Multiple DC-DC Chargers? Trailer and Car.

[Deonkretch]

Hi,

Wondering about the following: I have a cTek DC-DC charger in my trailer that charges to Deltec 102aH batteries. (Specifically installed close to the batteries). I recently changed vehicles and now want to add a DC-DC charger in the vehicle for times when I don't use the trailer.

My plan is to add a Victron Smart Connect (30Amp) in to the side panel of the drawer system for the vehicle's spare battery.

The question:

• Can I power two different DC-DC Chargers from the main vehicle battery/alternator?
• If so - will my planned setup work, or should I rather just move the cTek to the main vehicle and charge the trailer via a brand harrison?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

[AfricainHD]

Hi,

Wondering about the following: I have a cTek DC-DC charger in my trailer that charges to Deltec 102aH batteries. (Specifically installed close to the batteries). I recently changed vehicles and now want to add a DC-DC charger in the vehicle for times when I don't use the trailer.

My plan is to add a Victron Smart Connect (30Amp) in to the side panel of the drawer system for the vehicle's spare battery.

The question:

• Can I power two different DC-DC Chargers from the main vehicle battery/alternator?
• If so - will my planned setup work, or should I rather just move the cTek to the main vehicle and charge the trailer via a brand harrison?

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Depends on the Amp rating of the alternator of your vehicle. If it is large enough it will work perfectly.

Have run this setup before on previous vehicles when towing and I have set my father's up to do the same. No issues, as long as your vehicles alternator has a big enough output.

[dilligafrican]

I have a Victron 30A DC-DC in vehicle which charges the auxillary battery.

There is a line from the aux to the back of the bakkie into which the van plugs in.

The van itself has a Ctek DS250 in to charge it's own batteries, and makes up for the voltage loss given the length of the cable.

This has worked fine for me. Even if your alternator can push 40A additional to the trailer the CTEK will limit charge at 25A in any event.

I also have panels on the van which charge in conjunction.

never had an issue and allows to use both independently

[Deonkretch]

There is a line from the aux to the back of the bakkie into which the van plugs in.

Thanks for the feedback! Just to confirm, the AUX is then basically connected to the Victron first, then from the aux you connect a cable back to the van?

I was contemplating just a simple thick cable directly from the main battery to a brad harrison at the towbar that feeds the Ctek in the trailer, and another to the Victron in the vehicle that feeds the 2nd battery in the car? Or should I go

A > Main battery > Victron > Aux Battery in car > Trailer Connection > Ctek > Aux Batteries in Trailer?

or

B > Main Battery > Victron > Aux Battery in Car
> Main Battery > Trailer > Ctek > Aux Batteries in trailer

[Peter Connan]

Thanks for the feedback! Just to confirm, the AUX is then basically connected to the Victron first, then from the aux you connect a cable back to the van?

I was contemplating just a simple thick cable directly from the main battery to a brad harrison at the towbar that feeds the Ctek in the trailer, and another to the Victron in the vehicle that feeds the 2nd battery in the car? Or should I go

A > Main battery > Victron > Aux Battery in car > Trailer Connection > Ctek > Aux Batteries in Trailer?

or

B > Main Battery > Victron > Aux Battery in Car
> Main Battery > Trailer > Ctek > Aux Batteries in trailer

If you want to do this, it needs to be option B
Separate wiring, fused close to the battery.

[DC Polokwane]

Thanks for the feedback! Just to confirm, the AUX is then basically connected to the Victron first, then from the aux you connect a cable back to the van?

I was contemplating just a simple thick cable directly from the main battery to a brad harrison at the towbar that feeds the Ctek in the trailer, and another to the Victron in the vehicle that feeds the 2nd battery in the car? Or should I go

A > Main battery > Victron > Aux Battery in car > Trailer Connection > Ctek > Aux Batteries in Trailer?

or

B > Main Battery > Victron > Aux Battery in Car
> Main Battery > Trailer > Ctek > Aux Batteries in trailer

If you want to do this, it needs to be option B
Separate wiring, fused close to the battery.

Agree, I run option B, works great.

I have a 16mm² cable running from the vehicle battery to the trailer DC-DC.

Both DC-DC chargers as close to the aux batteries as possible.