Hello, I have just replaced my auxillary battery after only 18 months because my Engel fridge was not staying cold overnight despite doing a long trip (Coffs to Melbourne). The battery was an AC Delco 60Ah cranking battery that was fitted by the ARB agent in Coffs. I went to Battery World and they have replaced it with a Century 80Ah deep cycle ($280)so it can handle the charges and discharges. I didnt mind paying the high price but I expect the fridge to stay cold for a few days as it did on my previous landcruiser. His comment was that the Prado only charges at 13.4 volts which equates to a long charge up time. The reason I am posting this is that the fridge is going warm overnight again. Is there a way to increase the charge voltage on the D4D prado? Any comments would be great.
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Dual Battery Charge Rate
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
There are several posts on this in the 120 series electrical forum. The alternator is limited in output by the ECU which can limit the ability on the D4D to charge an auxiliary battery. A number of folks with the D4D are using the Ranox or Redarc 12V chargers to resolve this, here are a couple of links:
RanOx DC-DC(non 240v) 3 stg charger
Redarc BCDC-1220 20amp DC-DC 3 Stage Battery Charger2008-12 D4D 5-Spd Auto Grande, Silver Ash, Full Window Tint, H-R Towbar, Cargo Barrier, Rhino-Racks, Rola Vortex Tray, GME TX3340, ARB Deluxe Winch Bar, IPF900XS Spotlights, BFG 275/65R17
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
If the ECU controls the charge rate, can we reprogram to up the volts?08 VX D4D, Lift, Safari Snorkle, Trailblazer Fridge, Custom Storeage System, BFG, ARB Safari Bar, Wife, Kids, Codan NGT HF Radio, Debt.
06 100 Series Sahara, Bilteins, Kings, Beaudesert 3", Diff drop, Unichip Q4, Safari Intercooler, EGR delete, 20ft Bushtracker, Codan Envoy more coming.
Sometimes i wake up Grumpy, most times i leave her sleep.
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
I haven't heard of anyone managing to reprogram an ECU to change alternator output. It is possible to trick the ECU and get higher alternator output voltages by putting a diode(s) in series with alternator voltage sense wire. Though there is every chance in doing this you may void your warranty.
Installing a DC-DC boost converter will enable your auxiliary battery to be recharged in a reasonable time and maintains isolation between the cranking and auxiliary systems. Given the relative small size of your aux. battery either a Redarc or Ranox charger will be adequate for the job. M personal preference is for the Ranox but this cannot be installed under the bonnet. If you want an under bonnet installation the Redarc is a good option.
LeachyEX-Prado Owner
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
Thanks guys. I also found the following C-Tek D250S from Bainbridge technologies. No matter which way you look at it, it is a pain to have to spend more money to keep your battery charged. Price quoted was $439.00. http://www.ctek.com/PDF/folder_DCDC_EN.pdf2008 Grande Silver Ash D4D
ARB Deluxe Bar
9000lb Warn Winch
IPF Lights
Safari Snorkel
Dual Batteries
BF Goodrich All Terrain 265/70/R17
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
Andy,
Both the Ranox and Redarc will provide a better recharge rate and higher final battery state of charge then the CTEK.
The Ranox and Redarc both have configurable float and absorption(boost) voltages where as the CTEK is fixed at 14.4V absorption (they don't give the float voltage for this model but based on other CTEK models it is probably about 13.4V)regardless of battery type.
The only advantage the CTEK has is the solar panel input with built in Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) which would be very handy if you are planning to add solar panels. But if you are after maximum recharge rate the Ranox or Redarc will give you better results.
LeachyEX-Prado Owner
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Re: CTEK D250S
Leachy and others,
Although CTEK (a very reputable company) claim their booster is also an MPPT solar regulator, I suggest that this is difficult to achieve in the same unit, without a configuration switch etc.
I believe it has been tested by another reputable large overseas charger manufacturer, who found that it did not behave as expected from an MPPT solar regulator. :!:
It is important to check that the input power (higher voltage and lower current from solar panel) is actually converted to the lower battery voltage and a HIGHER current, with the 95% claimed efficiency. The MPPT function should continually monitor the power transferred and adjust the converter to achieve the highest power, which will vary with temperature, sun shine etc. :|
Alan Oxenbould
RanOx P/L.
