DC DC Charge Controller Install - Alt Spoof

Thought I'd drop a bread crumb for anyone else chasing a charge controller solution to our gen2 charging peculiarities.

I'm running a Renogy DC-DC dual input charge controller that utilizes solar and/or the truck charging system to charge a Lithium battery. The charge controller struggles due to the low charging voltage of the 2nd gen Tacoma. As you may know the 2nd gen utilizes something in between a smart and dumb alternator that lowers charging voltage to around 13.2 volts after the truck warms up and recharges the starter battery. I noticed my charge controller reduces output with the reduced alternator voltage by as much as 30%. Not happy with the Renogy I tried a CTEK. While testing out the CTEK unit I noticed it fluctuating from 0 amps to 14 amps every 5-10 seconds when the alternator voltage was lowered. I figured it was tripping out due to low input voltage. Reading through the forum I found the AGM battery charging thread (below) that spoofs the alternator voltage sense circuit to cause the alternator to raise the nominal output voltage by ~0.5V. I threw in the mod and everything now works as it should. Yes, I know that I am running the charging circuit for the my lead acid battery a little hot at startup. Not worried though, as the systems settles into a nice ~14V (typically a little less) state after 15 minutes or so of driving. Well within the charging state used by traditional "dumb" alternators.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/agm-battery-charging-alternator-voltage-booster.611314/

 

I have a Redarc DC to DC charger in mine. My starter battery is a Northstar AGM, so I installed the voltage increasing diode. Charger runs optimally.

 

Thanks for the breadcrumb post!!! I'm new to all this and thought my alternator was on the way out. Have similar set up but with Victrone components and a Li230AH battery. Brand new AGM engine battery. Once running and warm and DC charger is on voltage drops to 13.2 an I'm averaging 1.3 amps. The Victron Charger has a setting for SmartAlternators, do you think that would help?

 

Our trucks do not have Smart alternators, nor do we have dumb alternators, we have something in between. I've tried wiring up as a smart alternator to no affect. Running the diode has worked like a champ for me. Still no signs of adverse affects.

 

Good to know, Ill give it a shot. Just curious what year is your truck? 4L V6 right?

 

2010 4L V6

 

Have to ask do you have any thoughts on the updated version posted at the link in your original post?