White paper from Victron on batteries, usage, style, and charging.
https://www.victronenergy.com/upload...limited-EN.pdf
I recently purchased a 2000 E150 GTRV (similar to 2WD SMB) that had a pair of dead GC2 6V batteries (220AH total). The charge circuit from alternator to house bank was an ignition-activated solenoid protected by an inline 50A circuit breaker. The CB had failed at some point in the past so chronic over-discharge by previous owner was the likely culprit in killing the old batteries.
I replaced the batteries with a pair of cheap Costco/Interstate FLA GC2 batteries (I picked-up the van 1200 miles away and needed a quick fix) and added 320W of solar panels and a combination
Renogy MPPT/DC-DC charger. In short, the Renogy device takes input from either/both alternator/solar and grooms into 3-stage charging for the house batteries. It's not perfect - it limits either alternator or solar to 25A for a total combined of 50A, but it does provide a very good charge profile for maximum battery life (you can chose preset battery chemistry - AGM/Lithium/etc - or customize for OEM battery specs).
At any rate, in my opinion, engine alternator is designed to replenish start-battery quickly; and to provide power for running loads. It's not designed or regulated to replenish a deep discharge common for a house bank. My suggestion would be to install some sort of DC-DC charger that grooms the alternator current properly for your batteries. I also think solar is a great add-on just as a battery charger as an alternator's current tapers off quickly at 80% capacity so difficult to fully charge a house battery bank.
Peter
Linear Mode
