I am looking to add a DC to DC converter inline to my starter battery to charge my AC70 while driving, using the DC input. I would like to get the most wattage output that my unit can handle. I would like to have the remote switch option as well so that it only charges when the vehicle is running, and possibly a cooling fan so the converter unit does not get to hot. Based on the inputs (see below) I am having a difficult time finding a 10 amp converter that can get close to 500 watts.
Most DC-DC converters suitable for vehicles, change 12V to 24V or vice versa. The AC70 is limited to 10A input, therefore, 24V x 10A = 240W. This also means a minimum 20A load from the vehicle battery. I have spent several hours trying to find a12V to 48V DC-DC, without success.
I therefore went down a different path; I have a 4x4, with an Auxiliary battery. I installed a Victron 375W inverter and charge my AC70 when driving in silent mode at around 280W. I also have a 110W solar panel on the roof of the 4x4 and can route it to the AC70 at the same time, adding up to another 100W = 380W total. A larger inverter to charge in Standard mode, for my use, would be too much load on my 4x4 system. I’m yet to find anything that will improve my charge rate.
Thanks for the info. I am new to all of this, so trying to figure it out. I did see that the Victron 12 /24 10 would get me ~240 watts, and of course as we “tinkerers” do some times we want to get more…lol! So, I am trying to find away to get as many watts as possible, but I may have to settle for less. I really don’t have the option to mount a solar panel at this time as my truck is my daily driver. I did find a couple of step up units that would possibly work, but they do not have the remote/acc wire startup option.
One is the Uxcell B01N8S6A6T, steps 12v up to 48v @ 10 amps., and is waterproof, so I could possibly mount it outside of the truck and not have to worry about the heat. But, no remote/acc wire startup.
Another possibility is the Daygreen A1U4810, again 12v to 48v @ 10 amps, but again no remote/acc wire startup.
Maybe something here will help you, or you can set me straight on one of the above units if it is to much for my alternator/battery system.
The load for a 48V step up will be around 40A, go for it if your truck can handle the current. Don’t forget to work out the correct cable sizing and fusing for that kinda load. Good luck.
Thanks for all of the information! If I go with the Victron 375W inverter, what size breaker/fuse should i use between the vehicle battery and inverter?
