Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Thor Forums > Thor Tech Forums > Maintenance and Repair
Click Here to Login
Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 06-14-2019, 10:49 PM   #1
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: California
Posts: 3
THOR #14705
Battery charge - Gen vs Alt

I have four six-volt batteries in my 2017 Thor Outlaw 37RB.

It seems the batteries take a better charge and last longer when charged with alternator vs generator.

Am I crazy?

__________________
ScottMcvea is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-14-2019, 11:05 PM   #2
Senior Member
 
Miramar Owner's Avatar
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Miramar 34.4
State: Iowa
Posts: 796
THOR #4488
I believe the alternator has higher output so should charger faster.
__________________
Miramar Owner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2019, 12:13 AM   #3
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 31S
State: Texas
Posts: 4,472
THOR #6411
Your converter is probably a three stage one. So, the first 80% is bulk charge using the full 55 amps. When at 80% of the charge it switches to an absorption mode which takes 3 to four hours to charge the batteries fully. This is necessary for deep cycle batteries as it extends battery life. Your alternator is rated at 175 amps (Ford engine) but probably only puts out 150 amps. While it does fast charge the house batteries, it does shorten their life. Deep cycle batteries should be charged at a max of 10 to 13% of the amp-hour rating. More current lessens battery life.
__________________
Jim & Roy Davis
2016 Hurricane 31S
1961 Rampside in tow
Beau388 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-15-2019, 02:05 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Georgia
Posts: 2,585
THOR #4735
I think you need to tell us 'how' you are arriving at your hypothesis...as neither should be relatively different than the other, given the same charge rate for the same amount of time... are you comparing traveling all day with the Alternator charging the house batteries, versus running your generator for only an hour to charge them? etc.,,,,,
__________________
the Turners...
two Campers, two Electric cars
former diesel pusher traveler
TurnerFam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-16-2019, 03:21 AM   #5
Junior Member
 
Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: California
Posts: 3
THOR #14705
Thank you

Thanks one and all for your input.

I'm going to test batteries. They are probably original and in need of replacement.
__________________
ScottMcvea is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
battery charging

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Thor Industries or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.




All times are GMT. The time now is 04:46 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2