DC-DC Charger
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: SW Missouri
DC-DC Charger
I have a 2023 F250 with a 290a alternator. I’d like to charge my camper lithium batteries while I travel. I was told that 2015+ Fords have smart alternators so I don’t need a DC-DC charger, but I’m skeptical. Do I need one? Thanks!
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 142
Likes: 23
From: Southeast Wisconsin
If you just need a trickle charge, you'll be fine with the factory plug. If you want to charge and more than a couple of amps, you'll definitely need a DC-DC charger and some heavy duty wire and connectors.
I put in an Anderson SB120 connector in the truck bed, with 4 gauge wire, connected and fused at the battery. Even that is only good for ~50 amps.
I put in an Anderson SB120 connector in the truck bed, with 4 gauge wire, connected and fused at the battery. Even that is only good for ~50 amps.
4wd High
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 12
From: Portland, Oregon
In order to charge your lithium batteries from your truck, you definitely should get a DC-DC charger. Victron just released a new version of their Orion DC-DC charger which is higher amperage, smaller, more efficient, and less problems with overheating than the prior version. https://www.victronenergy.com/dc-dc-...attery-charger
Tuned
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 385
Likes: 197
From: San Diego
All that the "Smart" alternator does is vary the charge voltage automatically to whatever type battery is being charged.
It won't give you much for your camper/trailer as the wiring gauge is to small to carry any meaningful current to adequately charge a remote battery bank.
DC-DC charger will accomplish this but you need a seperate set of wires from your truck battery to the DC-DC charger that you would mount as close as possible to your remote site.
You will need to calculate "voltage drop" to size your wiring correctly. Dont forget DC requires a total overall length out and back.
It won't give you much for your camper/trailer as the wiring gauge is to small to carry any meaningful current to adequately charge a remote battery bank.
DC-DC charger will accomplish this but you need a seperate set of wires from your truck battery to the DC-DC charger that you would mount as close as possible to your remote site.
You will need to calculate "voltage drop" to size your wiring correctly. Dont forget DC requires a total overall length out and back.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 142
Likes: 23
From: Southeast Wisconsin
I wish I had gone with a larger wire. 4awg is acceptable according to the Victron manual. I was worried about going to something like 2awg, but honestly it wouldn't have been too much more difficult to run.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 142
Likes: 23
From: Southeast Wisconsin
What kind of system are installing in the camper? What size system? Any solar? You may want to confirm you even need to charge from the truck.
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: SW Missouri
I want to make sure I get fully charged while traveling during rainy or cloudy days. I had a bad experience last fall that I want to avoid in the future.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 142
Likes: 23
From: Southeast Wisconsin
Got it. I'm not sure who could install it, but it was about $150 in parts for the truck and I installed it in a couple of hours (I'm slow and take my time).
I had to buy: wire, fuse holder on battery terminal, anderson connectors, anderson terminals, lug connectors, wire loom, mounting screws.
When I get my camper, it should be pretty quick to install the other side (anderson connector, wires, charger).
I had to buy: wire, fuse holder on battery terminal, anderson connectors, anderson terminals, lug connectors, wire loom, mounting screws.
When I get my camper, it should be pretty quick to install the other side (anderson connector, wires, charger).
4wd High
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 12
From: Portland, Oregon
I don't know how much DIY you like to do, but in the realm of DIY projects, adding a DC-DC charger isn't the most challenging to do yourself. Here is a really nice blog post by Matt of Adventurous Way describing in detail how he did this type of project himself.
4wd High
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 9
Likes: 12
From: Portland, Oregon
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: SW Missouri
I don't know how much DIY you like to do, but in the realm of DIY projects, adding a DC-DC charger isn't the most challenging to do yourself. Here is a really nice blog post by Matt of Adventurous Way describing in detail how he did this type of project himself.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 942
Likes: 149
I did this on my 2020 F350 7.3, dual alternator truck. It worked great keeping my batteries charged. I'm sure I'll do it to my 2024 F350 when I get it.
Anderson Powerpole Plugs - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Anderson Powerpole Plugs - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Thread Starter
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Trailering
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: SW Missouri
I did this on my 2020 F350 7.3, dual alternator truck. It worked great keeping my batteries charged. I'm sure I'll do it to my 2024 F350 when I get it.
Anderson Powerpole Plugs - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)
Anderson Powerpole Plugs - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums (ford-trucks.com)