Is Larger Gauge Wiring Needed for Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger

Question:

Do I understand the use of this product correctly? Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger - Dual Input - DC to DC - 12V/24V - 40 Amp Item # 331-BCDC1240D 1. I understand that this BCDC Battery charger regulates the input from the TV alternator, enabling the alternator to charge the trailer battery 200 ah lithium while traveling and protects the TV starter battery. Using the recommended 4 AWG wire would require abandoning the 7 pin connector because I do not believe the 4 AWG wire could be ed into that plug and even then, the charge wire supplied on my trailer is not 4 AWG so that wire would need to be changed too. Correct? How are people making this connection to a trailer? Do they used a separate Andersen Plug? 2. Once installed, is this device intended to take the place of the solar charge controllers I have already installed with the 200 watts of solar power on my trailer?

asked by: Nathan B

Expert Reply:

You are correct on both counts for the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger # 331-BCDC1240D. It is designed to monitor and adjust voltage to give your battery bank the best charge possible and then it also pulls in solar panel power (if you have it equipped) so you'll need to bypass the solar controller in your setup.

You need the larger gauge wire on both your truck and trailer side, yes. The Anderson Plug like part # BDW20047 is the preferred method simply because it's designed to handle that larger wire.

Attached is an installation video of this system for you to reference.

expert reply by: Jon G