Re: Charging from tow vehicle

sticks wrote:

On 2/21/2025 8:49 AM, Ted Heise wrote:

Hi all,
 
Thinking of trading in my Acadia for a new one and the sales rep
mentioned something about it having a larger alternator.  That
make me just idly wonder if it's possible to get a factory
installed system that would supply enough power at the 7-pin
connector to recharge a LiIon battery while towing.

 
I am about 99.9% sure the answer to your question is no, Ted.
Still a good idea to get the big alternator, and maybe even a double
battery setup.  The main problem is the wire size on the 7-pin plug.
On my TOAD, I installed a power plug so I could use a 12 Gauge wire
that was always on, but that was only for trying to keep the battery
on the TOAD up to run the braking system.  This would not be enough
to charge depleted LI batteries.
 
What you need is very heavy gauge wire from the battery to the back
of the tow vehicle with a plug for a DC-DC charger if you really want
the tow vehicle to charge the trailer battery.
 
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_jHoEEkiUc>

Think alternatives too. 

<https://www.amazon.com/ECO-WORTHY-1-6KWH-12Volt-Battery-Inverter/dp/B0BN5ZWPK2/>

That's just one type (and not the cheapest).  What I like too here is
ALL the parts in one kit.  No going crazy to try to piece it all
together from separate parts that you aren't sure match.

Just peek about and you'll see simple solutions built to lay flat on an
RV roof. Flat ones don't draw as well is my understanding but then you
don't have to move them about, lay flat to drive, set them in a 'yard'
to be stolen, and a host of woes.  On the other hand, the simple ;set
out in the ground then take in when going elsewhere has it's charm' for
off-grid folks.