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
Have been to Batteryworld on this issue of D4D charge voltage. They suggest i use the D27M. Cost was over $570. Ebay has $440. He stated this battery will charge up with less volts from the car. Also he thought it would be cheaper than replacing my old Trojan and booster charger.
Has anyone used this type of battery?08 VX D4D, Lift, Safari Snorkle, Trailblazer Fridge, Custom Storeage System, BFG, ARB Safari Bar, Wife, Kids, Codan NGT HF Radio, Debt.
06 100 Series Sahara, Bilteins, Kings, Beaudesert 3", Diff drop, Unichip Q4, Safari Intercooler, EGR delete, 20ft Bushtracker, Codan Envoy more coming.
Sometimes i wake up Grumpy, most times i leave her sleep.
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
That is a Optima D27M.08 VX D4D, Lift, Safari Snorkle, Trailblazer Fridge, Custom Storeage System, BFG, ARB Safari Bar, Wife, Kids, Codan NGT HF Radio, Debt.
06 100 Series Sahara, Bilteins, Kings, Beaudesert 3", Diff drop, Unichip Q4, Safari Intercooler, EGR delete, 20ft Bushtracker, Codan Envoy more coming.
Sometimes i wake up Grumpy, most times i leave her sleep.
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
Originally posted by Rusty62Have been to Batteryworld on this issue of D4D charge voltage. They suggest i use the D27M. Cost was over $570. Ebay has $440. He stated this battery will charge up with less volts from the car. Also he thought it would be cheaper than replacing my old Trojan and booster charger.
Has anyone used this type of battery?
http://www.extremelimitsoffroad.com.au/prod1013.htm $392
http://bigtimebattery.com/store/27m.html $177 <- possibly an OS site
General Info
http://www.optimabatteries.com/_medi...specs/D27M.pdf[COLOR=#000080]Nick[/COLOR]
[URL="http://pradopoint.com/viewtopic.php?f=38&t=5308&sid=bcbebadd30673f1ac72047e6e8a93d79"]2006 TD GXL Evolution & Trips[/URL]
[URL=http://www.fuelly.com/driver/Schaffer/prado][IMG]http://www.fuelly.com/smallsig-metric/45547.png[/IMG][/URL]
[img]http://i929.photobucket.com/albums/mm286/Schaffer71/Avatar/CooperCreek.jpg[/img] [img]http://i929.photobucket.com/albums/mm286/Schaffer71/Avatar/BendlebyRanges.jpg[/img]
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
Originally posted by Rusty62Have been to Batteryworld on this issue of D4D charge voltage. They suggest i use the D27M. Cost was over $570. Ebay has $440. He stated this battery will charge up with less volts from the car. Also he thought it would be cheaper than replacing my old Trojan and booster charger.
Has anyone used this type of battery?
Specs say 13.65 to 15.0 volts for an alternator but my scangauge on my D4D shows the voltage at the main battery as 13.2 after a few minutes after starting.
I would still be looking at the booster option and a $200 battery as $400+ for a battery that in 12 months may need replacing due to undercharging is not going to impress you. Mind you the booster will set you back $400 - $500 but is a one-off cost. Just my opinion of course.Kevin
'09 Black D4D Auto GXL. 3rd Prado.
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
Originally posted by D4DOriginally posted by KevinD4DJust my opinion of course.2008-12 D4D 5-Spd Auto Grande, Silver Ash, Full Window Tint, H-R Towbar, Cargo Barrier, Rhino-Racks, Rola Vortex Tray, GME TX3340, ARB Deluxe Winch Bar, IPF900XS Spotlights, BFG 275/65R17
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
Well I have gone and bought the Redarc unit so i can mount it under the bonnet. My decision was based on not having warm beer. One off cost $450.00 and I plan to keep the car for a while. Thanks for all of your input, greatly appreciated. Cheers, Andy2008 Grande Silver Ash D4D
ARB Deluxe Bar
9000lb Warn Winch
IPF Lights
Safari Snorkel
Dual Batteries
BF Goodrich All Terrain 265/70/R17
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Re: Dual Battery Charge Rate
Originally posted by D4DAnd a very good one, I'm about to ditch my ARB Surepower solenoid for a Redarc BCDC because I hate warm coke when it's mixed with bourbonKevin
'09 Black D4D Auto GXL. 3rd Prado.
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