Charging batteries

[Bob Gil]

I have read several comments about charging batteries but I don't remember if any body said how they were charging them off of the genset?

The genset that I have does not have an Alternator on it like a car would have.  Will it have a 12 charging system in the genorator or would I need to use a 110 A/C charger to charge the batteries?

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Bob,

Yea, I charge my bank via Xantrex RS3000 inverter/charger system.

Nick-

[JackConrad]

Some generators have a 12 volt output (of varying output capacities), some don't have 12 volt output. Best bet is to operate a good 3 stage 120 volt charger off the 120 volt generator output.  Jack

[DrivingMissLazy]

The alternator (if present) on most if not all gensets is only designed to charge the starting battery for the genset. You need an AC to DC charger as a minimum to charge the house batteries.
Richard

[Lin]

Is this a diesel generator?  Wouldn't a gas generator need an alternator just to keep running?

[compedgemarine]

based on the pic it appears that it had an alternator at one time. there is a bracket there for the adjustment and it looks like a hole below it for the pivot bolt. if you need it just for the genset battery then any single wire small alternator could be adapted.
steve

[TomC]

I have a 10kw Powertech with a similar looking Kubota Diesel engine. It has about a 20 amp alternator (tiny) that actually was fighting with the big Delco 50DN since I have the generator starting running off the starting batteries.  So I just disconnected the wires to the alternator on the generator and am just using the alternator now as a belt tightener.  Going down the road the big 50DN charges both the starting and the deep cycle batteries through a solenoid (switch controlled from the drivers seat).  When stopped, my Trace 2500 watt inverter has a three stage charger built into it that can put out up to 130 amps (I have it set at 90 amps) to charge with the generator or power pole.  Have been very satisfied with the system.  Good Luck, TomC

[Lin]

Tom,
That Delco 50DN must weigh about 100 pounds.  Have you ever had to squeeze in and change it?