2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Charging system

[kcook]

I would like to add some three stage charging capability to my alternator, is there a way to by-pass the pcm and install one of the after market smart regulators?



How does our stock trucks with the tow packages handle battery charging in the trailers, and fifth wheels? Maybe the system as equipt will work?



Need some feedback from some of the experts, I like to dry camp and would like to know the truck has as good a charging system as the 5ver does now.

 

[Berrigan]

The battery charge terminal on my factory tow setup was always hot. So I put a relay in there (18 bucks at camping world) and wired it so the relay pulls in from a cab mounted switch. I also put an Isspro 150 amp ampmeter in the cab. When the 2 115 amp hour batteries in the trailer are partialy discharged ( say one night dry camping with light electrical use) the factory set up will send 20 amps back to the trailer for about 10 minutes then start tapering back. The factory setup works ok, but to totally bring the trailer batts up to 100% you need to drive a long way. Really this is good cause you dont want to hit the deep cycles with anymore than 20 amps or so to prolong there life. Anyway im happy with the factory charge rate. Bill

 

[kcook]

My only problem is that I have (6) T-125's and that's 705 AH's of batteries so my charge rate can be much higher safely, and if it's done with three stage set up it will be safe anyway because the voltage will be controlled all the time, of course the batteries will only take amperage wise what the batteries take.

 

[kcook]

Note: 20 Amps is about C/10 for you, and that is as you said safe, but also not C/10 for my set up is 70 amps. I am really interested in changing the regulation of our alternators, since they are very capable charging systems if you can keep them on long enough for a deep cycle system to charge adequately.

 

[Berrigan]

Ya if you have that much battery capacity you could sure charge them at a higher rate. The thing is the regulator is looking at average voltage between al batteries on the system. In your case thats 8 batteries.



When your deep cycles hit the Dodge system the factory batteries will drop volts, the reg will see it and start pushing higher amps.



Id be hesitant to push higher rates though because the truck batts will get it too.



I have a solar panel on my rv and let it do the final full charge on my deep cycles.

 

[RAPID RICK]

I by passed the factory trailer charge wire with #10 wire & added a battery isolater & after 2 nites of dry camping I can re-charge the 2 group 27 deep cycles with the alt. in about an hour & 1/2.

The isolater makes it into 2 seperate charging systems & works

waaaayyyy better than the factory system. Hope this helps.



Rick