Does 60-Amp Relay Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger Need Connecting to Ignition Source

Updated 11/05/2020 | Published 11/02/2020

Products Featured in This Question

60-Amp Relay Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger

(5)

$125.00

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

(87)

$620.00

60-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle 40-Amp BCDC Battery Charger

(21)

$90.00

Question:

2018 Chevy Colorado wt, with factory hitch. Looking to get the redarc bcdc 40amp charger. Smart alternator, temperature controlled who know what type of alternator I have? Anyways why does the relay still show on the diagram you have to connect the blue wire to a ignition source? I thought the relay was supposed to eliminate the blue wire? If you have to connect it to the relay back to the truck why get it?

asked by: Jim

Helpful Expert Reply:

The 60-Amp Relay Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-RK1260 does not eliminate the need for the blue wire ignition feed on a truck with a smart alternator, which your 2018 Chevy Colorado does have, according to my research (to know for sure you can take a look at the battery, as there should be a battery sensor on one of the terminals).

The relay kit's purpose is to give you a short cut to if it is difficult to run the ignition feed, so it is not absolutely necessary. The 60-Amp Relay Kit # 331-RK1260, if you decide to use it, works with the charger you mentioned, the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - 40 Amp # 331-BCDC1240D.

Redarc also recommend using their fuse kit with this charger, the 60-Amp MIDI Fuse Kit for Redarc In-Vehicle 40-Amp BCDC Battery Charger # 331-FK60.

I have added links below to a couple video reviews for you to check out as well.