znorm
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Post by znorm on Nov 2, 2013 20:50:21 GMT -8
What is recommended for charging a AGM gel battery from my 2006 Toyota Truck? I have it connected to a progressive dynamic converter when I use 110v. Can I connect the hot lead from my truck to the + and - negative? Does this need a special regulator in between the alternator and the battery? Do I have to run a separate ground from the alternator instead of using the ground at the plug? I have a 7 pin trailer plug with the middle pin being the hot charging lead.
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Nov 3, 2013 16:47:33 GMT -8
The best way that I know of (for a wet battery anyway, since that's what the alternator was built to charge) is with a battery isolator switch. This switches your alternator to charge the camper battery after the car battery is charged. They are sized to the amp rating of your alternator, and quite easy to install (got mine from NAPA, 'bout $36 for a 95-amp model IIRC).
And you need a good-sized cable to get all those amps all the way back to the camper. 12-gauge ain't gonna cut it. 10's probably too small, too.
However, AGM batteries need to be charged at a lower voltage than wet-cell batteries. That's how they avoid gassing and water loss, but it means that the same size AGM holds less power and takes longer to charge (If you charged regular wet batteries at AGM or gel charging rates, they'd be "maintenance-free" too, and take a lot longer to charge as well).
What you need to know in order to not kill your AGM from overcharging is what its manufacturer specifies for the charging voltage. Not the store you bought it from, not an RV dealer or repair shop, but only the battery manufacturer. And compare it to the voltage your alternator puts out when your car battery is low.
Someone with more knowledge than I could probably tell you how to set up a resistor or something to lower the voltage if need be...
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