Do I need a BCDC charger?

**John_D4** · 1st January 2018, 02:14 PM

Quick summary:

Car

2 TD5 2000 model
Optima red top starting battery 1000cca (about)
Dual battery century 65ah next to the turbo with 3b&s dual cable to a 150amp Anderson on the towbar.
130ah dry cell battery in the camper.

No voltage drop between the dual battery & the camper (3b&s to the camper battery also)

So...today I was idling in the car park when I noticed this on the starting battery

I checked the camper battery and saw this:

Now my camper solar panels aren’t working so no watts or ah in the pic...that’s a sore point...the brand new controller needs to go back to the company...grrr!

Do I need a DCDC charger? I ran 3b&s just in case. I’m learning a lot about auto electrics but still have lots to learn.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

**pop058** · 1st January 2018, 02:19 PM

Do you mean a "DC-DC" charger. ??

**John_D4** · 1st January 2018, 02:21 PM

Correct, turns out BCDC is a Redarc term

Smart Start BCDC - DC to DC Charger | REDARC Electronics

I’ve edited the post but can’t change the title. Thanks

**rangieman** · 1st January 2018, 05:25 PM

Best to take the voltage at the battery with a multi meter with the engine idling

Tim (drivesafe) will say no to your dc/dc charger and i dont see the point in them with a D2

**Homestar** · 1st January 2018, 06:09 PM

No you don't need one, it will just limit the current your second battery can take from the alternator. There are VERY few setups that would benefit from one. Yours isn't one of them. 😊👍

**Mclaren00** · 1st January 2018, 07:08 PM

I’ve done a lot a looking into dcdc and for the cost they seem to be more a fad than a need
So many mates go on about the voltage they up it 2 to charge but that’s to get a quicker charge
I’ve put in a sc80 and just spent 3 days on the beach with a 65l fridge and a 100w blanket during the day with minimal sun and never dropped below 12.2v

**John_D4** · 1st January 2018, 10:17 PM

Although I’m enjoying the different viewpoints, would it be ok if we get back on track please? Many of you may feel frustrated but try to remember that I’m learning, and so are many of other people. If we don’t get told we don’t know.

So...

I’m a bit confused though. I was under the impression that I needed >13.6v to charge my batteries. Sure I am only going by forums and websites. I think by memory when I turned the car off the main battery had 12.6v. I’m now assuming that’s ok?

**Milton477** · 1st January 2018, 10:44 PM

I don't think you need one.
I towed my van with my D2 for 2 years with a similar setup to yours including he Victron gear. Never had a problem & yes, the charge voltages were similar to yours. I would suggest buying a DC clamp meter to check the amps flowing also.

**drivesafe** · 2nd January 2018, 12:46 AM

Originally Posted by John_D2

Although I’m enjoying the different viewpoints, would it be ok if we get back on track please? Many of you may feel frustrated but try to remember that I’m learning, and so are many of other people. If we don’t get told we don’t know.

So...

I’m a bit confused though. I was under the impression that I needed >13.6v to charge my batteries. Sure I am only going by forums and websites. I think by memory when I turned the car off the main battery had 12.6v. I’m now assuming that’s ok?

Hi John, sorry for getting off point and it is late now, so I will go through any questions for you in the morning.

**John_D4** · 2nd January 2018, 07:39 AM

So, just to remind everyone-

Main battery optima red - piranha dual monitor-century 65ah- 3b&s to camper- 130ah in camper- Victron 100/30 controller- 2x130watt panels on camper (7.5ah each).

I’ll double check the charges at idle later today

Thread: Do I need a BCDC charger?

Thread Tools

Do I need a BCDC charger?

Do I need a BCDC charger?

Tags for this Thread

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions