Charging batteries

[Trailer Trash 2]

OK here is the question, I know the Monty has a charging system in the power supply for the batteries, ( Trickel type, low output ) and if I hook up the trailer plug to the truck while running and want to charge the batteries that way it is much quicker, right?
So has anybody used there Honda 2000 gen set with the adapter pigtail to charge the batteries, and is it quicker than the trailer charging system?

Your help in this matter will be appreaceated.

TT2

[Ishler]

TT2 It depends. Some units are trickle charge others like the IOTA use any excess DC to charge the battery and then revert to trickle. If you add the IQ4 to the IOTA it will charge faster and do a better job of maintaining the charge without boiling off the water. Usually the manual for the converter/charger will explain how it maintains the battery. - Mike

[Cat320]

quote:Originally posted by Ishler

TT2 It depends. Some units are trickle charge others like the IOTA use any excess DC to charge the battery and then revert to trickle. If you add the IQ4 to the IOTA it will charge faster and do a better job of maintaining the charge without boiling off the water. Usually the manual for the converter/charger will explain how it maintains the battery. - Mike

Agree, get an IQ4, about $25.

Don't know about Ford, but with the Chevy, if you select the Tow/Haul mode it increases the charge rate to the TV battery. If not using the T/H, turn on the lights to do the same thing.

[Trailer Trash 2]

OK sounds good but not tring to look toooo dumb what is "If you add the IQ4 to the IOTA it will charge faster" .

Thanks for the help also.

[Montana Sky]

Don,
Don't worry I was wondering the same thing. What is "If you add the IQ4 to the IOTA it will charge faster"?

[firetrucker]

Don,three different modes: bulk charge at the full rated load of the battery, absorption charge that makes sure the battery is fully charged, and float charge that maintains the battery and prevents gassing.

I think that's the best way to go. If you use the Honda, I'd plug a regular battery charger into its 110V output and not use the dc charger output.

Bob

[Ishler]

As firetrucker said it has three charge modes. The bulk charge takes the full output of the converter (less what is being drawn to support the rig) and applies it to charging the battery. As the battery approaches full charge it switches to absorption charge to complete the charge then in enters float mode. Also once a week it pulses the battery to keep it at top charge and reduce calcification. Does a lot for the $25 or so it costs.

[OntMont]

If you read the fine print in the Iota owner's manual, you will see there is a reference to the IQ4 "Smart Charger". This is a plug-in add-on to the standard Iota charger that you can order. Do an internet search for Iota IQ4 and you should find some sources. It is a well worthwhile add-on if you have one of the units that came with an Iota Charger.

Getting back to your original question, my generator (not a Honda) has a 12v outlet that is just that, 12 volts. You need around 14 volts to charge a battery, therefore plugging a charger into the generator's 110 volt outlet is the best bet for me. If you are going to do that, get a good charger that can adapt to the battery's condition.

[Ishler]

Just to round out the discussion, check to see what the fuse is on the charging line from your truck. My last three were fused with a 30A fuse so that is the max rate you can charge from the truck. In theory, if you have the IOTA 55amp converter with the IQ4 and no 12 volt load beside the battery, the full output goes to charging the battery.

[Wrenchtraveller]

There is a thread about the IQ4 Smart Charger in the Additions Forum. It was on page 2 at the time I added this post.
I have a Kipor 2000 (Honda Clone) and it charges my two 12 volt batteries quicker since I added the IQ4.

[kmh3212]

The voltage drop from the the fuse compartment of the 12 guage wire from the charger to the camper battery is so much that you will get very little if any power to charge your battery running down the road. If you have 14.6 volts at the fuse box by the time you get through all that wire you may have 12 volts and few amps left to charge with if you are lucky. It takes over 13 volts to properly charge and top off lead acid batteries.