One Charger to Rule Them all?

[Scalf77]

The Redarc BCDC1240D solution is very similar to the CTEK system, I would also throw in the KISAE DMT1230 This is a very cost efficient alternative to the Redarc and CTEK, All of these take 12 volts from the Battery/Alternator and Solar to provide 3 stage charging.

The Mastervolt combi combines an inverter/charger and a solar controller in the same unit, it does not contain a solution for the alternator charge.


Boywonder, I do generally agree with your conclusion that during float that the current used takes the driving force out of voltage drop., I would say that the beginning stages of absorption are a little more higher current, and the voltage level is also important. More importantly we try to make the system as efficient as possible.

-greg

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by Flux

Greg, I will inquire about that inrush thing and what exactly the issue is. I was not exactly sure how that could be, but he mentioned depleted batteries suddenly opened up to an alternator.

If the house batteries are very depleted, their resistance is low, hence lots of current flowing.......but with battery cable size of 2ga, 1ga, 1/0ga etc it shouldn't be a problem......and if the alternator can't supply the current, the voltage just sags until the battery gets some charge and it's resistance goes up lowering the current demand.

The downside of a manual switch is that you may forget to combine batteries when heading out of the driveway (no house battery alternator charging) for the weekend or forget to separate when partying at the campsite (starting batt dragged down too low to start van along with house batteries)....although plenty of vans, RVs and boats just have a switch.

A separator does all that for you...don't have to remember anything.

Originally Posted by AndrewInSeattle

Details are sketchy, but I've read that fresh-built SMBs charge only from the alternator when it's running, disconnecting the solar. This series of threads really has me wondering how to get around that, under the assumption that we'll mostly be camping in the shade, but driving between camps will be mostly on open road. Originally, I was even hoping the solar and the alternator would be additive, so a quick jaunt to a trailhead would be enough to recharge to max, but that seems like a holy grail with cherries on top at this point!

Most SMBs and vans here charge both from solar and alternator when running, although the solar is a trickle and the alternator is a fire hose.

If you wire the solar to your house batteries they will get charge current anytime the sun is out. If the battery separator is bi-directional (many are) the solar will also charge the van starting battery. For reference the surepower 1314 separator commonly used by SMB is front to back only and the 1315 separator is bi-directional. The 1314 won't charge the starting batt if the solar is connected to the house batteries. All of the Blue Sea ACRs are bi-directional.

Originally Posted by 1der

Lastly, I thought forum member Brent Haywood did some type of tricky alternator/charged setup on his van??? Maybe that was an AC alternator..... not sure...

Yup, I think it's a sterling power alternator to battery charger like this..mounted under his driver seat.

https://sterling-power.com/collectio...ers-up-to-400a

[sscott3d]

A couple thoughts to add about cable size. First is if running two or more smaller cables to replace a large one, "parallel" make sure they are the same length. That way shorter cable with less resistance won't be doing more "work". Second is voltage drop happens quickly in short distance at 12v. So even if the load isn't that large wire size may come into play for voltage sensitive equipment or batteries that like to see optimal voltage for charging. I,m always impressed by the wealth of knowledge on this forum. Keep up the good work!

[Scalf77]

Back to the topic of One Charger ti Rule Them all, Redarc has their Manager 30
product. It has shore power, Solar and Alternator inputs. It also provides a battery monitor, supports a load disconnect relay. It would be nice if the charger was a little bigger and had more programmability.

-greg

[Ken_E350]

Bogart's SC-2030 does work as a DC-DC current limiting charger. Hook up any DC source that puts out 14 to 16 Volts to the solar side of the controller. It does not boost the voltage. The maximum charging voltage is the max source voltage. They have a video of a SC-2030 connected to a lithium pack and a Honda (Civic?) on their website - - Bogart Engineering

[Futrmbl]

Hello everyone again, back in the building processing stage.
Van comes homes this week, replaced all body mounts and rust is now gone from body and frame. There was no way to see really how bad it was until we cut the old mounts out.
Let's just say 46" inches of 1/4" thick 3" wide by long steel cut into about 6"-8" pieces to repair the frame and now it is like new again.

First off, I have been going through and through the electrical section and you guy's are awesome sharing your knowledge and experience.
I build custom homes, but have a really very small clue about electrical in RV's I am a audio visual learner. I did run all the electronics in a off shore charter fishing boat, fish finders, radios, radar, a bit on my back ground.

Is there a up to date solution that is simple yet very efficient and a plan diagram? I am having some trouble visualizing all the components?
I will be running solar. Looking at Renology 200 watt?
I have added a additional under frame battery box, factory one still hooked to the alternator, for house.
Need shore power?
Need charge controller?
Need battery monitor?
Need separator switch
Inverter?
Powering a Dometic, 65 portable refer.
Led lights.
USB charger.
Ham radio.
Want to run a Bullit mini Juicer maybe a very small micro.
Added 7.9 gallon propane tank.
Maybe HS, 2000 heater propane?
Maybe a propane water heater heater unit combo?
Water pump for sink?
!2 volt fan.

I have spent the past 8 weeks nightly reading through the electrical section and have so many notes, many options, a bit confusing.
I will very much appreciate all your help and suggestions.

My end goal is to spend as much or as little on this build to have a great unit and if I were to ever sell the new owner would not have to worry about aging old not up to date items.

Thank you all very much for your help the past few months.
I am so grateful for this forum and all sharing.

I sold my private charter boat last year after 16 years thinking I was letting go of a giant hole in the water you through money into continuously. Definition of a boat, Bust Out Another Thousand.

Sportsmobile, keep your wallet open better things always coming.

Joe Anderton
Futrmobl

PS. I would be happy to pay for your time and information.