Is Ranger alternator a "protected alternator"

[The Lone Ranger]

Switching travel trailer battery to lithium. There are posts on the internet saying you should install a DC/DC converter if you do not have a "protected alternator" in the tow vehicle (to protect against overheating and premature failure of the alternator). Anyone know if the Ranger has this type of alternator ?

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[superj]

I hope not. Those are some battery eating suckers in nissan trucks

 

[John E Davies]

DO NOT hook the trailer power directly to your truck, it is too risky. Use a smart DC to DC charger specifically calibrated for LiFePO4 batteries. I mounted one in my trailer, I chose a 12 amp Redarc model that would work properly off my existing small tow vehicle wires (20 amp fused). It worked great. See this article. I do not know if this model is still available.

https://olivertraveltrailers.com/fo...c-11-amp-output-trailer-charger-installation/

If you want to really charge those lithiums FAST you must run big fat (welder sized!) wires all the way up to the front of your truck to your battery. That is not a simple job. If you screw up your trailer wiring and fry your alternator, Ford is not going to pay for a new one.

https://www.ranger6g.com/forum/threads/7-pin-connector-for-trailer-dc-dc-charging.12385/

Do you have solar up on the roof? If not it would be a good idea to install at least 300 watts of good panels, then you won't have to worry as much about the tow vehicle charging....

John Davies
Spokane WA

 

[joordan]

Switching travel trailer battery to lithium. There are posts on the internet saying you should install a DC/DC converter if you do not have a "protected alternator" in the tow vehicle (to protect against overheating and premature failure of the alternator). Anyone know if the Ranger has this type of alternator ?

any lithium battery on the market embeds the BMS, which is all what you need to protect the battery from overheating, overcharging etc etc
however, that does not make the charging profile any different than what your alternator does, protected or not. and that's not ideal for lithium batteries as they have a slightly different charging profile than non-lithium. you should use a proper charger in between. if not, no safety hazard as the BMS will trigger any harmful event, but your battery life will definitely be shorter

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