Installing a dc to dc charger with the smart alternator

[Phoenie77]

Originally Posted by tasjeep

Mine must be a bit different to the other comments because without the ignition wire the unit does not work.

It is set up when the ignition is turn off the dc to dc is turned off to prevent draining the car batteries when parked.

I pick up on an accessory wire that is only active when the ignition is on.



Trevor

I had a Redarc unit in mine, it has ignition feed for the same reason so it only charges when the car is running. I just took it out to put into my new Trailhawk, but left that wire in the old car out of laziness. I picked the feed up somewhere in the drivers footwell though from memory.


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Like Desertman, I have a Ctek in the camper and it is happy. I also have one attached to my removable auxiliary battery for the car, and it works fine as well.

Cheers
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[desertman]

Originally Posted by All Things Outdoors

Hi all,

I've got a caravan with a Ctek D250SA dc to dc charger which requires the installation of an ignition wire so that the charger can tell when the smart alternator is running or not. My question is has anyone installed one of these chargers in their Jeep and where did you pick up the ignition signal at in the vehicle?

Cheers

Perhaps you are thinking of a situation where the DC/DC charger is installed in the Jeep - I have heard of instances where the DC/DC charger is confused by a smart alternator and does not charge the auxiliary battery because the charger can't sense voltage input.

Some manufacturers make a low voltage version of a DC/DC charger which uses an ignition wire to tell the charger that there is a voltage input.

If your charger is mounted in the van there should be no issue - just ensure that you use a heavy gauge cable to minimise voltage drop to the rear of the Jeep.

Cheers,

DM