Charging at a lot of amps!

[VW Badger]

I've noticed that when the engine is running my battery status display shows >>20A even after charging them on the mains overnight. Is this normal or are the batteries on their way out? Maybe I've only just noticed it?

 

[jts46]

What vehicle? Avatar says “on order”

 

[VW Badger]

What vehicle? Avatar says “on order”

2018 Ocean DSG 4 Motion

 

[Loz]

After starting, current can often flow out of the leisure batteries then after a while the not-so-smart alternator will bang the amps back into the starter battery, but because the split charge is only a relay the leisure batteries will get the same charge, but as they top back up and the internal resistance changes this should drop, unfortunately, the panel goes to sleep quite quickly so unless you keep waking it up you don't often get to see for how long before it drops back down.
Also, are you sure they are charging on hookup, there is a common problem with the plug falling out of the charger, so you think you are charging them on hookup but actually you are not.

 

[VW Badger]

Thanks Loz - that makes sense
The leisure batteries were good and charged after the mains hook up.
The van does a lot of short journeys so the engine battery probably rarely gets a good charge.