Panhandler
Senior Member
All,
I'd like to be able to charge, or at least maintain, our house banks while running from the engine alternator. We have 12 6v Trojans split into two 12v banks, although I'm about to replace them and may do so with 8 batteries total. Twelve is a lot.... The two house banks can be combined with a 1/2/all/off switch.
The house banks are not linked in any way to the two engine start batteries, which themselves are separated by a 1/2/all/off switch. The engine alternator only feeds the engine start battery switch. I would like to be able to charge the house bank from the engine alternator so we can minimize generator run time while cruising at night (solar charges the house bank during the day).
What are my options for charging the house banks from the engine alternator power?
Do I need to worry about overloading the alternator? How do I avoid it?
Yes, I realize we should be able to last the night on the house bank as it is, but the auto-pilot pump, radar, inverter, microwave, refrigeration, and other loads draw the house bank down while cruising at night. I'll also be using the boat to tow a sonar this summer - another nighttime load. So, rather than worrying about minimizing loads, I'd prefer to charge the house bank while running without firing up the generator.
Thanks for the help!
I'd like to be able to charge, or at least maintain, our house banks while running from the engine alternator. We have 12 6v Trojans split into two 12v banks, although I'm about to replace them and may do so with 8 batteries total. Twelve is a lot.... The two house banks can be combined with a 1/2/all/off switch.
The house banks are not linked in any way to the two engine start batteries, which themselves are separated by a 1/2/all/off switch. The engine alternator only feeds the engine start battery switch. I would like to be able to charge the house bank from the engine alternator so we can minimize generator run time while cruising at night (solar charges the house bank during the day).
What are my options for charging the house banks from the engine alternator power?
Do I need to worry about overloading the alternator? How do I avoid it?
Yes, I realize we should be able to last the night on the house bank as it is, but the auto-pilot pump, radar, inverter, microwave, refrigeration, and other loads draw the house bank down while cruising at night. I'll also be using the boat to tow a sonar this summer - another nighttime load. So, rather than worrying about minimizing loads, I'd prefer to charge the house bank while running without firing up the generator.
Thanks for the help!