Battery charging Forums

BarryandSue

Has anyone considered this:-

Rather than buy and run a generator, why not leave the engine ticking over for half an hour or so (when wild camping, of course!). Fuel used will be marginally more than a large generator, but you're saving on the initial cost of the genny.

Alternatively, add an extra fanbelt to a dedicated, high-output alternator to solely charge leisure batteries, or even drive a 240volt "generator" when on tick-over?

Any thoughts on this?

Barry

BillD

Hi Barry,
All the techniques you mentioned are used in the cruising sailing boat world, which is where I spent a lot of my life (before tugging and now having seen the light).
They are of course coupled with things like solar panels and small wind generators. One type which I don't think would go down well in the MH world is the towed propellor driven generator! (It's a bit like the old ships log).
I think is important to have a good sized leisure battery(s) capacity. Then if you move reasonably frequently (even if to return to the same spot) and have a good sized solar panel it is unlikely you will need any of the others.
See you soon,
BillD

DABurleigh

Barry,

The issue is really a balance between the time the engine is ticking over and the charge being put into your leisure batteries.

With a bog standard set up, I would be concerned that the amout of ticking over my diesel engine would be required to do to get a sufficient charge would not be good for the engine, as well as make anyone in earshot irate (I appreciate you indicated wildcamping). The received wisdom seems to be that prolonged tickover with no/minimal load is not good for diesel vehicles.

However, with suitable steps being taken over battery management, invariable entailing getting direct access to the alternator, yes, what you propose, in combination with a moderately cheap and small inverter, would suit many MUCH more than a dedicated genny.

See:

http://www.sterling-power.com/htm/ar12vd.htm
http://www.adverc.co.uk/technical/technical-boat.asp

And message numbers 49048, 49118, 49113, 49589 in the motorhome email list.

Dave

BarryandSue

Thanks for those replies, Bill and Dave. Very helpful and encouraging.

Barry

Anonymous

Well, over several years I've spent a fortune on a Honda generator, 40 amp switch-mode charger, 2 big leisure batteries and an 150 watt inverter. Overall I'd say the results are disppointing.

I'd say it's definately worthwhile having a seperate power source, but we wild camp throughout the ski season... However, if I was starting from scratch again, I probably wouldn't bother with the genny and spend 100 quid on a Stirling charge controller instead.

Chris

nukeadmin · Site Admin

has anyone used or knows anything about Victron intelligent charger/inverters ?

brenbo

Very interested to hear that Billd is an ex yachtie, I thought I was the only one who has finally swallowed the anchor.
I too was a sailor for many years, but decided to change to a MH, (Much to HWMBO's delight), mainly because I got fed up with strong winds/bad weather, and also the very expensive marina charges. At least you can use a MH in any weather!! You can also stay relatively clean and dry!!

Yorky

Hello B & S
If you are going to relie on the engine to give the charge then you need to fit a really high output alternator, a bit costly to start with but you would'nt have to drive far or run the engine long to achieve the objective.
Regards. Eddie

Anonymous

Batteries and battery charging can be a bit of a minefield, but I'll do my best to keep things simple here. This is a very good, but somewhat lengthy, guide...