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I have been thinking about getting one of the Sterling Alternator to Battery charger(AB12130(130amp) for my 90amp alternator charging an >200ah auxiliary battery). However I have been advised by some that it may have the tendency to overload the alternator and cause a burnout, even though the "experts" have reassured me that this will not happen. On searching through the net I have found that a lot of posting members here have installed one of their products, but as yet I have not found any negative comments. Still the cost of replacing the alternator is definitely a concern for me.
I would be most grateful if members who have installed the Sterling line of Alternator to Battery products can post their experience with the units, whether positive or otherwise.
Ah! Maybe I'd run a Poll as well. Gotta love polling!
I have dealt with a lot of these on canal boats, on those that live aboard they tend to go through alternators faster than normal, tho those who dont use there battery much tend to last just as long as normal, end of the day it tricks the alternator to go balls out by creating a large load which of course will wear the alternator out faster.
I would ask why you think you need one ???
DJ at Dubdayz Summerfest Now cutting about in an LT35 MWB
Mine works great, I have a 120 amp alternator and a 50 amp sterling so no worries on damage to alternator. I think the alternator issue is a moot point anyway, as you are getting the sterling to charge your batteries quickly so it's pretty obvious it will put more strain on your alternator especially if your sterling is twice the power of your alt.
If you camp without hookup and have a compressor fridge it's a great thing to have
jamesc: I am hoping to be able to wild camp a lot plus using the van as a mobile power bank for working in remote areas, so wanting to install large battery bank and as efficient an alternator charger as possible so I do not have to drive for a long time just for the sake of charging the batteries.
lloydy: good to hear. I thought one is not meant to install a smaller sized Sterling charger than the alternator or the charger may be the one getting burnt out? Obviously it has worked very well for you and it is good to know.
james: just wondering when you said they go through the alternators faster when used heavily, is it like disastrously faster? As an estimate do you think they shorten the alternator's lifespan by say, up to 50%?
I've been keeping an eye out for news on these issues too.
The way I see it, power, heating and cooling are expensive. So if you need power you need to consider a solar panel or a sterling.
If you need dependable power you need a sterling.
So, if you decide you need a sterling then accept the alternator is working overtime occasionally and may not last as long. Save the stress and buy a spare alternator and stick it in the cupboard just in case.
paradox148 wrote:
I thought one is not meant to install a smaller sized Sterling charger than the alternator or the charger may be the one getting burnt out?
i checked before buying, better to have one smaller than the alternator, but really doesnt make any difference, bigger, smaller all is good
paradox148 wrote:james: just wondering when you said they go through the alternators faster when used heavily, is it like disastrously faster? As an estimate do you think they shorten the alternator's lifespan by say, up to 50%?
i really wouldnt worry about it, it might shorten the life a bit, but its more likely to hasten the demise of a old knackered alternator than kill a good one. Start off with a good alternator and all will be well
I have one and it works fine, its been on for a year or two with no alternator dramas. I have a 12v compressor fridge as I wanted a working fridge in hot countries and those gas fridges stop working in most of the countries I have traveled through over the last couple of years so, I needed something to charge my duel leisure batteries up quicker than a 700 mile drive on a standard zig set up. It also means I can wild camp in sub zero temperatures longer than three days without having to drive the van another 700 miles to fully charge the leisure batteries.
paradox148 wrote:jed, that is exactly why I am looking at the unit. We don't tend to get sub-zero weather here in sunny Queensland though! It's more like 40C! LOL
What sizes are the unit and your alterntor?
The alternator is a 90amp and the Sterling is overkill at 240ish I think, it came up at the right price on ebay so I snapped it up.
Yes, solar works well here. I already have one 80w solar panel and may be expanding it as well. It does not really charge up that fast and I do get into situations with heavy usage with short recharging time, so having a fast charger like the Sterling would just seem to be the ideal set up.
WOW, a 240amp Sterling with the 90amp alterntor! LOL Well, if you ever do need to replace your alternator, you can install a higher rating one and have a real killer fast charger! And it is good to know that the big Sterling works well with smaller alt as well.
