Heaven sent! I wish I watched this before I wasted the weekend watching do-it-yourselfers and still not getting it. This was professional and fully comprehensive. Thank you
I watched this two years ago and knew this was solid information. Most of it however; went over my head. Here I am two years later, and through my own trials and tribulations can fully attest, this is good solid info.
I've been looking for a very simple yet informative explanation like this for my whole entire DIY life. Thank you very very much, you just saved me from wasting time and money trying to find a solution for my current DIY project
Such a great message to receive! I am glad to hear the video was helpful for you. A great name you have by the way. South-Eastern Africa? Malawi/Zambia? All the best, Jesse.
Thorough, excellent and clear and to the point! Answered my questions to set up my boat systems with a new mechman high output alternator and clarified the options beautifully. You give us the information to make our own choices given our personal resources and goals, thanks so much.
Thank you!!! Good videos, I have seen a few of your videos and they are far better than most not only because of the information but the way you share it! As far as I'm concerned an instructional video is NOT a music video, so I appreciate the fact that no music is included, and we can clearly hear what you're saying, just like in a classroom, thanks! :) If teaching was more effective with music, classrooms would blare loud music while the teacher is speaking... ;) Keep up with the great instructional videos, the information is what's important! :)
Thank you for your compliment Michel, I really appreciate it. I had to smile when I read what you said about music & instructional videos, I totally agree!
Nice going, well explained. One more option for campers and boats. At the second option ( smart switch) with a addon PV panel ( solar ) you may work out that the engine generator dose the bulk 14.4 what will result in 13.8 volt steady charge , the PV may work the float for the deadcycle battery. Obviously the PV is directly attached to the house deep cycle
I have my start battery/alternator connected to my house battery through an old solar charger, which is enabled with a relay from the car key, this was the most reliable/cheaper solution I found. great tutorial well done
System one was what I first went with with two AGM deep cycle. They only lasted less than a year. Went with option number 2 a year ago and I’m very pleased to date🤗😎🇺🇸
I simply added another alternator! One for charging the house (camper) battery and another alternator for charging the truck battery. It has been working on my camper with the usual repairs and battery replacements. The two systems are completely independent from the other. I have lived in it for 38 years. I am also independent.
Hi Bud, thanks for sharing your story. Great setup! Yep, two completely independent systems gets you great reliability and efficiency. Well done! All the best, Jesse.
bud irving - Where did you connect the 2nd alternator? I'm trying to understand some of this, I'm a 63 yr old gramma here, so please be patient, as I don't know what the alternator in connected to.. : ) I'm considering using an inverter in my little pickup on a cross country road trip. It says to use it with a deep cycle battery, so I had to look up "how to charge deep cycle battery" and it brought me here haha. Anyway, is this something a car mechanic would know how to do? Thanks.
@@annwithaplan9766 hopefully you had an answer. A simple 400w inverter that you plug into a cigarette lighter is great for most needs. You cannot cook with a hot plate of course
Very helpful technical info, earlier, I couldn't understand completely about difference between Car and home battery even after watching many other videos. Thanks helped me a lot.
Absolute genius. I never quite understood why my leisure battery had such a problem with fully charging, despite being replaced and its because mine is the layout you explained where the starter battery is always getting the priority of charge. I will defo be changing this when I get my lithium replacements in change for Lead acids. Its good as you said for if your starter has a problem and you can take the current from the leisure to get your engine battery going, but I dont need that as a priority, as im on a small lake with a good powered outboard to get me back to safety.
In event of a dead starter battery, I like having a jump box in my glove compartment. It works for other cars I encounter who have killed their starter battery at a campground and those campers are so grateful. I haven’t ended up with a dead starter battery since I (1.) attach a plug in battery charger to my starter battery while I am packing the car to be sure it is fully topped off before we start the trip (especially because during packing the doors and hatch are being left open a lot) and (2.) I put a carabiner into the rear hatch latch while we have it open at the campsite to fool the car’s computer into thinking the hatch is closed and latched. Even with the interior lights switched off, if the computer stays awake over a day or two it drains the battery (as we have proven!)
I went with 4th option on my ford truck. 2nd alternator with program regulator to set battery type. this was not simple and had to change belt and add pully . make a mounting bracket . great job explaining the options.
Hello Robert, thank you for sharing. That is a very nice option as well. A bit of work indeed, but I am sure you are very content with it. Enjoy! Jesse.
Thank you I hope I’ll be hearing from you’re wisdom in this area charging a 48v battery bank from 3 12v car alternator’s all high amp if that helps ! I am willing to up-grade my alternators to 48v if you could be so kindly to point me in the direction to buy the up-grade kits !
@@marktheunitedstatescitezen185 Thank you for your message, I am glad you appreciate the content on the channel. Have you looked into the 48V alternators from Balmar yet? Good luck and all the best, Jesse
Thanks for a systemic and clear explanation! In my RV, I have chosen the simplest (KISS :)) parallel method with a simple dedicated high-amp manual switch. The parallel method seemed best for me because I have a solar charging system for my house battery as a main system and the alternator is only used when there is not possible to use solar. Stay safe everybody! Linas
Thanks for raising my antenna's, discovering in conjunction w/solar, this configuration is most definitely feasible when weather doesn't permit for solar keep up! THANKS to both of you guys!!!
@@SolarSolution can we direct the plus wire of alternator by using a switch to charge each battery at a time...i mean first engine battery then house battery...one at a time
Absolutely wonderful video........excellent clarity on the points, one of THE BEST......THANK YOU for your time and efforts in sharing your knowledge. I have been watching hundreds of videos to get a grasp on this subject to properly understand the basic principles, finally found the right one.
ive done a lot of homework with solar but what you did with this and other videos is just that little bit that helpes me understand exactly how to and what. thank you very much
Thanks for the info! The visuals help a lot! Being that I'm using my van for camping and not living in it, I believe I'm just going to use a Victron 9 amp DC to DC converter for my single AGM battery I bought at Walmart, and 100 watts of solar. I had looked at a solenoid to charge with, but I'm glad I decided not to go that route. I don't think I need a huge amount of power. That can always be upgraded later. It's in a 1998 E-150 van, and all running inside the cab to behind the driver's seat.
Hi Ben, thanks for your message. I am glad to hear you liked the format of the video! Thanks for sharing your experience with the setup for your van, I am sure this can be valuable feedback for other campers as well. All the best, Jesse.
