Fans of B2B will like THIS!

[DiploStrat]

Seems Sterling Power USA have, in stock, not vaporware, a new 120A, Battery to Battery charger with voltage REDUCTION for lithium cells.

http://www.sterling-power-usa.com/B...probattc-batterytobatterycharger12vto12v.aspx

While I suspect that the beast is physically large, this could be a very interesting, if expensive, tool for those:

-- Wanting a voltage boost because of low vehicle alternator voltage.

-- Wanting a lithium profile.

May be worth contacting Defender Marine as they usually have Sterling Products at a substantial discount: http://www.sterling-power-usa.com/B...probattc-batterytobatterycharger12vto12v.aspx

 

[Haf-E]

Very cool find - looks like they plan to offer a 60 amp size as well which would be enough for most people. Its not that physically large in my opinion.

This would be a good option for people who need to high rate charge a trailer's battery system. They also offer a 12 to 24vdc model that might work for military vehicle systems - unimogs, pinzgauers etc.

 

[DiploStrat]

This would be a good option for people who need to high rate charge a trailer's battery system. They also offer a 12 to 24vdc model that might work for military vehicle systems - unimogs, pinzgauers etc.

To be clear, most of us simply don't need these; a split charge relay being less expensive and better if your vehicle alternator runs in the 14-15v range and you are using AGM or FLA batteries. (For the reason why, start reading here: http://www.smartgauge.co.uk/controllers.html) There is nothing trailer specific about this unit, you still need massive cables and some form of quick disconnect that is large enough.

I would agree on this being a slick, one step cure for the 24v - 12v problems posed by mil spec vehicles.

 

[dwh]

Very cool find - looks like they plan to offer a 60 amp size as well which would be enough for most people.

First page of the manual says they also have 180a unit.

 

[DiploStrat]

Sterling's previous generation of B2B topped out at 50A. (The CTEK line top out at 20A.) Anecdotal evidence was that they did not reach that, so at least one person installed a pair. (N.B. It IS possible that his batteries were simply not discharged enough to demand the full output of the B2B.) He has been very happy with the performance of the pair of Sterling B2B's, noting that they, and a modest solar array, have reduced his generator usage to about zero. To be fair, his truck has a 13v alternator and was originally equipped with a diode isolator - he simply didn't get any charge at all.

About two years ago Charlie Sterling told me that they were having trouble getting their B2B's up to the 100A mark. Sounds like they have done it. The great advantage of a B2B over an A2B is the simplicity of the wiring; you don't have to run a line back to the starter battery. Also, there is no chance of the B2B interfering with the engine control system; the B2B simply looks like a dumb load on the starter battery.

Again, if your truck's charging system doesn't routinely reach 14+v or if you want to play with lithium batteries, these could be a great product.

If your truck routinely runs between 14 and 15v, then go with a split charge relay. You will save (a lot) of money and achieve much higher charge rates.