Product recomendation based on building in phases

[Jscott]

I am starting with a 2013 Mercedes Sprinter with Factory installed Additional battery for retrofit and Cutoff relay for additional battery.
I run either a thermal electric refrigerator or a compressor based freezer off the additional battery. Either one pulls around 5 amps, both are rated at 70W. Lately the Additional battery does not seem to be getting a full charge. This could be from not driving long enough during the day to recharge the battery or it could be OEM charging system setup, not sure.

I am thinking about which of several option to implement now knowing that at some time in the future after the kids get through school and through college into an RV.I am wondering if just changing the regulator would be enough or if I need to look at an additional charge source. If possible I would like to avoid purchasing over lapping equipment between now and the RV conversion.

I have thought about a solar panel or array, and noticed mention of the EnerMatic Controller being able to control a solar panel to charge a battery. Does the EnerMatic have a built in solar controller and battery charging circuit? If not does Ample Power have a solar controller and battery charging circuit?

When I convert to an RV I will probably need at least 3 additional charge sources:
1) Solar
2) AC Battery Charger
3) Genie diesel battery charger

[Coulomb]

The short story is this: deep cycle batteries will not charge properly from an alternator/regulator built to charge starter batteries.

Now, and in the future, a Smart Alternator Regulator with a hot rated alternator will cure the most problems.

[Jscott]

Given that what hot rated Alternators fits a Mercedes Sprinter with 6 cylinder diesel engine?

How long does a Smart Alternator Regulator with a hot rated alternator take to charge the battery?

If the problem is insufficient driving time does the Smart Alternator Regulator with a hot rated alternator fix the issue?

[Coulomb]

You have to return the Amp-hours depleted from the battery plus some for inefficiencies. Only when you know that can you predict how long it will take to charge.

Do you have the year and engine size of the Mercedes Sprinter van?

A picture of the present alternator would help.

[Jscott]

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the battery is a 100Ah the draw is 5.5A for 20 hours for the thermal electric. and 35.7Ah to 75.7Ah for the compressor based depending on temperature.
the vehicle is a 2013 Mercedes Sprinter Crew 2500. engine is 3.0L 6 cylinder

[Jscott]

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[Coulomb]

That is the 'tangent mount'. You want the #4023-TAN alternator and the SAR-V3 regulator.