Its a beutiful explanation...i have applied a change over manual switch that directs the plus wire from the alternator that allows one battery to be charged at a time. Hope the 100 amp house battery is not too much a load on the alternator that is designed to charge 40 amp engin battery
It is good to hear you enjoyed the content. Just a tip: Be mindful of the potential damage to alternator electronics during a momentary 'no load' situation as you would change from one battery bank to the next. All the best, Jesse.
Hello Hendrik, thanks for you message. Your feedback is one of the nicest compliments to receive. I am glad the video was useful for you! All the best, Jesse.
Great Video Jesse, Your just full of surprises ! thank you for making this video ! Never thought of option # 3 , what a great idea and so easy. I 'm planning on building a pontoon style house boat with A/C , bar style refrigerator , microwave , etc for small equipped kitchen . Solar being the main generator for the house batteries . So for after sundown travel or just charging , the old VW turbo diesel drive engine can turn a School Bus / Truck alternator as these produce high amps even at idle and can all day long if needed . Some had manual adjustable voltage regulator output settings . I was going to use a battery isolator for the 2 battery systems ,but option 3 allows for higher voltage output for the Deep Cycle Batteries and DC to DC for the starting battery .
Hi Wayne! Thanks for your feedback, it's nice to hear you enjoyed the video. And what an exciting project your are planning, wow. Great idea to use the heavy duty schoolbus/truck alternator with adjustable voltage output, simple & very effective. I would love to hear / see how the project turns out!
@@apocalypseapocalypse3550 1st (better) option bigger alternator 2nd intelligent charge controllers / battery isolators in sequence; each set only triggers after the previous completes its charge instructions, i.e. 1st starter battery > then house batteries. Charging them as separate banks would keep the alternator draw separate, minimizing its workload. Really only good if your engine is running a lot.
Being somewhat simple-minded I did a fourth alternative and buy a dual purpose starter battery and connect the dual-purpose terminals to a small inverter and then use a charger to charge the house battery
Haha that works as well! Not simple-minded at all, I'd rather call that practical. I created this video with the assumption though that only the alternator would be used as a power source, but is sounds like you have external power available, is that correct? Thanks for sharing! Jesse
@SolarSolution no just my Toyota Sienna minivan stock alternator dual purpose stater battery to small 150 watt inverter and from there to a charger and 2 lithium fe/po batteries also 100 watt solar panel on the roof. I travel a lot so the alternator is working and maybe once a week I check into an electrified campground
Excellent! That sounds like a great setup. Well done for also adding the 100 Watt solar panel, I bet that helps you a lot. Does the inverter have a configurable Low Voltage Disconnect [LVD] option? If so you, setting this to a relatively high value would ensure that your inverter turns off soon after you turn the engine off. There are also smart 12V relays available designed specifically for this purpose. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your travels! Jesse
Option 4: install a 24v alternator. Bypass the internal regulator. Connect the 3 phases in series with one winding reversed. This will give you about 100v single phase. Rectify through Schottky diodes and put through a MPPT controller. You now have more power than a heavy duty alternator
I wanted to do this with many ac parralell connecting solar panel inverters advancements..therefor direct powering of some powertools from alternator, cannabalization redundancy, parasite loss management, segragating solar panels to appliances.. But the marketplace is not developed especially at 110v
If aftermarket contoller solved batteryless bootstrap start up of field coil, and could switch between nominal 12vdc charge controls and 110 approx crude ac output..perhaps exists in high price marine market and historical Frankenstein diy.
That is great feedback to receive! I am glad the video helped you in your decision-making process. Good luck with your project and all the best, Jesse.
I was searching for a explanation what I'd need. Nowehere I found it so well explained without all the b*llshit. Down to earth dude, so very happy with your video. Thnx Jesse keep it up!
@@SolarSolution no problem! Now the only thing I'm trying to find out is whether I need a dc-dc charger which is insulated or one which is non insulated. Goes in our van which already has solar power but just not enough since it's now winter in Greece and the sun is not high enough on average. Do you happen to have a video or some explanation about what to choose somewhere? Kinda hard to find a solid answer..
Excellent video. I’m keen to learn how I can add a jump start function to my system. I have starter battery > dc with inbuilt regulator and solar input > lithium house battery > inverter and 12v outlets. I was wondering if I could add a smart isolator solenoid ( like you would use use in option 1) that has an override jump start option that I could wire to a push button switch in the vehicle instrument panel. Eg starter > smart isolator > dc > house etc. Or would I have to run a seperate circuit with some kind of link switch that bypasses the dc charger to link and jump start?
Pretty good video. The deep cycle batteries clearly benefit from proper charging to last. Starting batteries on the other hand are very tolerant of non ideal charging and can still last long, but only as a starting battery.
Thankyou. I am battery n solar power challenged. Good to check yr vid out. I did not understand much of the vid but was still good info. A start for me. :)
I have been waiting for this video, you full cleared up the last bit confusion I had on using a Solenoid. I am currently setup with option number 2, not exactly sure what the benefit of option 3 is over 2, I am guessing since your going straight to the house battery you can work at the max amperage of the Alternator to speed charging on the house battery, while using the dc-dc to control the charge on the Starter. I upgraded my alternator to 200 amp alternator and put a 40 amp DC-DC so I get fairly fast charging on the house battery with out going over the maximum charge current rating on my AGM, which would be my one concern with going with option 3. I also did some testing before changing out the stock alternator and found my van used 45-50 amps just to run and also found out that the stock 130 amp alternator only put out 60 amps at idle so when I originally installed the DC-DC, I was pulling more amps than could be supported by my alternator causing my start battery to discharge. Thanks for covering this subject for me I will be sharing this video on my feeds. Jason
Great explanation. It has motivated me to fix my RV house battery charging system. The current system is 2 x lead acid batteries of about 140 AH capacity. They are used to power electronics, fridge and a CPAP machine when shore power or the Onan generator is not connected. Charging is by a 12v charger fed by shore power or the Onan generator. There is also a relay activated connection to the RV alternator but I have disconnected this for obvious reasons. I have also installed a solar panel on the roof. The solar panel includes a charge controller that I have connected directly to the battery. The panel supplies up to 2A when the sun shines. I want to reconnect the alternator to provide more charge when the RV engine is running but I am concerned that having 3 sources of charging current might cause problems. Is there such a thing as a multi port dc/dc converter that will manage the 3 inputs to give optimal charging for my batteries.
