DiploStrat wrote:
-- Current: Lifeline AGM batteries spec a charge amperage of up to 5C. Some others actually spec no limit. Open lead acid batteries typically want a lower charge rate.
Lifelines can be charged at no current limit as long as the acceptance voltage is limited. But in any ordinary situation (like down to 40-50% SOC) they will only accept about 0.5C. If you want 5C, you need LFP batteries!
Also, automotive regulators don't seem to be set very high these days. They start out in the low 14s and then settle out in the high 13s, at least the ones I have seen on my trucks. I think they do this on purpose, after all they are intended to charge the starter battery, these are "maintenance free" (meaning mainly you cannot replace the lost water) and they don't want to cook them. So they have a negative temp coefficient built into the regulator (my theory). It doesn't take much voltage loss ( a few tenths) to have a slowly charged/undercharged camper battery. All the more reason to go with solar! I put in #6 wire and a lift gate connector, now I don't even bother to hook it up, the solar provides all the charge needed.
