Need adjustable voltage regualtor
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: Québec
Need adjustable voltage regualtor
Hi, I need an external adjustable voltage regulator for my truck, Ford 91, diesel.
Do you know if the F540HD will fit and is it adjustable? I have a camper with two batteries plus the two batteries for the truck.
Do you know if the F540HD will fit and is it adjustable? I have a camper with two batteries plus the two batteries for the truck.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 5,638
Likes: 1
From: Manitoba
What do you want to adjust....... I had the same and used a proper relay and diode system to charge the batteries in the camper only when engine running. The newer trucks come with the trailer tow/camper package might get some ideas from them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I agree with PLC on the battery isolator and possibly a larger alternator.
You don't want to raise the voltage output at the regulator or you will cook the batteries after they reach full charge.
You don't want to raise the voltage output at the regulator or you will cook the batteries after they reach full charge.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,782
Likes: 221
From: Huntington Indiana
Check with an RV place as they have done some before. This is what I think is needed for you.
http://www.rvlifestyles.net/ItemPage...d-9555a5099fe7
http://www.rvlifestyles.net/ItemPage...d-9555a5099fe7
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 933
Likes: 0
From: Québec
I already have an isolator and it works fine. The reason I want an adjustable regulator is that I do not use the truck too often in the winter, and many time for short trip. When my truck iddle in the winter, the regulator only gives a little more than 13 volt, wich is not enough to quickly get the batteries up to charge. With an adjustable regulator you just crank it up to 14 at iddle. Once the battery are full charge, it stays a around 14.5.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 0
From: Powell River B.C.
I think most regualtors will put out about 14.5 with batteries low, and will end up regulating at about 13.9-14.2, Sounds to me like you should just try a new stock regulator. If your current regulator will hold at 14.5 when all charged up, the regulator is not the problem, you likely should have a higher capacity alternator, as trying to charge 4 batteries at a time, especially at idle, the alternator just cant keep up. The alternators performance is directly affected by how fast its turning. At idle with a load on it (charging 4 batteries) it cannot produce enough current (feild voltage already at max) so it shows a lower output 13V until you get it up to operating speed.
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