Low Balmar Alternator Charging at Idle on 2023 EKKO 22A

[yprusekko]

We recently purchased a 2023 EKKO 22a, which has two 310 Ah lithium batteries and a Balmar alternator dedicated to charging the two coach batteries. From what I have read, the alternator is supposed to generate ~190 amps while driving, and ~110 amps at idle. I have been told that the feed to each battery is limited to a max of 30 to 40 amps. The issue I am having is that while I am getting a 30 - 40 amp charge into each battery while driving, I am only getting 2- 8 amps / battery while the engine in idling, which seems very low to me. Does anyone have experience what the Balmar alternator in an EKKO should be putting out at idle?

 

[SMH2026]

YP,

First order of business is to check all connections, grounds and cables connections. Second order is to determine cable size from the alternator to the batteries, and how many feet is the run from the alternator to the batteries?
If the cable run is 20 feet one way it would equal a total circuit length of 40 feet. #2 AWG copper cable is a good start at these current levels. I would dedicate 2 cables, one from the alternator to batteries and one from the batteries back to the alternator ground. I would also recommend you think about installing a charge controller as lithiums have a very low internal resistance and if uncontrolled can damage an alternator by overheating it from working to charge heavily discharged batteries.
Note: I don't like using the chassis as the ground return, a dual cable run assures better power delivery to the batteries.

so it would look like Alternator >>> charge controller >>> Batteries.

Hope this helps

SM

 

[I EKKO]

We recently purchased a 2023 EKKO 22a, which has two 310 Ah lithium batteries and a Balmar alternator dedicated to charging the two coach batteries. From what I have read, the alternator is supposed to generate ~190 amps while driving, and ~110 amps at idle. I have been told that the feed to each battery is limited to a max of 30 to 40 amps. The issue I am having is that while I am getting a 30 - 40 amp charge into each battery while driving, I am only getting 2- 8 amps / battery while the engine in idling, which seems very low to me. Does anyone have experience what the Balmar alternator in an EKKO should be putting out at idle?

WGO had a recall to derate the charge current to help prevent Balmer failure. They will now replace the Balmer with a Nations brand. It’s a higher current alternator and it provides higher charge at idle. Fret not checking all connections and wire gauge this is typical for the derated regulator.
Join us over at EKKO owners and wannabes official Facebook group.

 

[Bobn1957]

We recently purchased a 2023 EKKO 22a, which has two 310 Ah lithium batteries and a Balmar alternator dedicated to charging the two coach batteries. From what I have read, the alternator is supposed to generate ~190 amps while driving, and ~110 amps at idle. I have been told that the feed to each battery is limited to a max of 30 to 40 amps. The issue I am having is that while I am getting a 30 - 40 amp charge into each battery while driving, I am only getting 2- 8 amps / battery while the engine in idling, which seems very low to me. Does anyone have experience what the Balmar alternator in an EKKO should be putting out at idle?

As the batteries reach full charge, they draw less current, so 8 amps might be all they need. At idle the alternator voltage is probably dropping somewhat, which results in less charge current.

 

[James Myers]

Winnebago had a program to replace the Balmar with the Nations upgrade. Winnebago supplied the parts while the customer paid the labor. We had this done for better charging and peace of mind. We are happy with the upgrade. It cost us less than $700. I'm not sure if they are still offering this program.

 

[I EKKO]

We recently purchased a 2023 EKKO 22a, which has two 310 Ah lithium batteries and a Balmar alternator dedicated to charging the two coach batteries. From what I have read, the alternator is supposed to generate ~190 amps while driving, and ~110 amps at idle. I have been told that the feed to each battery is limited to a max of 30 to 40 amps. The issue I am having is that while I am getting a 30 - 40 amp charge into each battery while driving, I am only getting 2- 8 amps / battery while the engine in idling, which seems very low to me. Does anyone have experience what the Balmar alternator in an EKKO should be putting out at idle?

Michigan Yooper?