Battery Isolator
- Thread starter jjoerger
- Start date
I have 150 amp alt, with a 200 amp isolator. Just replaced 2 deep cell's after 3 1/2 years.
It just needs to be large enough to handle the amps the alternator feeds the batteries. The alternator will not likely ever feed the batteries more than 160 amps. The truck's systems will use part of the alternator's amps. But alternators often briefly (minutes) output more than their rating, which is the continuous duty rating. If you match the isolator to that of the alternator (as in - "this size or larger") then whatever the alternator puts out the isolator can handle, since the isolators are designed for higher output than their rating, as well. The rating of an isolator is the "max rating of the alternator."
So yeah, a 160 or 200 amp isolator is what you want.
WanderngFool
Active Expediter
For those of us that almost have a grasp on what you're doing and why 
... You're isolating your "house" batteries so they won't be used to start your vehicle but you DO want them to receive a charge from your alternator?
I'm asking because I'm seeing something like this in my future. I'm picturing a perfect night for parking - no hvac required, and yet "house" current for running a microwave and/or coffee pot would be a good thing.
... You're isolating your "house" batteries so they won't be used to start your vehicle but you DO want them to receive a charge from your alternator?I'm asking because I'm seeing something like this in my future. I'm picturing a perfect night for parking - no hvac required, and yet "house" current for running a microwave and/or coffee pot would be a good thing.
For those of us that almost have a grasp on what you're doing and why
I'm asking because I'm seeing something like this in my future. I'm picturing a perfect night for parking - no hvac required, and yet "house" current for running a microwave and/or coffee pot would be a good thing.
Just to note you would most likely still idle the van when using a high draw item like a microwave.
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WanderngFool
Active Expediter
Not if I had one of these powering my ride. 12v 300ah lithium ion battery
Is it wrong to lust after a battery?
Murraycroexp
Veteran Expediter
Wow, that's a bit excessive!!!!! LOL!!
WanderngFool
Active Expediter
That's just it. They've been saying for years now that lithium ion drop-in replacement house batteries are just around the corner. And when we finally have them we won't need to run generators for hvac.
All that has to happen is the price needs to fall a little, like 70% or 80%.
In all seriousness though, once the price reaches about half it's current level there won't be the need to buy a Honda generator and keep filling it with gas.
tenntrucker
Expert Expediter
Does it shorten the life of the alternator by adding more batteries? I don't thinks so, but just wondering.
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sirgregory46
Expert Expediter
No not to my knowledge. But I am sure turtle will know for sure.
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That's just it. They've been saying for years now that lithium ion drop-in replacement house batteries are just around the corner. And when we finally have them we won't need to run generators for hvac.
All that has to happen is the price needs to fall a little, like 70% or 80%.
In all seriousness though, once the price reaches about half it's current level there won't be the need to buy a Honda generator and keep filling it with gas.
I read somewhere that lithium is predicted to be a over demanded, under supplied item in the near future as more and more power comes from lithium ion batteries. Lithium as a earthen product is not abundant and is found under dry salt lakes or some such nonsense. I don't see lithium dropping in price any time soon.
I would think it would shorten the life of an alternator because it must charge two or more batteries instead of one. I just replaced my Napa 145 amp alternator on my van. It charges the starting battery and two auxiliary batteries. This one lasted about 98,000 miles.