Quote:
Originally Posted by Firestarter
Kind of need DC power for spark. On a mechanical diesel sure.
What about using a wired ground so the load of the alternator is minimal until you use the brakes which then let's the alternator charge the battery
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Using the alt to charge the system puts a load on the engine. The more amps it provides or puts out, the bigger the load the engine "sees". So you can charge the battery now or charge it later, same difference. If you want gains, use deep cycle(s) and charge them off the grid as suggested earlier. Grid=low cost.
UNLESS you are going down enough of a hill that even with transmission engaged to drive the alternator, you will arrive at end of your coast with same speed as if you had done EOC. In that case, you may as well charge off the alternator, driven by gravity. Admit it, usually anything that slows your coast will shorten it and reduce your overall mpg.