| Author | Message | ||
| john w. roan (Chessie4905)
Rating: |
FF and others have mentioned using a good three stage voltage regulator on the large oil cooled coach alternators to properly charge the house batts. going down the road.Who makes these that work well? Thanks. | ||
| Dan C
Rating: N/A |
Try Xantrex http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/107/p/1/pt/7/product.asp It is also available in 24 volt The user guide is at: http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/594/docserve.asp The data sheet is at: http://www.xantrex.com/web/id/60/docserve.asp Dan C | ||
| FAST FRED Rating: N/A |
Google "Ample Power" and "Balmar" , for other brands. For a bus , be sure the field current can be 8A and ESP if you have halogen headlamps , be sure to look for a nite running option , that reduces charge voltage. FAST FRED | ||
| David (Davidinwilmnc)
Rating: N/A |
The Xantrex regulators look nice. How would one use this to charge the house bank of batteries and the starting batteries? I know the two banks are of different capacity and type. Is there some way to automate charging the start batteries first then charge the house batteries? I suppose a relay could be installed with a manual switch to bridge the banks, but something automatic would be nice. David | ||
| Marc Bourget Rating: N/A |
True Deep Cycle batts, with their different construction and charge acceptance capacities benefit most from 3 stage charging. In fact, 3 stage is required to get best performance/economy from Deep cycles. Start batts aren't so critical | ||
| David (Davidinwilmnc)
Rating: N/A |
So all the batteries could be tied together? I assume this would slightly overcharge the starts, but I wouldn't think that would be as bad as not correctly charging the house set. | ||
| Marc Bourget Rating: N/A |
You'll use more water in the start batt(s) since they will be exposed to voltage levels above 13.8 (or so) longer than necessary as Deep Cycles take longer to "top off" and want to finish above 14VDC. | ||
| Brian Elfert
Rating: N/A |
Xantrex makes a device called a Pathmaker that automatically opens when no voltage is present. Basically, when no voltage is present from the alternator or other power source your house batteries will be disconnected. There is also an override to use the house batteries to help start the coach in an emergency. Brian Elfert | ||
| FAST FRED Rating: N/A |
"I know the two banks are of different capacity and type." TYPE? If the starts are flodded and the house is AGM or somthing else with different charge voltage requirements , you need the controller. If there all of the same TYPE construction a simple solenoid and one big bank while charging works fine. The Deep Cycles will take a bit longer at higher charge voltage , but its nothing the Starts weren't designed for. Worst case you add a bit of Extra water every month. Hydrocaps work great! if youre lazy abput watering. FAST FRED | ||
| David (Davidinwilmnc)
Rating: N/A |
FF, that sounds like what I wanted to hear. This should be an easy one, and simple is good. Thanks for the info guys. |
