Thread: Max Amps through 12S socket

Thanks Tombie, this is all really new to me so I'm all ears. I did a bit if research and now only have more questions. I take your point about the CTEK, it seems most ppl on the forum have the traxide system which I asked my mechanic to fit but he put in a CTEK D250S. He explained to me at the time why he thought it was better for my purposes but it was all too confusing, he may as well have been speaking swahili. When I read the forum I really wish I had the traxide as everyone speaks their wonders but I'm stuck with the CTEK and after a bit of reading about these on the interweb they sound pretty good.

The CTEK D250S is DC-DC charger and has the ability to take both a solar and an alternator input but is limited to 20 amp current for charging. How long will that take to charge a 100 amp hour caravan battery, plus the crank battery and a D34 yellow top? Obviously it depends on how much they've been depleted but I ask because CTEK has another component called a smart pass which can up the charge current to 80 amps. Is it worth getting? Do I need it?

The new Jayco (I'll get in july) has a 100amp hour deep cycle battery, 120w solar panel and a setek battery management system. I'm wondering whether I'll be able to charge the caravan battery effectively via the CTEK at 20amps? Also it seems I should be able to connect all 3 batteries to the car alternator via the CTEK but can I connect the 120W solar panel on the caravan to all three batteries and what connection to the van would be the best to make this possible.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

N

BTW I've got a MY13 D4 SDV6 SE

Hi Nate,

I chose not to go the tarxide way even though everyone is wrapped with them, and they are designed and built for the Disco.

I have a redarc 20amp charging my second battery a 110 amp agm. Factory battery is charged by the car.

In my camper I have a 25 amp ctek charging two 105 amp hour agm batteries. These are also charged by solar and 240 volt.

I chose to move away from bulk chargers about 8 years ago due to too many battery failures. The yellow tops handle big amps but I prefer the regular agms as they hold on much longer in my power needs.

This combo is perfect for my needs.

Brett....