, Magnum MS2000 & ME-RC50 remote
Koni Shocks F & R, Hellwig 7254, SumoSprings F & R
2012 Hyundai Accent SE, Blue Ox Aladdin/Patriot

MEXICOWANDERER · ‎Jan-06-2016

A good bi-directional (BIRD) solenoid makes good sense. And they are a lot more sensible choice than specific-purpose gizmos.

time2roll · ‎Jan-05-2016

+1 for Trik-L-Start with or without solar.

Really not a new or different question at all.

2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
675w Solar pictures back up

Ed_Gee · ‎Jan-05-2016

My Blue Sky 3000i solar charge controller has this feature. In my opinion this is one of the top notch controllers to fit my 30A needs. It has a 2A output dedicated for just maintaining the engine battery. Perfect! No need for any secondary trickle chargers or the like... the solar charger does it all.

Ed - on the Central Oregon coast
2018 Winnebago Fuse 23A
Scion xA toad

grizzzman · ‎Jan-05-2016

Ray & June wrote:
Used the Trik-L-Start for years. Great product.

Ya what he said :B

2019 Ford F150 EcoBoost SuperCrew
2016 Rockwood Mini Lite 2504S. TM2030 SC2030
640 Watts Solar. Costco CG2 208 AH and Lifepo4 3P4S 150 AH Hybrid. ElectroDacus. Renolagy DC to DC charger. 2000 Watt Inverter.
Boondocking is my Deal

Ray___June · ‎Jan-05-2016

Used the Trik-L-Start for years. Great product.

Sold the house, retired, and full timing. 15 years of dreams come true!

2015 Itasca 33C, Black Garnet
2013 Honda CRV EXL toad
Roadmaster Sterling all terrain tow bar
Roadmaster Tow Shield
Roadmaster Guardian
SMI "Stay-in-Play" Brake system
ISL "Toad Charge"

Tamnative · ‎Jan-05-2016

Thanks Snowman9000 that is what I was looking for and I will pass this along.

Heck after looking at the TRIK-L-START I think I am going to do this also !!

2005 Ford F-350 ex-cab Lariat 4x4 srw 6.0 Powerstroke
2008 Bigfoot 10.4

Reddog1 · ‎Jan-05-2016

Moved from TC Forum to the Tech Issues Forum.

Wayne
Moderator

2004.5 Ram SLT LB 3500 DRW Quad Cab 4x4
1988 Bigfoot (C11.5) TC (1900# w/standard equip. per decal), 130 watts solar, 100 AH AGM, Polar Cub A/C, EU2000i Honda

Toad: 91 Zuke

Snowman9000 · ‎Jan-05-2016

There are two ways to skin this cat. First of all, yes, there are controllers that are set up to charge a coach battery and the chassis battery. Here are two:

Morningstar Sunsaver Duo

Renogy Duo

The other way is to have a device that diverts some charging to the chassis battery. Some RVs have this built into the battery disconnect system. His Class C might already have one. If not, there is a simple add-on:

Trik-L-Start

Currently RV-less but not done yet.

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