generators

KFT · Guru

RE: generators

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

Thanks Frank I will certainly look at that as an option.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Our genies are built in being a motorhome .. Another option is to fit an extra 100+ amp or so alternator on tug motor with batteries etc off that ?

Jaahn · Guru

greyhoundtom wrote:
While the discussion is about generators, is there such a thing as a dedicated 12 volt petrol powered battery charger?

Hi Tom,

There is an Aussie built 12volt charger driven by a small Honda with a 55Amp alternator. Comes in several models and 24 volt too. Christie Engineering makes them and they are good quality. I have one myself.About 12.5 Kg. Better than the ones I had built in the past and lighter and smaller. Not as quiet as some gennys but charges quickly at that current.

http://www.christieengineering.com.au/products.html

They are sold through regular sellers too as well as direct.

https://www.macfarlanegenerators.com.au/image/334/Battery-Charger-12V-55A_334

Cheers jaahn

-- Edited by Jaahn on Monday 4th of January 2016 11:28:59 PM

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

Thanks Jaahn that sounds like just the item that i have been looking for.

PeterInSa · Guru

Tom,
Some years ago, I saw a very small generator from memory a 360watt, that was used as a Battery charger and other low wattage uses, cannot recall the brand but from memory, the size about 150% of a 240vac 2 slice Toaster.

Jaahn · Guru

PeterInSa wrote:
Tom,
Some years ago, I saw a very small generator from memory a 360watt, that was used as a Battery charger and other low wattage uses, cannot recall the brand but from memory, the size about 150% of a 240vac 2 slice Toaster.

Hi Perter,

Yes Honda did make a small 2stroke powered 12 Volt only generator as well as a 240VAC similar model. However they discontinued them when they went to the new current models. Very light and compact models but modest power. There would be some floating around still and they might be ideal for emergency use if you find one !

Jaahn

jose · Member

check out masters i have their 909 2200w inverter cost me $500 and the 909 means days of warranty and its electric start the only problem i have had as been the spark plugs fouling up when i run it with out a load eg starting it up monthly to keep it charged so now i plug something to it and no more fouling up

DeBe · Guru

There was a Honda DC 12V generator back in 1982 mod ED300, it was a small 4 stroke genny. I bought the EM500 which was 240V AC 300W continuous. It is still used by me. HONDA EX & EM GENERATORS specs.jpg

-- Edited by DeBe on Tuesday 5th of January 2016 09:06:05 PM

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

Thanks for all the replies.

My biggest problem is my inability to lift anything over about 10 or 12 kg. When I do I'm in real trouble for a week or more where walking becomes a bit of a chore. End result of damage done many years ago, and these things do come back and bite you on the tail end when you get a bit of age on you.

So the whole idea was to mount something very light permanently on the drawbar, and it needs to be light as I'm struggling with ball weight as it is.

The thought there being that a small 12 volt petrol operated battery charger would be lighter than a 240 volt generator, and would be quicker to charge the batteries than going the 240 volt generator way with another charger plugged into that.

-- Edited by greyhoundtom on Wednesday 6th of January 2016 06:53:29 AM

oldtrack123 · Guru

HI ]

I suggest that when looking at 12V GENERATORS, all should be aware that such may not be suitable for charging 12V batteries

[insufficient voltage]

Then others may have a high enough voltage but output charging will not be regulated for the battery

Charging will require regular voltage checking to avoid either under or over charging

Best option is a small 240V generator PLUS a suitable charge rated to near the generator's max continuous output

PeterQ

-- Edited by oldtrack123 on Wednesday 6th of January 2016 02:39:34 PM

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

Thank you for that insight, I had not considered that a 12 volt generator may not have been suitable for the deep cycle batteries in the van, and considering that issue, could possibly damage them.

Back to the drawing board. Lol

KFT · Guru

G'day Tom,

If all you wish to do with a genny is to charge your batteries then something along the lines of a Yamaha EF 1000Is may suit you. Use the 230v charger you already have in the rig. The EF 1000 Is weighs around 12.7 kg which is a tad more than 10 litres of water.

Frank

Which was why I suggested this approach Tom

If your rig already has a 230v charger for your batteries then this is your best solution IMHO.

Frank

Hylife · Guru

"oldtrack123" is correct. Many gennies with a 12V output are not suitable for charging batteries often being designed to power a 12V appliance.

Depending on battery type, design and construction, battery charging may require up to 15V DC.

Highly recommend a DC to DC charger be fitted to every caravan as close as possible to the batteries.
A DC to DC charger will take an 'under-voltage' supply such as from a genny or long-run wire from the tug and bump it up to the required voltage.

Makes for a highly efficient method of using your tug to charge your house batteries via a battery isolator. Even if the wire run is long the batteries will charge up very quickly as your tug alternator can chuck out 80amps or more, some up to 150amps.

greyhoundtom · Senior Member

Thanks everyone, I certainly have some good options to consider, and more importantly now know what not to do. Lol

RUSSELL-5458 · Veteran Member

What sort of time can you have the electric blankets on for?

Russell-5458

RUSSELL-5458 · Veteran Member

What sort of time can you have the electric blankets on for?

Russell-5458

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

Due to not being able to move geni ? Is it possible or have you thought of mounting it semi permanently in van ? Through floor ? With cover dependoling on clearance ? All maintenance . Oil changes etc can be done under van ?

Jaahn · Guru

RUSSELL-5458 wrote:
What sort of time can you have the electric blankets on for?
Russell-5458

Hi Rusell, smile

You have gone to an old thread that is about about something else. People may not read or understand what you want. I think the only answer has missed your new question.

I suggest that you start a new thread and ask what you want. Be a bit more wordy also and use some more writing so people know what you are asking. It is a topic that a lot may be interested in due to the current cold wet spell. furious

Cheers Jaahn