Will the Redarc In-Vehicle Battery Charger Charge the Start Battery While Trailer Is Detached

Question:

Ref: 2014 Ram 4x4 2500 diesel crew cab and Airstream trailer with 220Ahr AGM house batteries My question is, when the engine is off, and the trailer with the house battery bank is not connected, and the sun is shining on the solar panels, will the redarc unit charge and top off the starting battery from the solar input?

asked by: Brad T

Helpful Expert Reply:

I spoke with Redarc about the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger part # 331-BCDC1250D and they informed me that the unit would not charge the start battery, only the auxiliary battery bank in the trailer. That said, the unit would not let the auxiliary battery bank pull enough power from the start battery in order to create any issues with starting the vehicle so there should be no worries here. If needed, you could also use a small solar panel just to keep the start battery topped off, the 2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger part # PTW2997.

expert reply by: Conner L