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12-04-2020, 03:08 PM #11
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You have the setup that I'm thinking about. What else does your second alternator run? Is that why a DC-DC changer is necessary? If I put a second alternator in the truck, I was thinking I could connect it directly to the battery using heavy gauge wire without a DC-DC charger.
Bill & Marsha
2020 Reflection 320 MKS
2018 2500HD Silverado 4x4
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
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12-05-2020, 06:13 AM #12
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- Sep 2017
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- New Bern, NC
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The dual alternators are paralleled with no specific function. The DC-DC charger is necessary to limit the current and to get the voltage correct for charging. I have 200 Amp/hrs of Lithium batteries which would happily draw more current than the wires I ran (4 awg) could handle. The run is 40+ feet so a circuit length of ~90 feet. Voltage drop is 10% across that distance. The DC-DC charger takes in 52 amps at 13 volts and outputs 40 amps at 14.4 volts or so to the batteries. It also has smart charging profiles specific to the battery type. The line has a circuit breaker at 60 amps to protect it and has a relay to allow it to be switched on and off. The DC-DC chargers are inexpensive and designed to do what you want to do I believe. I used the Renogy 40 amp one. I wouldn’t think you need a second alternator for charging that you can get across cables that are a reasonable size. 4 awg is already a pair 3/8” in diameter cables before they are covered. There is a long discussion that I modeled my installation on in the other forum fyi.
2018 Reflection 303rls, MORryde IS
2017 Ford F-350 CC SB SRW 6.7L Diesel
Blue Ox Super Ride hitch
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12-05-2020, 06:24 AM #13
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- Jun 2020
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- South Carolina
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https://caravan.hemax.com/Reviews/33...gers_explained
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12-05-2020, 12:23 PM #14
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Great idea and information, guys, thanks. Now that I understand, I like the DC/DC charger. I've just ordered a meter with a current probe and a blue tooth link. I need to first dope out all of the wire connected to my battery/fuse bus, at least enough to draw a decent diagram. Then I really need to get a good understand of my power draw with various equipment and how we use things. I like taking baby steps and am working a 5 step plan. I'm now thinking DC/DC charger comes either before or after solar.
1. Two 6V batteries
2. Inverter
3. Portable Solar
4. More batteries
5. Roof Solar
I see it as a big win if I only have to drag the generator with me when I know I'm going to need AC.Bill & Marsha
2020 Reflection 320 MKS
2018 2500HD Silverado 4x4
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
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12-07-2020, 06:08 AM #15
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Cable run in the Truck
Bill & Marsha
2020 Reflection 320 MKS
2018 2500HD Silverado 4x4
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
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12-07-2020, 10:07 AM #16
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- Sep 2017
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It does take some work but definitely doable. I haven’t written up how I did it yet as I haven’t used it on a trip. I believe you should be able to find lots of info on the subject if you search for the string: "Tapping 12V from the truck to charge Battle Borns" Include the quotes.
2018 Reflection 303rls, MORryde IS
2017 Ford F-350 CC SB SRW 6.7L Diesel
Blue Ox Super Ride hitch
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12-09-2020, 07:51 AM #17
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- Aug 2019
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I'm in the process of doing this exact mod now. I will do a complete write up along with parts and pictures when I'm done. Right now life is getting in the way of me completing this task.
2024 Ford F350 CCSB Lariat 7.3 4.30
Sold- 2022 F150 Lariat 4x4
Sold - 2020 Ford F350 Tremor 7.3 4.30
Sold - 2020 GD Reflection 303RLS, 2019 GD Imagine 2250 RK
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12-09-2020, 03:03 PM #18
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12-09-2020, 03:06 PM #19
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- Feb 2020
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I installed the 40A DC-DC charge controller from Redarc. It has separate input for solar panels, which I use with 2 portable 160W Renogy panels. The cable run in the truck, and from kingpin to charge controller was the most difficult part of the project.
Use high quality connectors! If you go with an Anderson style connector, pay the small difference in price for Anderson brand!
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12-09-2020, 03:22 PM #20
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The 5th wheel side looks doable. I wouldn't follow the existing OEM route. The Truck side scares me the most. I want a clean installation and the cable routing isn't jumping out at me. Haven't found any examples on u-tube and besides, some of those folks worry me. I was able to plug the inverter into the coach to get some benchmark measurements. I've got a ground fault in may Harbor Freight $2.00 tester that I need to chase down. Everything worked as expected but the Electric on the Refrigerator. It would not switch out of propane mode. Maybe I can post some consumption number tomorrow.
Bill & Marsha
2020 Reflection 320 MKS
2018 2500HD Silverado 4x4
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
Check those tires!
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