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Post Info TOPIC: Charging Batteries
Jude N Garry


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Charging Batteries
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Is it safe to charge 2 extra dry cell batteries from car alternator. Just purchased a new Ford Ranger Wildtrak.

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Tony Bev


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If the dry cell batteries you are talking about are AGM or GEL, then in a normal situation, the answer is yes

But...

I will leave it to the experts to explain the isolators etc must be in place between the engine and dry cell batteries

Also some new vehicles have a so called smart alternator, which sometimes do not give enough current, to charge extra batteries if connected directly

Hope that this info is useful, and that the experts come along and put is all wise to everything



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T1 Terry


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Ummm.... dry cell batteries are like the round Everready type torch cells and are not designed to be recharged. I'm guessing Tony has picked up on what you really mean, lead acid batteries but not flooded cell type as in batteries you can't top up with distilled water. The Ford Ranger series can have the smart alternator feature turned off by the dealer so probably the first step, Aux batteries don't do well under the bonnet due to engine heat so mounted somewhere in the back would be the better location.
Now comes the long argued case regarding DC charging, is it needed? My opinion on this topic, yes you still need DC to DC charging if you want the batteries close to 100% full after a 4 to 5 hr drive, if 70% to 80% charged is all you need then just the boosted alternator voltage will be enough.

T1 Terry

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macka17


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I prefer the other way. Cost wise.and efficiency.

Solar panel\s on roof of car.\van
Charging topping up ALL the time sun there.

This way you get charged while driving. and while static.
Providing sun etc. AND Full charge.

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