Great information. I have one question. If I am charging 2 6 volt batteries ran in a series how would I connect the charger to each battery. Thanks for your help.
that was awesome helpful.. thank you so much, enjoy your meal..(i watyched this so many times and will be watching with my son till he can explain it :P)
That explains why the 7 point connector and wiring harness I recently installed does not provide for charging the trailer battery bank from the alternator. That is just fine for me as I will use an alternative charging source to preserve alternator life.
Iam going to go with the option 4 guy with the Toyota minivan as i myself live in my dodge caravan and dont want to hurt or put anymore wear on the old girl .but great video please keep em coming.thank you
Thanx Jesse great content n I'm coming to you cause your the guru of generators etc.I have a 2020 jeep wrangler jl 2.0turbo with Etorque. Doesn't have a alternator,ork? In a powertrain fitted with eTorque, a belt-driven motor-generator unit replaces the conventional alternator on the engine. This motor-generator unit performs several functions in addition to the standard operation of the alternator, which is to provide electricity to keep the vehicle's battery charged. But in an eTorque-equipped vehicle, the electrical system is significantly different than in a conventional vehicle. With the eTorque system, the motor-generator supplies electricity to a dedicated battery pack used to gain several advantages. The motor-generator unit delivers a 48-volt current to a 430 watt-hour lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt-graphite battery whenever the engine is running. The battery pack array includes a 3-kilowatt direct current-to-direct current (DC-to-DC) converter that changes 48-volt current to 12 volts. This enables it to power the vehicle's accessories, which run on a typical automotive 12-volt current. Also, it allows it to charge the vehicle's conventional 12-volt lead-acid battery. The motor-generator also creates electricity during deceleration and braking through brake regeneration. This process captures energy that otherwise would dissipate as waste heat. That energy flows to the 48-volt battery pack for storage and keeps the battery pack at a proper charge level.so this is capable of handling a winch extra lights etc.my question is,I have a large stereo system that's going to be installed that will total at least 975amps, I changed the stock 12volt battery to a 750cca agm battery and added a limitless12k lithium battery capable of handling 10000watts-12000watts at 14volts.all wiring will be at 2/0 awg ofc wire.also a 500amp batttery isolator.I'm planning on installing a 100watt solar panel that they make for the hood of my jeep as well as a redarc bcdc dual battery charging system that can charge from solar panels.will the generator be able to handle that much amperage?I spoke to other guys with same vehicle that's pushing a lot more than that and have no issues.just want to be sure you it will be ok.
Thank you... very helpful. Considering option (3) from Your video noted below, I was wondering if you could recommend an External Regulator, and a DC /DC charge controller combination? Perhaps something off of Amazon Thanks again. [Your video: Deep cycle battery charging with your alternator: The 3 best options]
Wooo excellent video .i have a question i instol a dual Battery Isolator Kit on my van but when it's tha veiculo run tha dual Isolator Kit turn on and off for 6 or 7 time before to stay on do you know what's the problem??? Please let me know what happen 🙏 thanks
Thank you for sharing, I'm putting a 2nd battery in a 1987 gmc truck, got a Cole Hersee. 24063-BX solenoid, run from main battery positive to solenoid, out main lug otherside to second battery positive. Ground negative from 2nd battery to chassis. Can you please recommend gauge wire and size fuses in between? In any event thanks!
I had this cool solar charge/Shore power system design made and super happy with it only to realize that wall power is maximum 16 amps where I live😂 so I'm now looking into this don't feel like waiting for days in case of bad weather for my batteries to be charged.
3rd Option : Alternator ( -to- ) External Regulator ( to ) House Battery (to ) Dc/Dc Converter (to) Starter Battery Question : if the DC/DC converter isolates the Current to flow (1 ) way ....Then how does the starter battery get current back to the engine to start it ? Thank You For Your Help In Understanding ...Im new to this idea but love the benifits
Hello Mark, thank you for your question. A system can be designed and wired in a such a way, that the charging source [e.g. a DC charge controller] can be different from the load [e.g. a starter motor]. Good luck and enjoy, Jesse.
@@SolarSolution I'm going to put a battery lithium battery bank in my Toyota Prius...I'm thinking of using option 3 as my model ..,.was wondering if i could make the bank come directly off the source charge for the prius Car batteries ...there are a positive and negative cable going from the engine ( generator ) to the lithium batteries then to the starter batteries ...sooooooo...i was thinking you could either use diagram 3 from to the starter battery ....or.... come directly from the positive cable and negative cable from the engine to a dc converter to the power bank i believe diagram 2 ...or Both ? Sorry to ask such a question ..Thank You In Advance
Thanks for this KISS Video . Please could you make another video adding solar panels ( with charge controllers) to this mixture ? No information is available online if a house battery can be charged with both alternator and solar panel simultaneously . Many thanks.
You are welcome Muralidhara, and thank you for your feedback. You have an excellent question, I will provide you the answer through a new video. Once it is online I will notify you. All the best, Jesse.
Foe example 3 if your house batteries are lithium iron type would you not have to use a DC-DC charger to limit the charge rate into that battery bank and therefore protect the alternator perhaps you need two DC-DC charge controllers to use the 2nd one for the starting battery from the house battery bank?
Another option is a dual/multiple alternator setup or swapping out your OEM alternator for one made to operate at silly high/continuous amps. Mechman or Hamilton Ferris make these alts.
So Jesse, could you please give an example of of single stage charge? For example, charging the house battery via a traditional 220V mains charger (old school type).
Is it feasible to incorporate an external rectifier into an MPPT charger to increase the charging voltage to 48V, especially when utilizing an inverter? By adjusting the field voltage supplied to the alternator to generate approximately 36V 3phase AC, subsequent rectification yields a voltage close to the minimum requirement for the MPPT charger. This setup has the potential to optimize efficiency for 230V devices while also potentially reducing the necessary cable cross-section.
Excellent video. I am finding my way through a lithium battery install. 750 amp lithium house bank, 100 amp alternator, two dc-dc Orion 30 amps each between starter and house. Thank you for posting this!
For option #3, can you give an example of the voltage regulator you would use? I've never heard of an external voltage regulator that has a charging algorithm. Thank you.
