User Tag List

Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Results 1 to 5 of 5
  1. #1
    Setting Up Camp
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Posts
    22
    Mentioned
    0 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)

    Charging house batteries with a generator

    Hi all a question about charging my house batteries while dry camping. I have the two 12 volt deep cycles that came with my coach, I am trying to figure out how long it would take to get a full charge from my generator. I called Grand design and asked about the converter/charger, they said it was a 55amp converter. 337rls I didn't ask if this was a single stage or more. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you Mike
    2021 Reflection 337rls Ford f350 4x4 6.7 Powerstroke 6.75 ft bed Pullrite Superlite 20k

  2. #2
    Long Hauler bertschb's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2015
    Location
    Bend, OR and Palm Springs, CA
    Posts
    3,043
    Mentioned
    27 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    It depends on the output of the generator, how depleted your batteries are and whether or not you're drawing power from the batteries while charging. But, even if I had those three pieces of information I couldn't answer your question. Just letting you know there are several variables involved.
    Brian & Kellie
    2020 Solitude 310GK-R, FBP, 1,460w solar, 540ah BBGC3, MORryde IS w/disc brakes
    2020 F-350 Platinum SRW Powerstroke Tremor, 60g TF fuel tank, Hensley BD3-F air bag hitch

    Previous setups:
    2019 Solitude 373FB-R, 2019 F-350 Platinum DRW Powerstroke, Hensley BD5 air bag hitch
    2016 Reflection 318RST, 2016 GMC 3500 Denali SRW Duramax, Hensley BD3 air bag hitch

  3. #3
    Site Sponsor TerryH's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2020
    Location
    Springdale, Ar
    Posts
    632
    Mentioned
    13 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Agree on all points with @bertchb. This is likely the converter/charger that's in your unit if you would like to look into it further.

    https://www.amazon.com/WFCO-WF9855-W...71751692&psc=1
    2021 Momentum 31G
    2021 20' Haulmark Edge race trailer
    '17 Ram CCLB 3500 dually 6.7 turbo
    '96 Chevy C3500 CC dually 454
    2019 Honda Talon X
    1985 Honda FL350R Odyssey

  4. #4
    Site Sponsor
    Join Date
    Jul 2017
    Location
    SW Indiana
    Posts
    1,956
    Mentioned
    42 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    It even depends on the type and condition of your batteries, as a significant portion of charging current can be wasted as heat.

    The easiest way to determine charge state while charging is to monitor current. Generally when the battery is drawing an amp or less it is fully charged. Voltage based tests are not accurate when or after drawing power from or supplying power to the battery.
    John & Kathy
    2014 F250 Lariat FX4 6.2L SBCC
    2014 Reflection 303RLS
    SW Indiana

  5. #5
    Rolling Along RV Sailor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2020
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    562
    Mentioned
    5 Post(s)
    Tagged
    0 Thread(s)
    Remember there are three stages to charging. Bulk, absorption, float.
    Your bulk phase happens quickly but usually only gets the battery to 85% if you have normal lead acid. Even if you have a 100,000 volt charger, the battery limits it to 85% of its capacity. The absorption phase is much longer, hours longer, I am speaking in generalities. Float stage is just maintaining.
    Donna and Dave
    Annapolis, Maryland
    2021 Grand Design Imagine 2500RL / Dodge Ram Longhorn 2500 6.4 Hemi
    350 W Newapower Solar: 3000 Victron Inverter/ Charger: Firefly Oasis carbon foam AGM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  

DISCLAIMER:This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Grand Design RV, LLC or any of its affiliates. This is an independent site.