So I plan on dwelling and working. Hopefully not to long. Work part that is. Any way my job will let me charge up in the back. I want to know a couple of things. <div>1. How long does it usually take to charge(topping off)?</div><div>2.Do I need to do it everyday?</div><div>3. Will it cost my job an arm and leg? LOL</div><div>I plan on getting 2 agm batteries,which will be connected to my alternator. Not sure what size yet but be happy to jump in an suggest!!! <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"></div><div>I'm not using a lot as I have small batteries that will be charged solar power for ...led puck lights,cell and because I drive for a living I will also charge my laptop battery that way(I have 2 batteries for my laptop). yes in the summer I will be using a small dehumidifier. </div>
Batteries again
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<P>1. it can take all day if they're down low. Especially if you don't havee a 3 stage charger that will take them from 50% up to 85% with a large amperage. <BR>2. Depends on the battery bank size and how much you use daily. It's a good idea to keep your batteries topped off as much as possible. So yes do it evereyday.<BR>3. No you're charging 12v batteries from 120v so if you have to replace 100 amps it will only be using 10 amps AC (120 divided by 12 equals 10 so you also divide amps by the same factor). 10 amps at 120v = 1,200 watts. Or 1.2 Kwh. 1 Kwh is generally $.10 to $.15 from the power company. <BR></P><br>I cannot recommend AGM's for you especially the way you plan to charge them. First, they're really expensive. Second, one of the main benefits about using them is they can be recharged extremely fast. If you're only going to be using your alternator that will not hardly put any charge to them. Maybe 2-6 amps an hour or something. In fact I don't think you should just use your alternator by itself at all. Plug an inverter into a cig port and plug a common garage charger into the inverter for charging. Your batteries will be better off in the long run that way and will likely charge faster and better. Plus that is what you can use when you have an AC outlet available.<br><br>For size I would want at least 200AH. Specifically 2 6v flooded golf carts. You can get some that size at walmart for about $90 a piece. They have much larger cells internally and that is what equals lifespan. Essentially that is the difference between deep cycle and cranking batteries. Cranking needs surface area for the cells so they have a large number of thin cells. Deep cycles need life span so they have a smaller number of thicker cells. Cells breakdown and fall to the bottom every time you deplete and recharge....hence the thicker the better for low current, high use deep discharging like coach batteries. 6v batteries have the biggest cells of the two generally. <br><br>The bigger the bank that faster you can safely recharge them and the longer they will last. With 200AH's you can bulk charge up to 33 amps. With 200AH's of AGM you can charge as high as 100 amps. <br>
Ok so a 3 way charger in my plans. Thanks . how long does it take if they are low with the charger? I am doing this after work so I really dont want to hang around to long. I could probably have dinner there if it does, kill 2 things with one stone? Or is that a bird? 10 to 15 cents? And I was worried. Thanks again...this will work ,so happy about that.
If you have say a 45 amp 3-stage it will put 45 amps into them every hour until they're up to about 85%. The second stage will kick in with a tapper charge until about 98%. Then the 3rd stage will be a maint. charge. So you will not see the the fast bulk stage if you're not depleting them down that far everyday. A smaller bank will get into the bulk stage easier but will need a slower overall charge. Or a large battery bank will allow you to go multiple days before getting into the bulk charge range and will allow for much a faster charge. <BR><BR>BUT. You really need to top them off at least once or twice a week. That means taking 10 or so hours and getting them to 100% instead of just staying in the bulk range all the time.<BR><BR>This is where some modest solar can really help you. Bulk charge on shore power and let the panels take you up the rest of the way.<BR>
I cant believe I didn't read the whole thing you wrote. Went by the last 2 paragraphs. I like the idea of saving money anyways so I will go with the batteries your suggesting. Im still a little confused with this battery thing but I think when i get the van and start do battery work on it it will be come clearer. Thanks again. <img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif">
<div><br></div><div>I had to read this 3 times but I actually understand what your saying.<img border="0" align="absmiddle" src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif"> That means only one thing. I'm FINALLY getting it. Cool. Thanks.</div>ped said:
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One thing to be aware of is that the Trojan battery company recomends that you only charge their batteries at a rate of 10% of the banks amp hours. So if you have two golf carts with 230 amp hours, you should charge them at no more than 23 amps. So make sure your smart battery charger lets you select the starting amp hour rate. This is the battery charger I have been using for many years and I highly recommend:<br>http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EJQJ1G...p;creative=395093&creativeASIN=B000EJQJ1G<br><br>If the link doesn't work <font size="7"></font>it is a <span id="btAsinTitle">Black & Decker VEC1093DBD Smart Battery 40/20/10/4 Amp Battery Charger. Bob</span><br><br>
