This might be off topic, but does anyone use the 12v DC circuit from their van to recharge their house battery(s)?
Can you be more specific concerning the "12v DC circuit"? Unless you have an APU, all charging while running down the road will be powered by the OEM 12 volt system with the exception of onboard solar panels, wind generators or nuclear reactor. The cheapest method is some sort of switching device between the starting battery and the house batteries. The next step up would be a battery isolator. Taking it to the "next level" (I hate that reference, but it is currently "trending", another term I dislike) is an onboard 12v to 12 charger. our
Your budget and house battery type should be considered before choosing a charging method. My first two vans I used a battery isolator to charge Optima batteries. In my current van, a Ford Transit I went with a 12v to 12v volt charger to charge two 6 volt true deep cycle batteries. This charger provides the proper charge profile for these batteries, which greatly extends the life of the batteries. My Transi,t as with most newer vehicles is a CAN bus electrical system. All of my add-on 12 volt goodies run directly off my house batteries which are independent of the OEM electrical system except for the connection to the starting battery.
Do some research here on E.O. using the key words battery, chargers, battery chargers etc. Then ask more specific questions that would apply to your situation. If you are driving for a fleet owner then I would go the cheapest route, especially if you are unsure about ever getting your own van.
Good luck and keep us posted on your decisions.
