Charging van batteries from 70 series LC

Submitted: Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 01:18

ThreadID: 128568 Views:2734 Replies:3 FollowUps:2

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braggy

Hi

I'm after some advice from any one with a 70 series LC as to how the LC goes at charging the van batteries,

Because of the low (13.9v max) output from the alternator, what have you done to get enough voltage at the van batteries.

I know there is a diode that goes in the sensor circuit that will increase voltage up by 0.5v, is anyone using this ? Even with this diode voltage drop is an issue.

So what cable have you used ?

Thanks any advice will be helpful
Cheers Ken

PS. I did pose this on another forum, but it was deleted when I questioned the answer that did not address the 13.9v starting voltage,

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Reply By: Deleted User - Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 01:57

Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 01:57

The best way to charge external batteries is with a DC-DC 3 stage charger.
Run +- 13sqmm cables from alternator(thru a 50a maxi fuse) to an anderson plug on tow bar.
Install charger close to van batteries supplied from +- cables from draw bar.
Search sidewinder.com.au for a 30a DC-DC charger. Redarc is another.
This setup is the only solution for reliable operation.
The charger 'boosts' the DC input to a voltage suitable for charging.
They operate the same as a 240v charger but with a DC input.

AnswerID: 585421

Follow Up By: braggy - Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 03:23

Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 03:23

Hi Ern

Thanks for the reply, your system is what I thought was going to be needed,
One more question to that, will the DC-DC charger allow power back to the cars aux battery when car turned off. and do you think the anderson plug on van to DC-DC charger should also be 6 B&S (13sqmm).

Thanks Ken

FollowupID: 854925

Reply By: Deleted User - Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 04:25

Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 04:25

You could use the same cable to back charge but you would need some heavy duty changeover switches at the van end to swap from such to blow so to speak.

I always carry a good quality portable 240v smart charger to cater for unforseen battery problems.

With all low voltage the heavier cable the better but 8sqmm cable in the van would be OK as it is a relatively short run but that means you would need to source two cable sizes.

AnswerID: 585422

Reply By: Turist - Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 22:15

Friday, Mar 01, 2013 at 22:15

I have been using this system for a few years now and batteries always charged.

Connect as follows

Vehicle battery----DC/DC charger----Aux Battery-----Anderson Plug----Van.

Keeps everything charged

Bob