Cobes replied:

Hi Rox,
I am currently facing the same situation as you are and finding it difficult to get consistant information.
I will answer your questions as best I can based on the advice that I have received.
Please correct me if any information is not as it should be.

(1) Directly charging your batteries from your DC output is fine but you must realise that when the batteries are fully charged the gene will realise and will continue charging.
If this happens it will shorten the life of your batteries.

(2) The issue of Deep cycle and normal batteries is debatable.
If you only use 20-30% of you battery amperage then normal batteries should be OK. If however you use more than this you should be looking at deep cycle batteries. It is true that D/Cycle batteries do not like vibrations but you could may place them on a rubber base to add a little protection.

(3) I have made enquiries about 3 stage charges and have been advised that they don't like to run of generators? I have been advised to purchase an automatic charger which is inferior to a 3 stage.
Is this information correct?

(4) Solar is pretty expensive. Does anyone know where Telstra and the RTA sell their second hand solar cells to?

Perhaps others may be able to add further information and answers

Cheers
Chris.

SteveA replied:

Have a look at this site on battery chargers. You can use your geny with this type.

http://www.xantrex.com/products/product.asp?did=180

Member - Nigel replied:

I've found a brand of deep cycle that seems to cope with 4WD and is mounted above my extractors - it's a Federal DC27 90Ah from Battery World.

I top up the water once a month and it's about 18 months old and ran my Evakool all of easter. I always use a mains charger to supplement the alternator charge.

I prefer AGM batteries for the trailer but don't use them in the car coz of heat.