12VDC Deep Cycle Charging with DC powered system question

 I hope some folks in this group have the expertise to help me on this
question.

I am an RV'er that likes to dry camp, and I carry (4) 115AH 12VDC
batteries.  I am an artist and I use some power, OK?

Up until now, I have always charged my batteries with an AC 2/12/24 Amp
digital smart charger hooked up to my generator.  My generator supplies
(2) AC 120V outlets with an average 10-13 Amps each.  I have found this
setup to be pathetic in terms of performance, and am looking to set up a
  more effecient system.

I will be adding solar panels soon also.  But my main question is this:

Technically, all generators make DC power.  They have an inverter built
in to convert to AC, since most everything uses AC.  Then, my
smart-charger converts back to DC to charge the batteries.  Isn't this
inefficient?  Wouldn't I be better off with a DC powered smart-charger
that I could hook directly to my generators alternator, or to my 130A
truck alternator?  But I need something smart, because I don't want to
ruin my batteries by overcharging.

Would the Solar charge controllers work for my application?  I know that
are some DC smart chargers available for sailboats.  Is that what I
should be looking for?

Thank you.
Shape Sweeney
http://www.shapesweeney.com

 

take a look at http://www.web7days.com/led/

 
"developer" noneed@noneed.net  wrote in message


    Let's see: "Solar Panel size 210 X 210 cm", "10.00 Volts at > 1000 ma"
    Thus, size = ~ 83 inches x 83 inches; output = 10 Watts.
    Seems a bit impractical for backpacking, or anything else.
    Nice way to get a plug in, tho'<G.

    Laurie

 
Laurie wrote:

1000 ma"

I bet that's 210 mm.  Or else that's a HUGE backpack.

 

And every thing else is giant size!  

More likely 210 mm.


Bill Kaszeta
Photovoltaic Resources Int'l
Tempe  Arizona  USA
bill@pvri-removethis.biz