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04-28-2019, 11:25 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 86
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Best way to charge trailer batteries from tow rig
My tow rig has at least 135amp alternator but from my research it looks like the 7 prong trailer wiring is only good for about 5 amps. What's a faster way to charge the batteries?
I've seen where people run 1/0 awg wire from their truck batteries all the way back to the trailer batteries and A Anderson power pole connection.
I've also seen people use 40amp 12vdc to 12vdc chargers($500). Does the charger mount under the hood or by the trailer batteries? What size cables would I use?
My travel trailer has two lead acid golf cart batteries for a combined 215 amp hours. How fast could I reasonably be able to charge them? What If I added two more batteries?
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2011 Chevy 2500HD Z71 6.0 gas/ 2004 28' pilgrim travel trailer 9880 GVWR(I never heard of them either)
Yes it's a slow setup
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04-28-2019, 12:28 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 31,311
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I'd have to question your " 5 amp " charge rate as most truck charge systems have a 20 amp fuse for protection.
Actual charge time for the RV batteries will vary , according to the state of charge when you start towing .
More info at this site.
The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1)
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99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
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04-28-2019, 12:37 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Powell River, B.C.
Posts: 31,311
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fritz.
My travel trailer has two lead acid golf cart batteries for a combined 215 amp hours. How fast could I reasonably be able to charge them? What If I added two more batteries?
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Read the charging info at the site in my first post , for your current battery set up , I'm thinking anything over 25 amp charge rate would be hard on your current battery set up.
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99DSDP 3884, Freightliner, XC, CAT 3126B, 300 HP /ALLISON 3060
2000 Caravan toad, Remco & Blue Ox.
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04-28-2019, 02:04 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Vista, Ca
Posts: 497
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The faster you charge a battery the less cycles you will get out of it before it quits for good.
Why are your trailers batteries discharged and why the hurry to charge them?
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1992 Dodge D250, 18cm housing, getrag 5sp, 4" straight pipe
2015 Pacific Coachworks Sand sport 18SLE
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04-28-2019, 02:41 PM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 86
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I know it's a 20 amp circuit on my truck but I've been reading anecdotal reports that people aren't getting that to the trailer.
If I run the furnace all night(or maybe two nights) along with lights and maybe a small inverter to charge the laptop I'd like to recharge my batts without driving all day the next day.
__________________
2011 Chevy 2500HD Z71 6.0 gas/ 2004 28' pilgrim travel trailer 9880 GVWR(I never heard of them either)
Yes it's a slow setup
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04-28-2019, 03:24 PM
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#6
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 32
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I researched the DC to DC chargers a bit and sounded interesting. The way I understand some some alternators drop off charging rate after the vehicle battery is charged and just maintain the trailer battery afterwards. Here is a link to an install on a fifth wheel.
https://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-...bcdc1225d.aspx
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2020 KZ Sportsmen 251RL
2016 F250 CCSB 6.7 Powerstroke
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04-28-2019, 07:14 PM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 86
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Thanks, looks like they’re using 6 awg for the 25 amp unit and mounting the charger on the trailer.
__________________
2011 Chevy 2500HD Z71 6.0 gas/ 2004 28' pilgrim travel trailer 9880 GVWR(I never heard of them either)
Yes it's a slow setup
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04-28-2019, 08:32 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Swoope, VA
Posts: 362
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The fastest charge you would want to put on most flooded batteries is about a C/5 which is battery capacity divided by 5. For your 215Ah set up that would be about 43 amps. However, your batteries will be "happier" with a C/10 charge rate, so about 22 amps just as Skip426 said.
If you run larger wire on your TV and your trailer; something like #8. You could probably get nearly 20 amps thru the 7 pin. Otherwise, run big wire and use the Anderson power poles.
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2022 Jayco Eagle 284BHOK, 2022 GMC CC Dually D/A, 2009 2500 Suburban, 2004 Rinker Captiva 232 boat
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