Hey Rob! Sure: Balmar has external regulators on their website. I find their products quite expensive, though their quality is [in my opinion] relatively good. FYI I am not affiliated with them in any way. Good luck! Jesse
4th option: Have your alternator charge your starter battery, then add a battery isolator relay that kicks in @ 13.3 volts (relay turns off when starter battery gets to 12.8v). Normally, people use this to connect to house batteries, Don't. Instead, use this isolator to connect and power up a pure sine wave power inverter. This way, when alternator is charging starter battery it is providing power to inverter. Now run AC extension cord from inverter to a smart battery charger which will charge your house batteries. This is especially good if house batteries are a distance away from starter batteries.
i have a fourth version.. go with a power inverter use a extension cord connect that to a Deep cycle battery charger to charge your house bank...so simple..
Another option is run an inverter off of the vehicle, and then use this to power a battery charger designed to charge the house batteries. The advantage is when you have shore power, the same charger can be used to charge the house batteries. A 1,000 watt continuous pure sine wave inverter should be able to run a 60 amp charger. Your three options do not provide for charging the house batteries from a campground outlet. You would still need a battery charger that runs off of utility main power. So the only real addition to make that work while driving would be an inverter. Many people will already have the inverter. They just need to install a battery selector switch and run heavy wires from the vehicle battery. When they park, they can switch the inverter to house batteries and unplug the charger.
he did mention using a cigarette lighter charger in a pinch, but doesn't recommend it. Im guessing that this might be less effective because it limits your output & strains your electrical system as this kind of draw on an accessory outlet will probably cause excess heat & possibly battery / alternator wear. But I could be wrong. I actually thought the same thing. Why not just charge a deep cycle with a low watt charger plugged into a cigarette lighter inverter? Just unplug it when its not running???
I am going to conduct an experiment. On a day with decent weather & I have 2 batteries that are equally discharged, I will charge one battery on the ride to & from work during the day with my inverter, while another is being charged with a 100w solar panel, then compare their charge levels to see how well a 100w panel charges in comparison to an inverter (when charging 2 equally discharged batteries). I will also record drive/charge time & start/end charge levels to compare. It is good to know another way to charge a battery on days with limited sunshine.
Hi thanks for your video. I wondered what your opinion was on the Victron Argofet, as this setup isn't covered in your video (i dont think anyhow). Many Thanks
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
Heaven sent! I wish I watched this before I wasted the weekend watching do-it-yourselfers and still not getting it. This was professional and fully comprehensive. Thank you
The number of people who understand the rules, but cannot articulate the reasons is huge. This is one of the best videos I’ve seen on the topic.
I am glad to hear you enjoyed the video B Rad, and thanks for the compliment, I appreciate it. All the best, Jesse.
Wow after 10 years dealing with my Boat batteries I finally found someone that puts everything into a simple and easy-to-understand video. Thank you.
You are welcome Vito, I am glad to hear you appreciated the video. Sorry I didn't upload it ten years ago :)
This guy knows his stuff. The information was crystal clear and easy to follow.
That is nice to hear, thank you for your message!
Excellent video! This guy knows what he is talking about. And no annoying background music, marketing or horseplay! Great Job!
I really want to thank you young man. You are a very smart person with a lot of common sense. This was very simple to understand and grasp.
Thank you for your heartwarming compliment Christopher, I am glad to hear you found the video useful.
All the best, Jesse.
I worked that out 20 years ago. External regulator is the only way to go. Huge battery life for both batteries.
Hi Ian, thanks for your feedback. I am glad to hear it worked out well for you. All the best, Jesse.
I watched this two years ago and knew this was solid information. Most of it however; went over my head. Here I am two years later, and through my own trials and tribulations can fully attest, this is good solid info.
Wow, great feedback! Thanks for letting me know.
I've been looking for a very simple yet informative explanation like this for my whole entire DIY life. Thank you very very much, you just saved me from wasting time and money trying to find a solution for my current DIY project
Such a great message to receive! I am glad to hear the video was helpful for you. A great name you have by the way. South-Eastern Africa? Malawi/Zambia? All the best, Jesse.
Thorough, excellent and clear and to the point! Answered my questions to set up my boat systems with a new mechman high output alternator and clarified the options beautifully. You give us the information to make our own choices given our personal resources and goals, thanks so much.
Thank you for your message Doug, it is really great to hear how the video created this value for you. Good luck with your new setup!
I have had the pleasure of watching two of your tutorials and the clarity with which you deliver them is remarkable. I'm lost for words....Thank you.
Great to hear!
You go into more details than others and it makes things easier to understand. Like the thin layering of the starter battery, for instance.
That is very useful feedback Eddy, thanks for your message!
FINALLY good rock solid info
Hi Christian, thanks for your message. It is good to hear you found the video useful. All the best, Jesse.
For reals!!!
Thank you!!! Good videos, I have seen a few of your videos and they are far better than most not only because of the information but the way you share it! As far as I'm concerned an instructional video is NOT a music video, so I appreciate the fact that no music is included, and we can clearly hear what you're saying, just like in a classroom, thanks! :) If teaching was more effective with music, classrooms would blare loud music while the teacher is speaking... ;) Keep up with the great instructional videos, the information is what's important! :)
Thank you for your compliment Michel, I really appreciate it. I had to smile when I read what you said about music & instructional videos, I totally agree!
Nice going, well explained.
One more option for campers and boats.
At the second option ( smart switch) with a addon PV panel ( solar ) you may work out that the engine generator dose the bulk 14.4 what will result in 13.8 volt steady charge , the PV may work the float for the deadcycle battery.
Obviously the PV is directly attached to the house deep cycle
Thanks for sharing!
I have my start battery/alternator connected to my house battery through an old solar charger, which is enabled with a relay from the car key, this was the most reliable/cheaper solution I found.
great tutorial well done
Thank you so much, you’re the first person who has explained this properly
Thanks Peter, that is a great compliment to receive. I am glad it was useful for you.
All the best, Jesse.
@@SolarSolution Hey Jesse,
Which external regulator do you recommend for your system #3?
System one was what I first went with with two AGM deep cycle. They only lasted less than a year. Went with option number 2 a year ago and I’m very pleased to date🤗😎🇺🇸
That is great to hear Earle!
I simply added another alternator! One for charging the house (camper) battery and another alternator for charging the truck battery. It has been working on my camper with the usual repairs and battery replacements. The two systems are completely independent from the other. I have lived in it for 38 years. I am also independent.
Hi Bud, thanks for sharing your story. Great setup! Yep, two completely independent systems gets you great reliability and efficiency. Well done!
