[A/S] Charge rates from tow vehicle

[Stan Nicholson <stan@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I suspect the charging rate will vary from rig to rig, depending on 
lots of factors.  One thing to be aware of, however, is the voltage 
drop caused by the diodes in most battery isolators.  Whatever 
current is being sent to the trailer charge line will be affected by 
those diodes, which could greatly affect the time required to get a 
substantial charge into the trailer batteries.  Obviously battery 
isolators are essential, though.

In looking into the isolator situation a year ago, I ran across 
Hellroaring Technologies (great name, apparently from local Montana 
geography).  They offer isolators that will allow use of the trailer 
batteries to start the tow vehicle, if you're willing to run a 
seriously heavy duty starting cable from the trailer batteries 
forward (yeah, sure).  The neat feature, though, is a very low 
voltage drop on the charging line.  I haven't measured the actual 
charging rate, due both to laziness and the fact that we've got 
solar, so charging while traveling isn't so much of an issue. 
Anyway, their URL is:

http://www.hellroaring.com/

in case you're interested.

Stan