Keeping AGM starter battery in Ducato fully charged

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Sep 22, 2023
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4 berth coachbuilt
I have arranged for the AGM starter battery in our Ducato based motorhome to be continually kept charged at 13.4 volts.

I feel that this is better than the very low trickle charge current more usually found on modern motorhomes because AGM lead acid batteries are happier when kept fully charged.

I have chosen the lower AGM charge voltage rather than the higher voltage available so that there is some room in the battery for when the smart alternator kicks in during engine overun.

The lithium leisure batteries are charged with a Schaudt 121545 B2B fitted by Hymer.

This system seems to work well, but I would welcome any views from the collective.
 
How have you achieved this?
As I mentioned on another thread, I found that I had a spare Sterling Power B2B, so I connected it up 'backwards' so that it charges the starter battery from the lithium leisure battery.

The Sterling has two AGM settings (in addition to all of the others), so I chose "AGM 1" which floats at 13.4 volts. It also has a half power setting, which I have used.

It basically does the same job as a battery master, but better.

So far (with two weekend trips), I am very pleased with it. The motorhome is now sitting on the driiveway with the EHU time switch connected to off peak electricity from Octopus Energy (around 5p per kWh early tomorrow morning)
 

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