All the best, Jesse.
bud irving - Where did you connect the 2nd alternator? I'm trying to understand some of this, I'm a 63 yr old gramma here, so please be patient, as I don't know what the alternator in connected to.. : ) I'm considering using an inverter in my little pickup on a cross country road trip. It says to use it with a deep cycle battery, so I had to look up "how to charge deep cycle battery" and it brought me here haha. Anyway, is this something a car mechanic would know how to do? Thanks.
@@annwithaplan9766 hopefully you had an answer. A simple 400w inverter that you plug into a cigarette lighter is great for most needs. You cannot cook with a hot plate of course
@@vanderumd11 could you reliability charge a deep cycle battery using this method, as long as the engine is running?
What a great guy, easy to listen to, great factual information.
Glad you enjoyed it!
This is the best explanation of the third method that I've read or heard. Thank you
You're very welcome!
Very helpful technical info, earlier, I couldn't understand completely about difference between Car and home battery even after watching many other videos. Thanks helped me a lot.
Glad it was helpful Rohitha!
Amazing video with basic information without going to unnecessary deep into topic.
Glad you think so!
Absolute genius. I never quite understood why my leisure battery had such a problem with fully charging, despite being replaced and its because mine is the layout you explained where the starter battery is always getting the priority of charge. I will defo be changing this when I get my lithium replacements in change for Lead acids.
Its good as you said for if your starter has a problem and you can take the current from the leisure to get your engine battery going, but I dont need that as a priority, as im on a small lake with a good powered outboard to get me back to safety.
In event of a dead starter battery, I like having a jump box in my glove compartment. It works for other cars I encounter who have killed their starter battery at a campground and those campers are so grateful. I haven’t ended up with a dead starter battery since I (1.) attach a plug in battery charger to my starter battery while I am packing the car to be sure it is fully topped off before we start the trip (especially because during packing the doors and hatch are being left open a lot) and (2.) I put a carabiner into the rear hatch latch while we have it open at the campsite to fool the car’s computer into thinking the hatch is closed and latched. Even with the interior lights switched off, if the computer stays awake over a day or two it drains the battery (as we have proven!)
Thanks for sharing! Such a good idea about the carabiner, well done :)
I went with 4th option on my ford truck. 2nd alternator with program regulator to set battery type. this was not simple and had to change belt and add pully . make a mounting bracket . great job explaining the options.
Hello Robert, thank you for sharing. That is a very nice option as well. A bit of work indeed, but I am sure you are very content with it. Enjoy! Jesse.
adding a 2nd alternator is a much better idea than overloading the regular alternator, and risk ending up with none.
I am just now buying a Ford...which program regulator did you select?
Thank you for this pragmatic and straight forward description!
You're welcome Thorben! Thanks for your message.
Excellent video. All the internet knowledge but collated in a single, and short, place. Thanks!
Thank you Tom, that is one of best compliments this video can receive. I am glad you enjoyed it! All the best, Jesse
Course trailer and Coupon Code: ruclips.net/video/VKa_yBiu728/видео.html
Thank you I hope I’ll be hearing from you’re wisdom in this area charging a 48v battery bank from 3 12v car alternator’s all high amp if that helps ! I am willing to up-grade my alternators to 48v if you could be so kindly to point me in the direction to buy the up-grade kits !
Thank you so much for your time in helping others.
@@happythompson4394 You are welcome! Thank you for your message, it is good to hear you enjoyed the content.
@@marktheunitedstatescitezen185 Thank you for your message, I am glad you appreciate the content on the channel. Have you looked into the 48V alternators from Balmar yet?
Good luck and all the best,
Jesse
Hi I'm new to this, i bought a duracell powersource 660, i was wondering if i could use a deep cycle car battery to daisy chain to the powersource.
Top explanation of the different charging needs of a starter FLA and a deep cycle FLA! Thank you!
Thanks for your message Beni, I'm glad you are enjoying the videos. Jesse.
Best RUclips video I've ever seen.
Thanks for a systemic and clear explanation! In my RV, I have chosen the simplest (KISS :)) parallel method with a simple dedicated high-amp manual switch. The parallel method seemed best for me because I have a solar charging system for my house battery as a main system and the alternator is only used when there is not possible to use solar. Stay safe everybody! Linas
Simple & effective, well done!
Thanks for raising my antenna's, discovering in conjunction w/solar, this configuration is most definitely feasible when weather doesn't permit for solar keep up! THANKS to both of you guys!!!
@@SolarSolution can we direct the plus wire of alternator by using a switch to charge each battery at a time...i mean first engine battery then house battery...one at a time
Wow. This is the best vid I've seen in a long while. Great explanation.
Glad you enjoyed it!
thank you for this video .. really enlightening i was very confused about these systems and no one seems to explain it so simply..
I am glad to hear you are enjoying the channel Valkyrie, thank you for your message. All the best, Jesse.
Absolutely wonderful video........excellent clarity on the points, one of THE BEST......THANK YOU for your time and efforts in sharing your knowledge. I have been watching hundreds of videos to get a grasp on this subject to properly understand the basic principles, finally found the right one.
Glad it was helpful!
This is a great video, thank you for sharing, I have watched this several tines and I'm sure, I will watch again, great job!
Glad you enjoyed it!
11:35-12:04
I was just pondering this same idea when, he grins and mentioned it. Down and dirty lol 😉😂
ive done a lot of homework with solar but what you did with this and other videos is just that little bit that helpes me understand exactly how to and what. thank you very much
Thanks for the info! The visuals help a lot!
Being that I'm using my van for camping and not living in it, I believe I'm just going to use a Victron 9 amp DC to DC converter for my single AGM battery I bought at Walmart, and 100 watts of solar. I had looked at a solenoid to charge with, but I'm glad I decided not to go that route. I don't think I need a huge amount of power. That can always be upgraded later. It's in a 1998 E-150 van, and all running inside the cab to behind the driver's seat.
Hi Ben, thanks for your message. I am glad to hear you liked the format of the video! Thanks for sharing your experience with the setup for your van, I am sure this can be valuable feedback for other campers as well. All the best, Jesse.
Thank you so much Jessy , you reminded me with my collage time, I should call you professor Jessy! Thank you sir for explaining things that well
And thank you sir, for putting a smile on my face! All the best, Jesse.
Its a beutiful explanation...i have applied a change over manual switch that directs the plus wire from the alternator that allows one battery to be charged at a time.
