Recharging from the engine (1 Viewer)

[Vanman]

I remember reading in a thread here that running the engine for prolonged times without moving can damage the engine/Cat? Is that true? If so how long would be 'OK' to run the engine (to put some charge back in the batteries) per day when off EHU?

Thanks

 

[jezport]

Leaving the engine idling for extended periods damages the cylinder bores bu causing them to glaze.

 

[dartslf2000]

If in sunnier climes then if your solar not linked to your vehicle battery (mine isn't, our schaudt is a bit too old/basic) then get yourself a standalone solar panel, even if you just use crocodile clips onto your vehicle battery it'll do the job.

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[dartslf2000]

I also fitted a simple battery isolator for when we're parked up for more than a couple of days with no hook up and the solar not an option, just unscrew the plastic knob and vehicle battery totally isolated from any drain without having to get your hands dirty taking battery terminals off

 

[pappajohn]

It could take hours depending how low the hab battery was.
The relatively thin spit charge wires and long runs can't take a high current, which you won't get anyway as the engine battery will be fully charged cutting down the charge rate.

 

[EyUp]

Leaving the engine idling for extended periods damages the cylinder bores bu causing them to glaze.

I didnt know that. How long is an extended period ?

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[hilldweller]

If in sunnier climes then if your solar not linked to your vehicle battery (mine isn't, our schaudt is a bit too old/basic)

Then invest about £30 on a CBE unit, it's dead easy to fit on the back of the Electrobloc as both battery feeds are right there.

http://leisurelines.net/battery-charge-manager-leisure--main-battery-3334-p.asp

 

[bigalw35]

I've used one of these in all my vehicles for years, works well,

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/solar-powered-12v-15w-battery-auto-trickle-charger-l58bf

 

[dartslf2000]

I've used one of these in all my vehicles for years, works well,

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/solar-powered-12v-15w-battery-auto-trickle-charger-l58bf

Yeah same principle, I'd got a 30w solar panel and charge controller from a previous camper so used that as i had it lying around. only 30 odd quid off ebay for a decent sized panel and controller

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[sdc77]

Sounds like you need a battery to battery charger?