Do I need a BCDC charger?

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Originally Posted by ozscott

Dricesafe I did see that some info sheets were showing a higher charge rate. On their reasoning though an alternator still has way to much charging potential. Cheers

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Yet they say in their next sentence that an alternator isn't a battery charger. They contradict themselves on more than one occasion.

Anyway, a battery only draws as much current as it needs - the voltage of an alternator (unless it's stuffed) won't hurt a battery so can't overcharge it. Think about it for a minute - how long would the cranking battery in your car last if 1 - the alternator wasn't a battery charger or 2 - they overcharged you battery.

It makes no sense...

Oh, and AGM batteries are lead acid batteries, just using a different construction method so they operate chemically the same as your cranking battery - no current limiting required...

From a large manufacturer of AGM Batteries I inquired with 2 days ago...it supports the view that alternator charging is fine provided you also hit them with a proper battery charger from time to time and ultimately AGM battery life is best with a DC2DC...

Hello...

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Thank you for contacting us at Fullriver Battery USA!

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Alternator power is sufficient if the batteries are being charged by an off-board charger also from time to time. A DC-DC charger is best for the lifespan of the battery.

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Matthew Karlovic

Support Specialist

Fullriver Battery USA

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Direct:**(407) 967-5662

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From:*info@fullriverbattery.com[mailto:info@fullriverbattery.com]*
Sent:*Sunday, January 7, 2018 7:10 PM
To:*info@fullriverbattery.com
Subject:*Contact Us Form Response

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Below is the result of your feedback form. It was submitted on January 07, 2018 at 08:10:14
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InputMessage:*Hi, I have a large Full River AGM battery in the back of my 4wd to power my 12v fridge. What is the best way to charge and maintain my AGM while driving? Is it alternator power or using a DC to DC charger that has an AGM battery setting?Kind Regards....

Honestly Scott, how is that reply of any real use.

It does not give you any information on how the DC/DC device needs to be used, just use a DC/DC device?????????

They got rid of you quick and easily!

My Fullrivers are many years old and get charged from my alternator but also my solar system too which stays connected to it 100% of the time - they are always at 100% state of charge - still no DCDC device to be seen. They are still in perfect condition too. I just don’t know why you keep going on about them to be honest - you’re getting real feedback from people here that do this for a living yet you don’t believe anything we say? Even what you got back from the manufacturer says using the alternator is fine - what else do you want? They didn’t say where and when to use it that you would get any life or performance gains from it. If you are after that last few percent a DCDC will theoretically get them too (If you drive for 48 hours straight) then why not just run a solar panel into them - which will do the same thing, or whack them on a trickle charger at home to ensure they are at 100% when you leave home? A DCDC device simply doesn’t offer any benefits while on the road - it can’t based on its very design. It’s not just us that are saying this, chemistry and physics do too - you better send them a PM to tell them the laws of physics are full of **** ...

And I’m completely impartial here - I don’t sell batteries, DCDC devices, battery isolators or anything. I have nothing to gain from letting others know what I do based on my experience - not hearsay, marketing blurb, etc - just what works in the real world from over 20 years of doing it.

Have I worked with DCDC devices? - yes, heaps of them all makes and models but I’ve not found one that provides any benefits in these types of installations.

Take it or leave it, I really don’t care but don’t tell me I’m wrong or try to prove something unless you too have over 20 years in working with DC control systems and associated equipment?

Now anyone up for a discussion on how flat the earth is...?

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Originally Posted by Homestar

Now anyone up for a discussion on how flat the earth is...?

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Very.
Except for the hilly bits.

The earth is actually very flat. The lumps on a basket ball would be 4 times higher than Mt Everest if it were scaled up. [emoji6]

IF a DC to DC charger was a necessity to maintain a batteries condition and prolong its life I am absolutely certain that LR would have included it in it's vehicle packages 15-20 years ago.
I have Never used anything else to maintain my cranking battery other than the alternator in any make of vehicle that I have owned over the last 50 years.
My auxiliary batteries are usually maintained via the alternator when travelling (up to 3x battery packs) without ANY problems with overcharging at all and they seem to last a long time as well.
I do use solar power and the occasional use of a battery charger (via a genset) to maintain them at camp and when at home I put them on float via the chargers provided by ARK.

So do I NEED to fit a DC to DC device, That's a big NO from me.

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Originally Posted by Homestar

Now anyone up for a discussion on how flat the earth is...?

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Not again,we had it on the weekend,the grandson said “it is really flat but cos it gets really really cold on the ends you can’t fall off”🙄😂

Hmm,I have always wondered about this,now I know[biggrin]

Check out some of the flatards YouTube channels - hours of entertainment to be had.

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Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

Very.
Except for the hilly bits.

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And the round bits at the edges [biggrin]