which red arc product would suit

Submitted: Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 14:22
ThreadID: 110337 Views:6283 Replies:9 FollowUps:3
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Hi all , we just bought a2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee v6 Diesel and intend to tow a caravan which has a battery bank (2 x 120 ah). then found out alternators are different nowadays. My original intention was to install a redarc battery isolator and send wiring back to .an Anderson plug beside towbar as the caravan has a Anderson plug on the drawbar. Now after reading on redarc website modern alternators don't always put out a charge, I realise I will need something a bit more technical.
Any tips would be very much appreciated.
TIA
Rod
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Reply By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 14:46

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 14:46
Hi Rod,

I suggest that you take a look at my blog Auxiliary Battery System -- Wiring Diagrams. Diagram 4 applies to your situation.
Considering the size of your battery bank I would change from the nominated Redarc BCDC1220 charger to a BCDC1225 (25Amp) charger.

If the Jeep has a low voltage alternator then use a BCDC1225-LV charger.

If you also have solar panel input I would recommend a different arrangement.
Cheers
Allan

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Follow Up By: Member - Rod F (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 15:07

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 15:07
Thanks Allan,
I have looked at those items on redarc website and was thinking similar . I read that the new BCDC 1225 can handle solar as well. I think they have a BCDC 1240 now as well. But need to doublecheck.
I will check out your wiring diagrams, sounds good.
Cheers
Rod
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Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 15:34

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 15:34
Yes Rod, there is a 40A charger but I passed over that because I thought the price may scare you! lol

Yes, the Redarc BCDC series now incorporate an MPPT Solar Regulator function but it is necessary to add a change-over relay to the circuit. They do not accept inputs from both the alternator and the solar panel at the same time.
Cheers
Allan

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Reply By: OBJ - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 15:49

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 15:49
Hi Rod.

Alan B's advice is good. But why not just give Redarc a call? They are a great bunch of blokes, and are very helpful and patient. I know this from experience when I needed their help with a problem I was having 'on the road'.

It may help you even further.

Cheers
OBJ
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Reply By: Member - wicket - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 17:05

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 17:05
If you've got deep pockets then this is the one you want , no need to worry about lv alternators

Manager30
AnswerID: 542542

Follow Up By: Allan B (Member, SunCoast) - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 19:33

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 19:33
At $2 Grand, I wasn't even going to mention that one!
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Allan

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Reply By: Mick O - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 17:11

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 17:11
I have the BMS 1220 (Now the new Manager 30 I believe) sitting over my two 140 AH AGM's for four years now. Excellent unit.

My review of Redarc products used here;

Redarc BMS and BCDC review


Cheers Mick
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trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
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Reply By: HKB Electronics - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 17:21

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 17:21
Yep, Jeeps have a smart charge system, you'll need a DCDC charger, check out Redarc and ABR Sidewinder also market a 30A for a good price.
AnswerID: 542545

Reply By: Frank P (NSW) - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 19:00

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 19:00
Another Aussie company worth a look is GSL. All made here in Sydney.

Their DC-DC charger is here.

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FrankP

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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 20:21

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 20:21
Rod,

I needed something to charge the 2 x 120 amphr batteries in our slide-on camper, and did a lot of procrastinating(something I'm very good at!) before deciding on the Redarc BMS system. Reason was it didn't need any remote switching between inputs, alternator, solar etc, and for the money, gave me a DC-DC charger, MPPT solar charger, and a multi stage 240v charger.

Was a bit unsure how the 15 amp maximum charge would go, but it seems to keep the batteries above 90% SOC, with the few times I've used it. The new 30 amp BMS would be ideal, but price might be an issue for some/most.

Have also fitted a 160 watt panel to top of camper, that hinges for better insolation, which keeps charge going into the batteries, while vehicle is stationery. Plan on adding another panel, a 140 w folding unit, once we start travelling, for when we might be at one place for a while.

Bob

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Can't remember most of it.

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Reply By: Pradobob - Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 21:22

Thursday, Dec 04, 2014 at 21:22
I put in a Redarc 1220. I got it 2nd hand on eBay for $200. The only problem I've had was an el-cheapo fuse holder from Wh@#^***s melted....without blowing the fuse. I upgraded it to a quality "midi-fuse"...no problems now. It was the only cheap bit in the whole circuit. I've learnt my lesson.
Bob
AnswerID: 542554

Reply By: malley11 - Friday, Dec 05, 2014 at 11:36

Friday, Dec 05, 2014 at 11:36
The best and most economical way to do this is install a 12/12 battery charger.I have found a firm in Sydney called Batteries Direct that are very helpfull,my unit is a Isuzu motorhome and is 24v start and 12v house batteries installed a 24/12 battery charger and now use 240v appliances whilst driving along(fridge,fans etc).The whole system only cost less than $1000.
All the Best With It
AnswerID: 542591

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