Technical 2.8 JTD 2003 X244 Alternator

[blaven]

Following on an earlier post in 2009, is there any way of telling which output alternator is fitted to my van fitted with cab air-con, maybe from the VIN no.?
Would fitting the higher rated 120A affect adversely any systems in the van?
Its a LWB camping conversion with an additional 2 leisure batteries charging from a SIG system.

 

[corcai]

Following on an earlier post in 2009, is there any way of telling which output alternator is fitted to my van fitted with cab air-con, maybe from the VIN no.?
Would fitting the higher rated 120A affect adversely any systems in the van?
Its a LWB camping conversion with an additional 2 leisure batteries charging from a SIG system.

I assume you mean a ZIG panel, what model ZIG is it, what model camper?

I can check from your VIN but fitting a larger alternator may have a neglible effect on charging your leisure batteries especially with a ZIG and probably weedy wiring.

 

[toyogran]

It might sound like a good idea giving your leisure batteries more charging amps either from the alternator or an external charger but these batteries aren't fond of high extended high charge rates particulary if discharged much below 12 volts.
They have a better life if they receive a modest charge over an extended period and most manufactures of led acid cells don't recommend an initial charge any more than 20% of the amphr rate even though the internal resistance of the battery will allow more.
As Corcai suggests the installed wiring will not be up to it anyway and apart from heating the charging circuit up nicely will not do much for you. You're better off upgrading the charging cables to the batteries and minimise the voltage drop when driving.
We have a couple of 110 ah batteries in parallel fed of the standard alternator BUT have a 100w solar panel on the roof which keeps the leisure and engine batteries topped up all year round and can last several days without hookup if being frugal and leds all round.
Battery manufactures are very misleading. Even though a battery may be rated at 100 amphr you will be lucky to get 50ah of useful energy because when the voltage gets to 11.9 volts it is technically flat!

 

[blaven]

Thanks Corcai. Yes it's a ZIG Marque 1 panel with a ZIG charger behind my wardrobe, (currently inaccessible as I'm touring Sweden). From memory the charger looks substantial with a heat sink and a fan.
Van is a Murvi Morello 2003. I don't think they stinted on wiring but I'm no expert. Looking to the future I'm aware that chargers have a limited life owing to component degradation, and wondering whether I need to consider an upgrade. I also have a solar panel fitted charging all batteries. Everything working fine just now though. All batteries removed during winter months and charged periodically using a C-Tek 8000? Charger

 

[blaven]

Thanks Toyogran

Lots to read about electrics from. aandncaravanservices.co.uk

Especially about latest generation Bosch batteries and inefficiency of solar panels!