Call Of The Week; Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, April 19, 2025
Ann from Arizona called into Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor to ask about using a Bluetti DC-to-DC charger to power her portable power station from her 2023 RAM ProMaster 1500 cargo van while idling. She lives and travels in the van and relies on the power station for everyday needs like cooking and charging devices.
Her question:
Can prolonged idling to charge the power station damage the alternator or vehicle systems?
🔧 Ron’s Response & Key Takeaways ✅ Idling Itself Is Not the Issue...
Ron reassures Ann that idling a modern vehicle occasionally for power needs is not inherently harmful, but the impact depends on:
How much current (amps) is being pulled from the alternator.
How long the engine is left idling.
How well-maintained the engine and charging system are.
⚠️ What to Watch Out For:
Alternator Load:
Every alternator has a maximum amperage rating (e.g., 100 amps).
If your power station charger pulls close to or over that limit, especially at idle where alternators are less efficient, it can overwork or overheat the alternator.
Constant high output shortens its lifespan or could cause premature failure.
Engine Heat & Wear:
Idling generates less airflow than driving, so under-hood heat builds up.
Extended idling stresses:
Cooling system
Oil and fluids
Electrical components
Emergency vehicles often use heavy-duty parts (like heat-resistant hoses) to handle this, but stock vehicles don’t.
Modern Smart Charging Systems:
Newer vehicles like Ann’s have computer-controlled alternators.
They adjust alternator output based on demand, which helps efficiency and could reduce stress during charging—a positive for her setup.
🔍 Ron’s Recommendation
Ann should have an auto-electric shop or RV specialist do a draw test:
Connect the power station,
Run the van at idle,
Measure the actual amperage being pulled from the alternator.
Then compare that number to the alternator’s rated capacity.
This test will confirm whether idling for charging is within safe limits or if adjustments (like a higher-output alternator or changing charging habits) are needed.
âś… Practical Advice in the Meantime
Charge the power station while driving when possible—this reduces stress on the system.
Be diligent with routine maintenance, especially:
Oil changes
Cooling system checks
Battery and charging system inspections
🛠️ Conclusion:
Ron didn’t see anything immediately dangerous with Ann’s setup, but emphasized that understanding actual power draw is key to preventing long-term damage. With smart planning and regular maintenance, charging a power station from a vehicle alternator can be done safely.
Full episodes of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor also available.Â
Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Call Of The Week; Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor, April 19, 2025
Ann from Arizona called into Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor to ask about using a Bluetti DC-to-DC charger to power her portable power station from her 2023 RAM ProMaster 1500 cargo van while idling. She lives and travels in the van and relies on the power station for everyday needs like cooking and charging devices.
Her question:
Can prolonged idling to charge the power station damage the alternator or vehicle systems?
🔧 Ron’s Response & Key Takeaways ✅ Idling Itself Is Not the Issue...
Ron reassures Ann that idling a modern vehicle occasionally for power needs is not inherently harmful, but the impact depends on:
How much current (amps) is being pulled from the alternator.
How long the engine is left idling.
How well-maintained the engine and charging system are.
⚠️ What to Watch Out For:
Alternator Load:
Every alternator has a maximum amperage rating (e.g., 100 amps).
If your power station charger pulls close to or over that limit, especially at idle where alternators are less efficient, it can overwork or overheat the alternator.
Constant high output shortens its lifespan or could cause premature failure.
Engine Heat & Wear:
Idling generates less airflow than driving, so under-hood heat builds up.
Extended idling stresses:
Cooling system
Oil and fluids
Electrical components
Emergency vehicles often use heavy-duty parts (like heat-resistant hoses) to handle this, but stock vehicles don’t.
Modern Smart Charging Systems:
Newer vehicles like Ann’s have computer-controlled alternators.
They adjust alternator output based on demand, which helps efficiency and could reduce stress during charging—a positive for her setup.
🔍 Ron’s Recommendation
Ann should have an auto-electric shop or RV specialist do a draw test:
Connect the power station,
Run the van at idle,
Measure the actual amperage being pulled from the alternator.
Then compare that number to the alternator’s rated capacity.
This test will confirm whether idling for charging is within safe limits or if adjustments (like a higher-output alternator or changing charging habits) are needed.
âś… Practical Advice in the Meantime
Charge the power station while driving when possible—this reduces stress on the system.
Be diligent with routine maintenance, especially:
Oil changes
Cooling system checks
Battery and charging system inspections
🛠️ Conclusion:
Ron didn’t see anything immediately dangerous with Ann’s setup, but emphasized that understanding actual power draw is key to preventing long-term damage. With smart planning and regular maintenance, charging a power station from a vehicle alternator can be done safely.
Full episodes of Ron Ananian, The Car Doctor also available.Â
Visit us at https://www.cardoctorshow.com
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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