Strength of alternator for charging an additional battery.

[rich22255]

So I recently bought a "new to me" 1996 GL1500. I intend to build a small camper trailer to pull behind it for a trip out west. My question is can the alternator charge an additional DC battery on the trailer if wired properly with a 20 Amp DC-DC battery charger inline between the two batteries. There's a ton of information out there for use with a truck or car but nothing dealing with a trike.

I appreciate any thoughts on this.
Rich2154

[DenverWinger]

Should be just fine, I used to charge my "Camping Battery" - a marine "Deep Cycle" battery with my 1100 going down the road between campsites. The 1500 has an even bigger alternator than the 1100, at highway speeds there will be plenty of additional juice for your extra battery.

[WingAdmin]

If you're worried about extra power availability, look at the two largest current drawing components on your bike: the headlight bulbs. Replacing those halogen bulbs with LEDs can free up 70 watts or more of available power capacity.

[rich22255]

Thanks to both of you for your great information I really appreciate it. As far as replacing the headlights with LED's I've read several of different forums where folks have a difficult time finding LED's that work well. Do you have an opinion on which brand would work best?

[WingAdmin]

Thanks to both of you for your great information I really appreciate it. As far as replacing the headlights with LED's I've read several of different forums where folks have a difficult time finding LED's that work well. Do you have an opinion on which brand would work best?

The Pathfinder lights, specifically meant for the GL1500, work quite well: https://cyclemax.com/products/gl1500-ne ... dlight-kit

[rich22255]

You've been a great help to me. Thanks much for your time. I really appreciate you both.

Rich22255

[Sassy]

Thanks to both of you for your great information I really appreciate it. As far as replacing the headlights with LED's I've read several of different forums where folks have a difficult time finding LED's that work well. Do you have an opinion on which brand would work best?

The Pathfinder lights, specifically meant for the GL1500, work quite well: https://cyclemax.com/products/gl1500-ne ... dlight-kit

Thanks for your opinion. Ordered them just now.

[Charlie1Horse]

You could possibly consider a battery isolator. These units allow the alternator to charge 2 or more batteries when the engine is running but, isolates the starting battery from the accessory battery when the ignition is switched off. This allows for both batteries to be charged without worry of discharging the battery that cranks your engine when sitting at your campsite. These isolators are used on most RVs with multiple batteries and is automatic. You don't have to turn anything off/on or connect anything when you start or stop. Just my thoughts.
Russell

[rich22255]

Thats great information Russell! I'll be checking into an isolator for sure. Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it.

[detdrbuzzard]

if you are still have the stock alternator on your bike you might consider upgrading to a high output alternator

[rich22255]

That's a great idea! Thank you!