Battery charge - Gen vs Alt

[ScottMcvea]

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?

 

[Miramar Owner]

I believe the alternator has higher output so should charger faster.

 

[Beau388]

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.

 

[MrPalazzo]

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.,,,,,

 

[ScottMcvea]

Thank you

Thanks one and all for your input.

I'm going to test batteries. They are probably original and in need of replacement.