Running down the road with generator running

[sgrol]

This thread refers to non factory installed generators. I would like to run down the road with my generator (in bed of truck) running to keep RV cool. My question is when generator is running it charges up the 5th wheel battery. When the RV is plugged in to truck the truck also charges the RV battery. Is there any danger or conflict here that I need to address? I could disconnect 12 volt leg on 7 pin connector from truck to RV if needed.

[Mr_Fixit]

Shouldn't be a problem. This would also be the case with factory installed gensets.

[easdsa]

Probably a good idea to ask the factory.

[Mr_Fixit]

Xantrex did an article for techs a couple of months ago covering charging when multiple sources are connected noting charging actually takes place from the source with the highest voltage, which is what you would expect. I think you will see higher voltage down the charge line than from the converter.

Motor homes operate under the same situation when owners drive with the genset on to power the air conditioners, though as the OP noted, it is really simple to just put a switch on the charge line at the J-box.

[sgrol]

Originally Posted by Mr_Fixit

Xantrex did an article for techs a couple of months ago covering charging when multiple sources are connected noting charging actually takes place from the source with the highest voltage, which is what you would expect. I think you will see higher voltage down the charge line than from the converter.

Motor homes operate under the same situation when owners drive with the genset on to power the air conditioners, though as the OP noted, it is really simple to just put a switch on the charge line at the J-box.

Searched for Xantrex but got no hits. Was the article on this forum?

[Mr_Fixit]

No, it came out from distributor (NTP/Stag Stagwire) they send out monthly short hard copy covering different topics to distributor's customers. I didn't try to find it on Xantrex site. Will take a look there.

Steve

[Mr_Fixit]

I tried to find it on the Xantrex site, but could not. I never save the stuff I referenced as the majority of it is simply advertising, but if there is a real concern in this case, I would simply call customer support for the converter manufacturer of the converter in my rig. My guess is they have never had the question before.

Steve

[sgrol]

I'll just make it simple and insert a disconnect on 12 v supply from truck. I won't be running both very often so it won't be a hassle to disconnect. I am more worried about jazzing my truck charging circuit. That could get expensive.

[Halwiseguy]

Would you use a battery charger without disconnecting the battery on your vehicle ? Nooooo!!!! Use one or the other but never both You may cause damage to trucks alternator - blowing diodes.

Halwiseguy 2011 3500 Ram 4x4 6.7 2006 Homeland Landmark

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by Halwiseguy

Would you use a battery charger without disconnecting the battery on your vehicle ? Nooooo!!!! Use one or the other but never both You may cause damage to trucks alternator - blowing diodes.

Halwiseguy 2011 3500 Ram 4x4 6.7 2006 Homeland Landmark

Would you use a jump start, after disconnecting the battery on your vehicle ? Nooooo!!!

Many vehicles use AC powered chargers, solar powered chargers and engine driven alternators, all at the same time and do no damage.

You will also find many portable battery chargers with a boost mode. That is designed to assist in starting a vehicle with a weak battery. Not going to work with the cables off.

[Mr_Fixit]

Originally Posted by Halwiseguy

Would you use a battery charger without disconnecting the battery on your vehicle ? Nooooo!!!! Use one or the other but never both You may cause damage to trucks alternator - blowing diodes.

Halwiseguy 2011 3500 Ram 4x4 6.7 2006 Homeland Landmark

Have you actually seen an alternator damaged in this way? Batteries are jumped and chargers are connected routinely without damage to alternators. Motor homes drive down the road all the time with their generators powering their power converter while batteries are also fed by the alternator. That is how those things are wired.

Steve

[kyfarmboy]

It will be ok

[Mr_Fixit]

So far no one who says it can't be done is offering any explanation as to why they think it is not okay.

[sgrol]

Originally Posted by Mr_Fixit

So far no one who says it can't be done is offering any explanation as to why they think it is not okay.

That's true. After reading the posts, it makes sense that it would be fine.