Can an AC Power Smart Charger Plugged into a Generator Effectively Charge Up a Battery

Updated 08/01/2018 | Published 07/31/2018

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CTEK MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Universal Battery Charger w/ Pulse Maintenance and Backup Power

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Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 40 Amp

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2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger

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Question:

On our last dry camping trip I tried to charge our Lifeline 100 ah agm battery with our Schumacher Sc-10030a smart charger in agm/ larger battery mode. We were using our Honda eu2000i generator, with the charger the only item plugged in. We routinely swap out batteries from the trailer, so the battery was out of service while we were charging it. The charger kept kicking itself out of the agm setting, then completely turning itself off before the battery was charged. Usually when the battery is charged the green light comes on the charger and it stays in maintenance mode. This was the first time using the generator/ charger/ battery combination. My question is, does the Honda eu2000i produce enough amps to power this charger? It is rated at 13.3 amps. Does the charger need a full 15 amps? Should I buy a second, smaller, slower smart charger to pair with my generator for these dry camping trips? Thanks.

asked by: Michael G

Expert Reply:

It is possible that the charger needs a cleaner sine wave or more consistent energy production than a generator can provide. That would explain why it turns itself off. You could have this exact problem with any other AC charger so the solution would be an alternative charger type such as # 331-BCDC1240D, which is a smart charger, used with a solar panel such as # PTW2997 as an example. The Redarc charger can also be used to charge the trailer battery while it is being towed. I have linked a video review of it for you.

expert reply by: Michael H