Battery Charger

[geoffreyjohn]

Hi All, looking to install a portable battery back in the back area (connected via Anderson plugs) and looking for your collective advice on chargers. I like the Thumper battery Pack (http://www.thumper.com.au/ and it comes with a charger which can be connected to the starting battery. I am aware of the fact that the PS has a variable current (low voltage) alternator but there seems to be some debate about whether or not a smart charger is needed (as against a solenoid, cable, and diode) - see attached article: http://www.home12volt.com.au/uploads...e_charging.pdf and

http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/dual_bat.htm

So totally confused. I don't want to overload the alternator or the starter battery. Any advice appreciated.
Might also look at charging the battery in a camper trailer but wonder what the best way to do this would be.

[Jizza]

Hi All, looking to install a portable battery back in the back area (connected via Anderson plugs) and looking for your collective advice on chargers. I like the Thumper battery Pack (http://www.thumper.com.au/ and it comes with a charger which can be connected to the starting battery. I am aware of the fact that the PS has a variable current (low voltage) alternator but there seems to be some debate about whether or not a smart charger is needed (as against a solenoid, cable, and diode) - see attached article: http://www.home12volt.com.au/uploads...e_charging.pdf and

http://www.fridge-and-solar.net/dual_bat.htm

So totally confused. I don't want to overload the alternator or the starter battery. Any advice appreciated.
Might also look at charging the battery in a camper trailer but wonder what the best way to do this would be.

I was advised by many that you need either the Redarc unit of the Projecta IDC25, so I went the Projecta route.

Shop prices are up to $400, Ebay had a 10% off special and I grabbed one for $252 delivered. Have installed but not connected as yet.

Dont know if this helps at all

[Swoffa]

I'm very interested to hear what the knowledgeable people have to say about this...

I'm in the same predicament as you. I own a Thumper Elite 80AH (and can't rave about it enough) and I want to charge it via an Anderson connection in the cargo area but I've been told by an auto electrician that I need a DC/DC charger installed also.
If I was going to fork out for a DC/DC charger then I may as well just install a second battery under the hood instead, but I'd prefer to use the Thumper as it's portable and great for jump-starting big diesel engines (I bought it to start my previous Grand Cherokee each day that NRMA struggle to jump)

Hopefully it's as simple as connecting it straight to the battery, which is how I had it connected in my Jeep.

[green troll]

Before you do anything have you monitored your charging voltages. I see 14.2/3/4 so have no need for a DCDC.
For more info search on here for drivesafes posts. Very informative.

[KeithG]

Hi, I had the Home of 12 Volt at Mount Barker check out my Pajero Sport and they said I definitely needed a DC/DC charger. They installed a Projecta IDC25 in my caravan. I also had an Projecta 600 watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter and connection for portable solar panels (unregulated) installed.

[cookie monster]

I checked my alternator voltage and with no lights on it was up and down all over the place.
Turn your lights on and it's a steady 14.2ish (from memory). This is good enough for me to keep my 100 ah battery charged.
I just put the 240v charger on it when I get home and it doesn't take long to top the battery up to fully charged.

Cheers Cookie

[green troll]

Hi, I had the Home of 12 Volt at Mount Barker check out my Pajero Sport and they said I definitely needed a DC/DC charger. They installed a Projecta IDC25 in my caravan. I also had an Projecta 600 watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter and connection for portable solar panels (unregulated) installed.

Did you ask why you needed one???

[Poita]

Hi, I had the Home of 12 Volt at Mount Barker check out my Pajero Sport and they said I definitely needed a DC/DC charger. They installed a Projecta IDC25 in my caravan. I also had an Projecta 600 watt Pure Sine Wave Inverter and connection for portable solar panels (unregulated) installed.

Of course you would in your caravan for to potential voltage drop over that length of cable.
In your car is another matter as voltage drop is pretty much negligible.

[glycerin]

I have just used my C-TEK D250s DC-DC Charger and instead of connecting to the Alternator input, I connected the 12V feed to the "Solar Input" as this input is designed to handle variable voltage inputs. Charges 105AH battery perfectly.

[sandgroper 123]

I have just used my C-TEK D250s DC-DC Charger and instead of connecting to the Alternator input, I connected the 12V feed to the "Solar Input" as this input is designed to handle variable voltage inputs. Charges 105AH battery perfectly.

Another cheaper way is solar charging to a 100 amp/hr deep cycle , after a 7 week trip found out it will run our 40 ltr Engal on fridge 1 as long as there is a little sun indefinitely , on freeze 3 it needs full sun most of the day to take it through the night.
100 watt flexible panel 3m/m thick plus controller to 100 amp battery .

[sandgroper 123]

s

[sandgroper 123]

see edit https://www2.pajeroclub.com.au/forum...ighlight=solar

[OldPS]

My PS once the starter battery is charged ( usually within a few minutes ) the voltage to the battery drops below 12.7 V , if you turn on parkers ( or headlights) the voltage stays at 13.9V . If you need a DC/DC charger in the back or the car make sure its the LV ( low voltage ) ones . If you are going to charge a battery in a caravan etc thru an anderson plug and only want power to the anderson plug when engine running , the isolator must be able to handle the low voltage as well . Mine is the redarc one (installed before I knew about VOA 's ) so I drive with the parkers on when towing . cheers

[Ent]

I spoke to Thumper and as their system connects the batteries the alternator sees it as a single battery needing charge so they recommend try first without a DC/DC charger and retrofit if needed.

[greig]

Hi, I had the Home of 12 Volt at Mount Barker check out my Pajero Sport and they said I definitely needed a DC/DC charger.

Sad how some places that should know their stuff are really just salesmen !