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Date:         Mon, 23 Jun 2003 17:00:07 -0400
Reply-To:     Robert Prouse <rob@PROUSE.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Prouse <rob@PROUSE.ORG>
Subject:      Is a Battery Charger to run 12V systems from 120V OK?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

In my last van, I took an automatic 50/10/2 amp battery charger and wired it into my electric system so that when I was on 120v, I could plug it in and it could run the 12v system like the interior lights and stereo without running down the battery. The charger had aligator connectors which I cut off to wire it into the system. When I was using the stereo, I would switch it to 10amp and it would keep me charged. The 50amp setting was good for a boost when the battery was low and the trickle charge helped to top me up when I needed it. It seemed to work fine and I have been thinking of doing it again, but I want to know if it will do any damage to the battery or the electrical system wired in like this.

In my current van, I have 2 batteries and an isolator. The stereo (and maybe the fridge) are wired into the secondary optima deep cycle battery. If it is okay to do, info on how to properly wire it into this sort of system would also be appreciated.

If it is not okay, what have other people done to solve this? Do I need a Linear Converter/Charger like you find in RVs?

Thanks

Rob '89 Westy


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