Hope the 100 amp house battery is not too much a load on the alternator that is designed to charge 40 amp engin battery
It is good to hear you enjoyed the content. Just a tip: Be mindful of the potential damage to alternator electronics during a momentary 'no load' situation as you would change from one battery bank to the next. All the best, Jesse.
great clips man! I like the "quick and dirty" bush method! LOL!!! thanks!
this might be the best video on the subject.
That is nice to hear, thank you for your message!
Great video thanks. Your replies to others answered my questions, best 1/4 hr I have spent this week!
Hello Hendrik, thanks for you message. Your feedback is one of the nicest compliments to receive. I am glad the video was useful for you! All the best, Jesse.
But if you play it at 1.5 speed it would be the best 11 minutes and 25 seconds that you would have spent that week
Great Video Jesse,
Your just full of surprises ! thank you for making this video !
Never thought of option # 3 , what a great idea and so easy. I 'm planning on building a pontoon style house boat with A/C , bar style refrigerator , microwave , etc for small equipped kitchen . Solar being the main generator for the house batteries . So for after sundown travel or just charging , the old VW turbo diesel drive engine can turn a School Bus / Truck alternator as these produce high amps even at idle and can all day long if needed . Some had manual adjustable voltage regulator output settings . I was going to use a battery isolator for the 2 battery systems ,but option 3 allows for higher voltage output for the Deep Cycle Batteries and DC to DC for the starting battery .
Hi Wayne! Thanks for your feedback, it's nice to hear you enjoyed the video. And what an exciting project your are planning, wow. Great idea to use the heavy duty schoolbus/truck alternator with adjustable voltage output, simple & very effective. I would love to hear / see how the project turns out!
Hello. So considering the normal car alternator uses a 12v battery, how can you wire a bigger battery pack(48v) without roasting the alternator ?
@@apocalypseapocalypse3550 1st (better) option bigger alternator
2nd intelligent charge controllers / battery isolators in sequence; each set only triggers after the previous completes its charge instructions, i.e. 1st starter battery > then house batteries. Charging them as separate banks would keep the alternator draw separate, minimizing its workload. Really only good if your engine is running a lot.
Being somewhat simple-minded I did a fourth alternative and buy a dual purpose starter battery and connect the dual-purpose terminals to a small inverter and then use a charger to charge the house battery
Haha that works as well! Not simple-minded at all, I'd rather call that practical. I created this video with the assumption though that only the alternator would be used as a power source, but is sounds like you have external power available, is that correct? Thanks for sharing! Jesse
@SolarSolution no just my Toyota Sienna minivan stock alternator dual purpose stater battery to small 150 watt inverter and from there to a charger and 2 lithium fe/po batteries also 100 watt solar panel on the roof. I travel a lot so the alternator is working and maybe once a week I check into an electrified campground
Excellent! That sounds like a great setup. Well done for also adding the 100 Watt solar panel, I bet that helps you a lot. Does the inverter have a configurable Low Voltage Disconnect [LVD] option? If so you, setting this to a relatively high value would ensure that your inverter turns off soon after you turn the engine off. There are also smart 12V relays available designed specifically for this purpose. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your travels! Jesse
Awesome video Jesse, straightforward, clear and simple to understand thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Option 4: install a 24v alternator. Bypass the internal regulator. Connect the 3 phases in series with one winding reversed. This will give you about 100v single phase. Rectify through Schottky diodes and put through a MPPT controller. You now have more power than a heavy duty alternator
Thanks Lexie, great feedback and an interesting option. Thanks for sharing! Jesse
I wanted to do this with many ac parralell connecting solar panel inverters advancements..therefor direct powering of some powertools from alternator, cannabalization redundancy, parasite loss management, segragating solar panels to appliances.. But the marketplace is not developed especially at 110v
If aftermarket contoller solved batteryless bootstrap start up of field coil, and could switch between nominal 12vdc charge controls and 110 approx crude ac output..perhaps exists in high price marine market and historical Frankenstein diy.
What?
@@robertmadsen8687 Frankenstein lived but only for a short time and probably committed suicide.
Finally a simple clear explanation. Thanks.
It is good to hear you appreciated the video, thank you for your message. Jesse.
Thank you sir, been looking for this information for years
Glad to help
Thank you I am a new subscriber to this I like working with batteries like 18650 batteries but I really like learning as much as possible
Welcome to the channel Omar! We seem to share a passion for learning, that is great. Enjoy the channel's content, all the best. Jesse.
Thanks for the great analysis. I had been debating between options 2 and 3 and you helped me settle on Option 3.
That is great feedback to receive! I am glad the video helped you in your decision-making process. Good luck with your project and all the best, Jesse.
How could you wire a 48v battery pack to a 12v car alternator without blowing it up?
I was searching for a explanation what I'd need. Nowehere I found it so well explained without all the b*llshit. Down to earth dude, so very happy with your video. Thnx Jesse keep it up!
Haha, now that is a great compliment, thank you! I am glad to hear the video helped you with your project. Good luck and all the best, Jesse.
@@SolarSolution no problem! Now the only thing I'm trying to find out is whether I need a dc-dc charger which is insulated or one which is non insulated. Goes in our van which already has solar power but just not enough since it's now winter in Greece and the sun is not high enough on average. Do you happen to have a video or some explanation about what to choose somewhere? Kinda hard to find a solid answer..
Sorry, I do not have one yet. Great suggestion though, I will add it to the list! Enjoy, Jesse.
Wow ... this is GOLD. Thank you so much for all this detail.
Glad you enjoyed it Mendoza, thanks for your message!
Excellent video. I’m keen to learn how I can add a jump start function to my system.
I have starter battery > dc with inbuilt regulator and solar input > lithium house battery > inverter and 12v outlets.
I was wondering if I could add a smart isolator solenoid ( like you would use use in option 1) that has an override jump start option that I could wire to a push button switch in the vehicle instrument panel.
Eg starter > smart isolator > dc > house etc.
Or would I have to run a seperate circuit with some kind of link switch that bypasses the dc charger to link and jump start?
Pretty good video. The deep cycle batteries clearly benefit from proper charging to last. Starting batteries on the other hand are very tolerant of non ideal charging and can still last long, but only as a starting battery.
