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Topic: 1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze converter/ charger help! (Read 334 times) previous topic - next topic
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1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze converter/ charger help!
its a 1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze. its not mine.  the converter/ charger seems to be chargering the battery a bit hight 16.5v. question is where is it? and how to replace?  and what should i replace it with.
says its 36amps. but dont really need anything more then that.
thanks .
Re: 1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze converter/ charger help!
Reply #1 –
I would call these guys and buy whatever they recommend if it fits your budget. 

Ask Randy

Rich
2003 MB
Re: 1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze converter/ charger help!
Reply #2 –
thanks sent them a email
Re: 1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze converter/ charger help!
Reply #3 –
I disagree with Rich.  I called best converter to get a specific brand (which they sold) and they strongly steered me to a different brand and almost refused to talk to me about the brand I wanted (one recommended by this group).
I bought what I wanted elsewhere for less.

It will take a long time to charge your batteries at 36 amps - eg you get at most 36 amp hours added to your battery in one hour of running the generator.  Less depending on your battery condition and age and type of battery and the current charge state of your battery as well as the environment (e.g. outside temps). 

Spend a little more and get a 3 or 4 stage chargers - your batteries will last much longer (eg more years).

You likely have a converter that is built as part of your electrical power center (eg breakers fuses etc.).  Your replacement will likely be a stand alone converter.  So make sure you understand the wiring and dimensions so you have room to fit in the new converter.

Progressive dynamics is what this group often recommends because the size and install works well with the old parallelax power centers (I might have that name spelled wrong).

I suggest searching the internet for
+replace +charger +”underwriters laboratories” to see what other RVers used, looking for what easily installs for your model power center.

We have an 89 TK but the original power center was replaced right after it was bought.  We replaced the entire power center and converter (with a progressive dynamics one) shortly after we
got the LD in 2017 because several breakers were no longer tight and examination showed there were scorch marks on the contacts (and I smelled burning wire).    I suggest you check that your breakers are not loose to prevent problems.

Progressive dynamics is a decent company (IMO and many others) - it is not top of the line but unless you are redoing your entire LD and planning on keeping it for many years and doing lots if boondocking (only batteries no shore power) I personally would not pay for top of the line in an older RV.  If you want to see what a top of the line company does to maintain the batteries check out Victron equipment. 

Also - if you have a tight spot to work on that controller and want to make the job easier - consider cutting out an access panel (making sure not to cut any wires or pipes or structural wood).  We already had an access panel above our power center which made the new instal tons easier.  I had experience replacing entire stick and brick electric panels and it still took me about 8-10 hours to do a full replacement.  Stumbling over automotive type wiring I had not seen before slowed me down plus the usual not 100% accurate labeling.

Ask the group questions as you work on your power center and let us know what brand model you choose and how it worked out.

Jane

Jane & Scott
Currently have a 1989 TK  LD we did a lot of upgrades on.
Bigfoot 25RQ Twin on order with early summer 2024 ETA

Our smartphone autocorrects into very poor English.
 We disclaim the illusion of ignorance this creates as we have enough ignorance we rightly claim.
Re: 1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze converter/ charger help!
Reply #4 –
Randy at Best Converter is a good source of information, especially on older rigs where you need an converter that will fit the existing space.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: 1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze converter/ charger help!
Reply #5 –
The PD4645V converter should fit well without requiring an upgrade of the wiring, and will provide proper battery charging characteristics as well as power to all your 12V appliances. It will fit where the 6300 comes out, but will require tranferring all the fused circuits over to the new fusebox. Careful note-taking and maybe photo reference will make that task easier.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
 
Re: 1989 chevy van 30 lazy daze converter/ charger help!
Reply #6 –
thank you for all the info and fast replys.  not sure what she wants to do since its not mine. but i will probably be the one fixing it. was looking at some already to get an idea.