12 volt battery charging boondocking

[NoResults]

I have a 2000i inverter generator from Costco (basically same as a Yamaha and uses the same engine. Should you charge the battery from the dc outlet or use the ac outlet to another charger. I have a onboard trickle charger but think the direct to battery from the dc connection would be best. Any recommendations.

Thanks

Dave

[GuitarPhotog]

Is the direct to battery connection a "smart" charging circuit that reduces the voltage as the battery reaches capacity? If not, buy a Battery Tender and run it off the 120VAC.

You don't want your generator overcharging, and damaging your battery.

<Chas>

[bdosborn]

I have a 2000i inverter generator from Costco (basically same as a Yamaha and uses the same engine. Should you charge the battery from the dc outlet or use the ac outlet to another charger. I have a onboard trickle charger but think the direct to battery from the dc connection would be best. Any recommendations.

The DC connection is usually an unregulated 8A (or so) DC source at around 13.8V. It will charge your battery faster than the trickle charger but I wouldn't leave it connected for more than 2 -3 hours so you don't overcharge your battery as Chas said. However, I would use it over the trickle charger when boondocking as it will get you back up to 90% much faster than the trickle charger. 90% charged is the magic number that most battery manufactures recommend as a good compromise between maximum total battery cycles and realistic charge times. It can take 8 hours or so to get that last 10% charged.

Plug into the trickle charger when you're home to charge and maintain the battery .

Bruce