Thank you for your contribution BearChow, it is good to hear you appreciate the video. All the best, Jesse
Thankyou. I am battery n solar power challenged. Good to check yr vid out. I did not understand much of the vid but was still good info. A start for me. :)
Glad you enjoyed it
Hi Jess. Great video's. Explain the best wiring for a duel battery truck with a duel battery trailer both equipped with solar panels.
Thanks and great suggestion Jaco!
Excellent informative presentation. Thank-you!
You're very welcome!
Fantastic explanation! Both the simple language used and well timed diagrams. Thankyou!
Thanks for your message Ash, I'm glad it was helpful!
I have been waiting for this video, you full cleared up the last bit confusion I had on using a Solenoid. I am currently setup with option number 2, not exactly sure what the benefit of option 3 is over 2, I am guessing since your going straight to the house battery you can work at the max amperage of the Alternator to speed charging on the house battery, while using the dc-dc to control the charge on the Starter.
I upgraded my alternator to 200 amp alternator and put a 40 amp DC-DC so I get fairly fast charging on the house battery with out going over the maximum charge current rating on my AGM, which would be my one concern with going with option 3. I also did some testing before changing out the stock alternator and found my van used 45-50 amps just to run and also found out that the stock 130 amp alternator only put out 60 amps at idle so when I originally installed the DC-DC, I was pulling more amps than could be supported by my alternator causing my start battery to discharge.
Thanks for covering this subject for me I will be sharing this video on my feeds.
Jason
I'm glad you liked it Jason. Congrats on your new setup, great job!
Out of curiousity, what is your van?
Great explanation. It has motivated me to fix my RV house battery charging system. The current system is 2 x lead acid batteries of about 140 AH capacity. They are used to power electronics, fridge and a CPAP machine when shore power or the Onan generator is not connected.
Charging is by a 12v charger fed by shore power or the Onan generator. There is also a relay activated connection to the RV alternator but I have disconnected this for obvious reasons. I have also installed a solar panel on the roof. The solar panel includes a charge controller that I have connected directly to the battery. The panel supplies up to 2A when the sun shines.
I want to reconnect the alternator to provide more charge when the RV engine is running but I am concerned that having 3 sources of charging current might cause problems. Is there such a thing as a multi port dc/dc converter that will manage the 3 inputs to give optimal charging for my batteries.
Great information. I have one question. If I am charging 2 6 volt batteries ran in a series how would I connect the charger to each battery. Thanks for your help.
that was awesome helpful.. thank you so much, enjoy your meal..(i watyched this so many times and will be watching with my son till he can explain it :P)
Glad it was helpful!
GREAT explanation, very understandable to the novice, 😃😃😃😃 Thanks
Thanks for your message William, it's great to hear you enjoyed the video! All the best, Jesse.
Awesome. Exactly the information that I was looking for. Thanks!
Hello Ashm. Yes indeed, I have solar courses available on Udemy, here is the link: www.udemy.com/user/jesse-gorter-3/
That explains why the 7 point connector and wiring harness I recently installed does not provide for charging the trailer battery bank from the alternator. That is just fine for me as I will use an alternative charging source to preserve alternator life.
Hi Benny, thanks for your message. It is good to hear the video was useful for you. All the best, Jesse.
*thanks for explaining this very helpful*
Glad it was helpful!
Iam going to go with the option 4 guy with the Toyota minivan as i myself live in my dodge caravan and dont want to hurt or put anymore wear on the old girl .but great video please keep em coming.thank you
Thanks for sharing!
Thanx Jesse great content n I'm coming to you cause your the guru of generators etc.I have a 2020 jeep wrangler jl 2.0turbo with Etorque. Doesn't have a alternator,ork?
In a powertrain fitted with eTorque, a belt-driven motor-generator unit replaces the conventional alternator on the engine. This motor-generator unit performs several functions in addition to the standard operation of the alternator, which is to provide electricity to keep the vehicle's battery charged. But in an eTorque-equipped vehicle, the electrical system is significantly different than in a conventional vehicle.
With the eTorque system, the motor-generator supplies electricity to a dedicated battery pack used to gain several advantages. The motor-generator unit delivers a 48-volt current to a 430 watt-hour lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt-graphite battery whenever the engine is running. The battery pack array includes a 3-kilowatt direct current-to-direct current (DC-to-DC) converter that changes 48-volt current to 12 volts. This enables it to power the vehicle's accessories, which run on a typical automotive 12-volt current. Also, it allows it to charge the vehicle's conventional 12-volt lead-acid battery.
The motor-generator also creates electricity during deceleration and braking through brake regeneration. This process captures energy that otherwise would dissipate as waste heat. That energy flows to the 48-volt battery pack for storage and keeps the battery pack at a proper charge level.so this is capable of handling a winch extra lights etc.my question is,I have a large stereo system that's going to be installed that will total at least 975amps, I changed the stock 12volt battery to a 750cca agm battery and added a limitless12k lithium battery capable of handling 10000watts-12000watts at 14volts.all wiring will be at 2/0 awg ofc wire.also a 500amp batttery isolator.I'm planning on installing a 100watt solar panel that they make for the hood of my jeep as well as a redarc bcdc dual battery charging system that can charge from solar panels.will the generator be able to handle that much amperage?I spoke to other guys with same vehicle that's pushing a lot more than that and have no issues.just want to be sure you it will be ok.
Thank you for making this simple to understand!!!
Hello Roger, thanks for your message. It is good to hear the video was easy to digest! All the best, Jesse.
Awesome content and simple explanations.
Glad you liked it!
Great presentation - Thank you Jessie!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you... very helpful. Considering option (3) from Your video noted below, I was wondering if you could recommend an External Regulator, and a DC /DC charge controller combination? Perhaps something off of Amazon
Thanks again.
[Your video:
Deep cycle battery charging with your alternator: The 3 best options]
Fabulous Presentation - thanks 🙂
Glad you enjoyed it!
Wooo excellent video .i have a question i instol a dual Battery Isolator Kit on my van but when it's tha veiculo run tha dual Isolator Kit turn on and off for 6 or 7 time before to stay on do you know what's the problem??? Please let me know what happen 🙏 thanks
Thank you for sharing, I'm putting a 2nd battery in a 1987 gmc truck, got a Cole Hersee. 24063-BX solenoid, run from main battery positive to solenoid, out main lug otherside to second battery positive. Ground negative from 2nd battery to chassis. Can you please recommend gauge wire and size fuses in between? In any event thanks!
I had this cool solar charge/Shore power system design made and super happy with it only to realize that wall power is maximum 16 amps where I live😂 so I'm now looking into this don't feel like waiting for days in case of bad weather for my batteries to be charged.
