Now that I have a carport which will hinder the solar panels, I was thinking of putting an Intermatic Time Clock on the 30A RV outlet to prevent overcharging. Maybe have it come on for about an hour a day. Is it not needed? Can I trust the charger?
Now that I have a carport that will hinder the solar panels, I was thinking of putting an Intermatic Time Clock on the 30A RV outlet to prevent overcharging. Maybe have it come on for about an hour a day. Is it not needed? Can I trust the charger?
Using a timer isn't a bad idea, many of the older converters can overcharge the coach battery if left on for extended periods.
An hour or two a day should be more than enough.
Check the battery water level occasionally to make sure it isn't using a lot, which would indicate possible overcharging.
Larry
I suggest replacing the converter with a multi-stage upgrade insert that will not only fully charge the batteries, but also not overcharge when always on shorepower.
Upgrade Kits for Magnetek/Parallax (http://www.bestconverter.com/Upgrade-Kits-for-MagnetekParallax_c_64.html)
Steve
Check the battery water level occasionally to make sure it isn't using a lot, which would indicate possible overcharging.
Larry
Yes, might need to make note.
I suggest replacing the converter with a multi-stage upgrade insert that will not only fully charge the batteries, but also not overcharge when always on shorepower.
Upgrade Kits for Magnetek/Parallax (http://www.bestconverter.com/Upgrade-Kits-for-MagnetekParallax_c_64.html)
Steve
I was thinking of having a spare. Perhaps replace mine with a multistage and keep the old one as a spare. First though, I think I will go see what is in there. No telling if it is the original from 1999 or not.
I suggest replacing the converter with a multi-stage upgrade insert that will not only fully charge the batteries, but also not overcharge when always on shorepower.
Upgrade Kits for Magnetek/Parallax (http://www.bestconverter.com/Upgrade-Kits-for-MagnetekParallax_c_64.html)
Steve
I suggest replacing the converter with a multi-stage upgrade insert that will not only fully charge the batteries, but also not overcharge when always on shorepower.
Upgrade Kits for Magnetek/Parallax (http://www.bestconverter.com/Upgrade-Kits-for-MagnetekParallax_c_64.html)
Steve
For the 1st 16 years of his life, my LD was under a canopy and plugged in all the time. I left the solar controller on "shore" power and never had any problems with overcharging or excessive water usage. The upgraded converter is the best approach, of course.
Chris
Using a timer isn't a bad idea, many of the older converters can overcharge the coach battery if left on for extended periods.
An hour or two a day should be more than enough.
Check the battery water level occasionally to make sure it isn't using a lot, which would indicate possible overcharging.
Larry
"Check the battery water level occasionally to make sure it isn't using a lot, which would indicate possible overcharging."I wrote some days ago how much water my battery took at Morro Bay when I finally checked it. After filling it there, today I checked it in storage and it took nearly 2/3rds a gallon of water. The batteries are still charging and working but certainly need to be replaced - 6 1/2 yrs old. And the converter chirped loudly when I turned on the battery disconnect.Chris
Why not just disconnect the batteries? If it does not have a switch install one. Easy Peasy
I wrote some days ago how much water my battery took at Morro Bay when I finally checked it. After filling it there, today I checked it in storage and it took nearly 2/3rds a gallon of water. The batteries are still charging and working but certainly need to be replaced - 6 1/2 yrs old. [quote ]
Increased use of battery water is a classic sign of aging lead-acid batteries, assuming they are not being overcharged..
Larry
I checked, it looks like I still have the original controller.
My batteries are just a few months old. Trojan T105. I added the easy watering kit. I could just add a disconnect switch to the batteries as mentioned, but for me I think it would be easier to add the time clock to the outlet.
Understand that upgrading the converter as a solution has far-reaching other benefits - such as much faster and more complete charging of depleted batteries when on shorepower or running the generator. It will also offer an equalizing function, occasionally necessary for lead-acid battery technology...
Steve
Yes Steven(Jill). Your '99 should have the same converter my '99 TK has. A Magnetek series 6300A, model 6345. A 45 amp converter. It has a battery charger, as if that was something new...maybe it was. I don't run the generator much. Solar does charging when I'm parked, and the engine alternator doesn't go through the converter. I plan on replacing the converter, but I'm trying to decide whether or not to go to a Lithium LiFePO4 specific charger as part of the upgrade, or to stick with WLA. With the E350, I really don't want to add another 150# of WLA batteries, and the less weight, and deeper discharge of LFe's are something to consider. Price is kind of steep for this old of a rig at $1k per battery.
The DC fuse board would need to be replaced also, in addition to just the battery charger, for the older 6300 series. It might be easier to replace the whole distribution box and charger if I opt for the Lithiums. The LiFePO4 such as the Battleborn would need a more sophisticated, higher power charger along with other parts to coexist with my chassis battery, solar and available space. An easily deferred decision for now. RonB
Just to let you all know. I went ahead an ordered the (6300 45 KIT 45 Amp Kit For 6300 Series). I will also order a disconnect switch.
Here is why I finally decided to upgrade.
A couple of weeks ago I installed a Weboost. I tapped into 12v light near the closet. Shortly after turning it on the Weboost it shut off. I measured voltage coming out of it's 12v to 5v transformer at 2.5v. I plugged the 120v to 5v one in and the Weboost worked fine. I had Weboost ship me out another transformer. It was doing the same thing. Upon further investigating I noticed that the transformer would put out 5v on just the house batteries (breaker to inverter off). With the inverter on It also worked with just a few LED's on in the LD but if I turned on the fluorescents or fans it would drop back down. Observing the power out of the inverter it was 15v with just the LED's on. But as I turned on more items it would drop but still stay above 13v. My thought is the DC voltage is not clean.
Steve