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Thread: DC to DC battery chargers

  1. #1
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    DC to DC battery chargers

    Hi all
    I have been looking at a 2nd battery for the rear tub. I have been advised that the way to do this is to use a DC to Dc battery charger as the Amarok's alternator will not cope? Opposite lock & ARB are fitting these units to the new Highlux, ford rangers etc.

    The charger will plug into the rear socket & works the same as any of the older duel systems. It is supposed to step up the voltage as required and still protect the main starting battery from discharging.

    I like the concept as it is simple and if works as described will plug straight in and avoid any warranty issues as well as being a lot simpler to install. The charger is also Solar compatible and will choose the most viable source to charge the second battery. Plus I do not have to run heavy wires from under the bonnet to the rear of the vehicle.

    If this works as described I will be very pleased, A google search provides a lot of good feedback on other 4wd forums as well as some of the caravan motor home sites.

    Any one had experience with these units ??

    Andrew

  2. #2
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    Hi Andrew and who ever told you that the Amarok’s alternator won’t cope, is either out to make a quick buck and/or has absolutely no idea of the operating voltage of an Amarok.

    Most of these DC/DC devices charge at 14.4v and your Amarok charges at 14.3v.

    But, these DC/DC devices can only charge at 14.4v when the battery is nearly fully charged whereas, your Amarok will charge at near 14.3v right from the start.

    So your Amarok will not only charge at a faster rate, it can charge a number of batteries at the same time and all at a faster rate.

    NOTE, while new Toyotas do run at a lower operating voltage, around 13.5v, for just $35, a guy in Melbourne can supply an Alternator Voltage Booster Fuse which will raise the operating voltage of any new Toyota back up over 14.0v.

    So be very careful of the SALES hype these people use to make you think you need something you don’t.

    PS there is a lot more to this!

  3. #3
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    Tim,
    this whole DC-DC thing gets my goat as it is pushed so hard by so many it must be true!

    I would like to see a test, take an alternator (perhaps a flash new multivoltage regulator alternator even)

    Put the spark spinner on a test bench then line up say 6 flat batteries, whack em in parrallel and let the alternator at it...

    I think a 4 dollar wall clock would suffice for the alternator time to lift all 6 batts up to an acceptable level of charge... But choose the calender wisely for the DC-DC test as youll get to look at each and every picture!!!!!

    Would make a good Utube I reckon,

    anyways

    madcap friday night ideas over and out

    S
    '95 130 dual cab fender (gone to a better universe)
    '10 130 dual cab fender (getting to know it's neurons)

  4. #4
    scanfor Guest
    I have a second deep cycle battery in the rear of my 110 wagon, and then a third battery on my camp trailer. These are connected by 10mm csa cable and will charge _FULLY on a decent run. Don't believe the sales hype about DC to DC converters.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by adonuff View Post
    Hi all
    I have been looking at a 2nd battery for the rear tub. I have been advised that the way to do this is to use a DC to Dc battery charger as the Amarok's alternator will not cope? Opposite lock & ARB are fitting these units to the new Highlux, ford rangers etc.

    Maaaate, If you pay me the deposit now I can get you this great deal on a bridge down in sydney. pay the full asking up front and I'll throw in a hyclone for you...
    Dave

    "In a Landrover the other vehicle is your crumple zone."

    For spelling call Rogets, for mechanicing call me.

    Fozzy, 2.25D SIII Ex DCA Ute
    Tdi autoManual d1 (gave it to the Mupion)
    Archaeoptersix 1990 6x6 dual cab(This things staying)


    If you've benefited from one or more of my posts please remember, your taxes paid for my skill sets, I'm just trying to make sure you get your monies worth.
    If you think you're in front on the deal, pay it forwards.

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by roverrescue View Post
    This whole DC-DC thing gets my goat as it is pushed so hard by so many it must be true!
    Yep this is really annoying in Andrews case.

    He does not have a vehicle with a low operating voltage so he does not need a thing, but some scum bag sales person has obviously gone out of his way to try to make Andrew think he does have a problem.

    This country has some of the most pathetic consumer protection laws so lowlife sales people can say pretty well anything they think they can get away with.

  7. #7
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    the only time I ever recomend using the DC DC chargers is for people who buy those stupid battery tanks with the SLA gel batteries in them or if I need to charge SLA gel batteries.

    have you guys seen what happens when you hook a flat one of them up to a 100A alternator with about 1000CCA of flooded cell starter battery in support with some nice thick "this'll get the charge in fast" grade cabling?
    Dave

    "In a Landrover the other vehicle is your crumple zone."

    For spelling call Rogets, for mechanicing call me.

    Fozzy, 2.25D SIII Ex DCA Ute
    Tdi autoManual d1 (gave it to the Mupion)
    Archaeoptersix 1990 6x6 dual cab(This things staying)


    If you've benefited from one or more of my posts please remember, your taxes paid for my skill sets, I'm just trying to make sure you get your monies worth.
    If you think you're in front on the deal, pay it forwards.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Blknight.aus View Post
    the only time I ever recomend using the DC DC chargers is for people who buy those stupid battery tanks with the SLA gel batteries in them or if I need to charge SLA gel batteries.

    have you guys seen what happens when you hook a flat one of them up to a 100A alternator with about 1000CCA of flooded cell starter battery in support with some nice thick "this'll get the charge in fast" grade cabling?
    IED?

  9. #9
    scanfor Guest
    Yep - brzzztttjjjttt
    prepare for lots of stinging.

  10. #10
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    near enough....

    may or may not have done it deliberately for some one when they thought is was a good idea and didnt want to take my word for it. (not that I objected to doing it just to prove a point.)

    They take their time inflating, its sort of like watching a super slow mo of a hand grenade.
    Dave

    "In a Landrover the other vehicle is your crumple zone."

    For spelling call Rogets, for mechanicing call me.

    Fozzy, 2.25D SIII Ex DCA Ute
    Tdi autoManual d1 (gave it to the Mupion)
    Archaeoptersix 1990 6x6 dual cab(This things staying)


    If you've benefited from one or more of my posts please remember, your taxes paid for my skill sets, I'm just trying to make sure you get your monies worth.
    If you think you're in front on the deal, pay it forwards.

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