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Topic: Faster charging while driving (Read 5 times) previous topic - next topic
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Faster charging while driving
Yahoo Message Number: 129433
Frequently, we spend a few days in an area without plugging into AC power. Since we drive around a moderate amount, that tends to keep the battery up, but the charging is pretty slow compared to the 50 amp charger in the Xantrex inverter. I haven't been able to locate a dual battery charge regulator for the V10, though I found a couple expensive or awkward/complex devices. Is there a way make the engine charge the coach battery more effectively?

Eric Greenwell
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Faster charging while driving
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129439
Thanks for the links. Amplepower had the kind of voltage regulator I thought would be ideal for my application, and Sterling Power had a solution that would be just as good and easier to install; unfortunately, both items where ~$500, at least $300 above my interest point. Apparently, it's a more difficult problem than I thought it would be. I'll stick with running the generator ocasionally, which will charge the house battery at 50 amps via the Xantrex inverter.

Eric
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Faster charging while driving
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129442
"Is there a way make the engine charge the coach battery more effectively?"

Eric
 The alternator is controlled by the engine's computer. If you unplug the alternator, so to run a "smart" regulator, it will show a CEL (check engine light)until the computer is back in control and the code has been cleared.
 Every "smart" regulator I have seen will have the same results. Normally, they are made for use in boats, which are not computer controlled, or are used on a second, non-computer controlled alternator.
V10 dual-alternator brackets are available in the aftermarket.
https://www.dcpowerinc.com/ford-2005-2010-3v-dual-alternator-brracket.html>
http://www.nationsautoelectric.com/fdk.html>

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Faster charging while driving
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129455
Ford's ECM (engine control module)isn't programed for charging deep-cycle batteries. It is programed to maintain, and not overcharge, the starting battery, which normally is  nearly or fully charged, most of the time.
A higher output alternator may give a few extra charging amps but still isn't 'smart'. It will not use the most efficient charging curve and will take much longer to fully charge the coach battery than the same alternator using a 3 or 4-stage regulator.

Information on the topic.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/WestAdvisorView?langId=-1&storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&page=Voltage-Regulators>
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/WestAdvisorView?langId=-1&storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&page=Battery-Charging>
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/WestAdvisorView?langId=-1&storeId=11151&catalogId=10001&page=Alternators>
 The ECM could probably be fooled with a simulator, allowing the use of an external smart regulator. Doing that will exposed the starting battery to higher voltages, for a longer period of time than it would normally would be, possibly leading to over-charging or boiling of the electrolyte.

Larry
2001 MB
* Not to be confused with Larry W (3000 of my posts are actually from expert Larry W due to Yahoo transition mis-step)
Re: Faster charging while driving
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 129457
A potential problem I came across is not all alternators are rated for continuous high power output, which you might need to charge a nearly discharged house battery. Don't know if the V10 alternator has that kind of limit.

Eric
2005 Jayco 24SS