Random questions/musings - new batteries, genny, charger...
The TC came with one 75AH battery. The twin alternators on the truck charge it well, although there is no isolator: if I leave cable connected between the truck and TC, then disconnect the house battery, the battery meter still shows full as it draws power from the truck batteries (diesel has two batters and one 145 amp and one 165 amp alternator). The. House battery is good for overnight; generally we just run the fridge on propane. We borrowed an i2000eu generator, and it appears to take 3+ hours to recharge the house battery from 50%. (120 volts/13.3 amps from the genny) . The meter on the TC appears to suck in terms of accuracy - just uses idiot lights.
What I want do:
Replace the house battery with two or three AGMs, totaling about 300ah to 400ah approximately. Add a decent meter to indicate battery level, and perhaps charging progress. Add a cutoff switch for the house batteries. Not too twigged about the lack of isolator - I just unplug the capable between the truck and camper when I dry camp. I also wonder if the TCs charging system would need to be upgraded or changed for the switch to AGMs and/or the higher capacity; or will the existing setup be sufficient for the batteries to be charged from shore power or genny.
BIL also has a lightly used i2000 to sell me for $600. He had just bought it new, then his new rig came with a built in genny. For another $1k I can buy a companion genny for a total of 4000 (theoretical) watts. Easier to carry the two smaller units, and the flexibility of only carrying one if necessary.
Any knowledgeable folk out there have thoughts or concerns? Seems it should not be a difficult modification, but I'm not sure of the wiring setup for a new meter, nor how good the OEM battery chargers are - are they quality 3 stage, or POS units.
Considering adding about 400 watts of solar panels later.
Any opinions/education would be appreciated. I have basic theory down, but that's far from practical application experience lol.
What I want do:
Replace the house battery with two or three AGMs, totaling about 300ah to 400ah approximately. Add a decent meter to indicate battery level, and perhaps charging progress. Add a cutoff switch for the house batteries. Not too twigged about the lack of isolator - I just unplug the capable between the truck and camper when I dry camp. I also wonder if the TCs charging system would need to be upgraded or changed for the switch to AGMs and/or the higher capacity; or will the existing setup be sufficient for the batteries to be charged from shore power or genny.
BIL also has a lightly used i2000 to sell me for $600. He had just bought it new, then his new rig came with a built in genny. For another $1k I can buy a companion genny for a total of 4000 (theoretical) watts. Easier to carry the two smaller units, and the flexibility of only carrying one if necessary.
Any knowledgeable folk out there have thoughts or concerns? Seems it should not be a difficult modification, but I'm not sure of the wiring setup for a new meter, nor how good the OEM battery chargers are - are they quality 3 stage, or POS units.
Considering adding about 400 watts of solar panels later.
Any opinions/education would be appreciated. I have basic theory down, but that's far from practical application experience lol.