Hello Milo, thanks for your message and for sharing the plans on your project. Good luck! Jesse.
Great explanation! Used #2 for my trailer. Pax tecum
Thanks, that's great to hear! Et cum spiritu tuo.
This is brilliant, thanks
Glad you liked it!
3rd Option : Alternator ( -to- ) External Regulator ( to ) House Battery (to ) Dc/Dc Converter (to) Starter Battery
Question : if the DC/DC converter isolates the Current to flow (1 ) way ....Then how does the starter battery get current back to the engine to start it ? Thank You For Your Help In Understanding ...Im new to this idea but love the benifits
Hello Mark, thank you for your question. A system can be designed and wired in a such a way, that the charging source [e.g. a DC charge controller] can be different from the load [e.g. a starter motor]. Good luck and enjoy, Jesse.
@@SolarSolution I'm going to put a battery lithium battery bank in my Toyota Prius...I'm thinking of using option 3 as my model ..,.was wondering if i could make the bank come directly off the source charge for the prius Car batteries ...there are a positive and negative cable going from the engine ( generator ) to the lithium batteries then to the starter batteries ...sooooooo...i was thinking you could either use diagram 3 from to the starter battery ....or.... come directly from the positive cable and negative cable from the engine to a dc converter to the power bank i believe diagram 2 ...or Both ?
Sorry to ask such a question ..Thank You In Advance
Thanks for this KISS Video . Please could you make another video adding solar panels ( with charge controllers) to this mixture ? No information is available online if a house battery can be charged with both alternator and solar panel simultaneously . Many thanks.
You are welcome Muralidhara, and thank you for your feedback. You have an excellent question, I will provide you the answer through a new video. Once it is online I will notify you. All the best, Jesse.
Explained very well.....Thanks, mate.
Thanks Gary! That is nice to hear. All the best, Jesse.
Foe example 3 if your house batteries are lithium iron type would you not have to use a DC-DC charger to limit the charge rate into that battery bank and therefore protect the alternator perhaps you need two DC-DC charge controllers to use the 2nd one for the starting battery from the house battery bank?
Useful video. Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge.
Glad it was helpful!
Another option is a dual/multiple alternator setup or swapping out your OEM alternator for one made to operate at silly high/continuous amps. Mechman or Hamilton Ferris make these alts.
Thank you for your contribution Scott. An excellent option indeed!
So Jesse, could you please give an example of of single stage charge? For example, charging the house battery via a traditional 220V mains charger (old school type).
Is it feasible to incorporate an external rectifier into an MPPT charger to increase the charging voltage to 48V, especially when utilizing an inverter? By adjusting the field voltage supplied to the alternator to generate approximately 36V 3phase AC, subsequent rectification yields a voltage close to the minimum requirement for the MPPT charger. This setup has the potential to optimize efficiency for 230V devices while also potentially reducing the necessary cable cross-section.
Excellent video. I am finding my way through a lithium battery install. 750 amp lithium house bank, 100 amp alternator, two dc-dc Orion 30 amps each between starter and house. Thank you for posting this!
Thank you and you are welcome!
For option #3, can you give an example of the voltage regulator you would use? I've never heard of an external voltage regulator that has a charging algorithm. Thank you.
Hey Rob! Sure: Balmar has external regulators on their website. I find their products quite expensive, though their quality is [in my opinion] relatively good. FYI I am not affiliated with them in any way. Good luck! Jesse
Thank you so much for your video,)
Really good explenation ..
Glad you liked it!
Excellent. Thank you for taking the time to make this.
You are welcome Jeff, I am glad to hear you appreciate the video. All the best, Jesse.
Thank you so much for all the clarity on this matter! Very well presented and explained. Cheers!
Hello Garrett, thanks for your message! It is good to hear you enjoyed the video, you are most welcome. All the best, Jesse.
this was a damn good video. learned a lot! Thank you!
Haha that is good to hear Cody, thanks for your message!
4th option: Have your alternator charge your starter battery, then add a battery isolator relay that kicks in @ 13.3 volts (relay turns off when starter battery gets to 12.8v). Normally, people use this to connect to house batteries, Don't. Instead, use this isolator to connect and power up a pure sine wave power inverter. This way, when alternator is charging starter battery it is providing power to inverter. Now run AC extension cord from inverter to a smart battery charger which will charge your house batteries. This is especially good if house batteries are a distance away from starter batteries.
Thanks! Maybe you update for sodium battery...
i have a fourth version.. go with a power inverter use a extension cord connect that to a Deep cycle battery charger to charge your house bank...so simple..
An interesting idea, thanks for sharing your thoughts! All the best, Jesse.
Appreciate the info and your approach!
Glad it was helpful!
Another option is run an inverter off of the vehicle, and then use this to power a battery charger designed to charge the house batteries. The advantage is when you have shore power, the same charger can be used to charge the house batteries. A 1,000 watt continuous pure sine wave inverter should be able to run a 60 amp charger.
Your three options do not provide for charging the house batteries from a campground outlet. You would still need a battery charger that runs off of utility main power. So the only real addition to make that work while driving would be an inverter. Many people will already have the inverter. They just need to install a battery selector switch and run heavy wires from the vehicle battery. When they park, they can switch the inverter to house batteries and unplug the charger.
Hi Danny, thanks for your contribution. I am sure your suggestions will inspire others. All the best, Jesse.
he did mention using a cigarette lighter charger in a pinch, but doesn't recommend it. Im guessing that this might be less effective because it limits your output & strains your electrical system as this kind of draw on an accessory outlet will probably cause excess heat & possibly battery / alternator wear. But I could be wrong. I actually thought the same thing. Why not just charge a deep cycle with a low watt charger plugged into a cigarette lighter inverter? Just unplug it when its not running???
I am going to conduct an experiment. On a day with decent weather & I have 2 batteries that are equally discharged, I will charge one battery on the ride to & from work during the day with my inverter, while another is being charged with a 100w solar panel, then compare their charge levels to see how well a 100w panel charges in comparison to an inverter (when charging 2 equally discharged batteries). I will also record drive/charge time & start/end charge levels to compare. It is good to know another way to charge a battery on days with limited sunshine.
Hi thanks for your video. I wondered what your opinion was on the Victron Argofet, as this setup isn't covered in your video (i dont think anyhow). Many Thanks