Comverter size

You need to run larger wire to the 12 volt distribution panel.

Jetfixer03 wrote:
I think I'm going to locate my new Iota on the ceiling of the pass through. It's a lot cheaper and easier to throw in a new 15amp c/b and run 120vac up front with some Romex than it is to replace all the battery cable with 2 or 4 ga. With the charger up front I can just run short cables directly to the batteries, and leave the original battery cables in place to feed power to the DC distribution panel. The current flow on that portion of the wiring will not change.

If I'm overlooking something stupid somebody set me straight.

This is the preferred superior method. I still recommend #4.

I think I'm going to locate my new Iota on the ceiling of the pass through. It's a lot cheaper and easier to throw in a new 15amp c/b and run 120vac up front with some Romex than it is to replace all the battery cable with 2 or 4 ga. With the charger up front I can just run short cables directly to the batteries, and leave the original battery cables in place to feed power to the DC distribution panel. The current flow on that portion of the wiring will not change.

If I'm overlooking something stupid somebody set me straight.

There are adjustments internal to the Iota which will allow you to raise the voltage to meet the 105 charge profile. I don't have one so can't tell you which one adjusts which.

Jetfixer03 wrote:
Hello guys, I'm new to this forum and just got my first trailer. I'm doing the typical upgrade to two 6v T-105's and I'm also going to upgrade to a IOTA charger. I want to get charge voltages closer to what the Trojans like, and charge in minimal time. My question is about the size. My generator is rated at 33amps, and the trailer has 30 amp service, so is there any point in getting a charger bigger than a 30 amp?

Trojan's recommended charge profile calls for a 10-13% (of C20) constant current for bulk charging, which is about 30 A for a T-105. So it depends on how much current you'll use for other things while charging.

Existing wire is probably #8 or #6
Stock WFCOs seem to be mostly 55a and would have #6.

Thanks for the replies. I think the Iota with the IQ4 is a good match for the T105's. The only feature that would make it better would be temperature compensation. I do plan on solar down the road. Phase 1 is the T105's, Iota 55w, and a BMV-700 meter. I haven't looked to see what Guage wire there is now, anyone have a guess? 4ga looks right for 20ft @ 60 amps.

Your on the right track if you want fast charging going with Iota IQ4, we have the same Onan and this converter makes quick work of getting our pair of 6 volt GC2 batteries to over 80% SOC. The other converters linked are also very good but have 13.6 Vdc for absorption and 13.2 Vdc at float which would take a bit longer. It appears PD has pumped up their bulk to 14.8Vdc from 14.6Vdc in previous designs, which is preferred by many battery manufacturers.

The 55 amp Iota would be plenty for a pair of golfcart batteries, even the 45 amp version would do the job nicely, and more than likely stock wire wouldn't have to be upgraded although going with a thicker gauge never hurts. Add some solar, preferably 100 watts per battery, and genny use for mere recharging isn't even required some days depending on DC storage consumption and of course mother nature. This is our setup and we can easily go for weeks without issue.

Yeah that iota bulks at 14.8 but absorps at only 14.2.. Not good IMO.

http://www.iotaengineering.com/iq.htm

What converter do you have in the camper now? You may be wasting your money and it may be better spent on solar.

30 amp RV is 30 amps at 120vac or 3600 watts.
30 amps into a battery is at 12 volts or 360 watts.
amps don't just convert without considering voltage.
The 12 Volt Side of Life


IOTA is a great converter and you might also look at PD92xx-14.8 to really get the voltage up where you expect.

I would get 60 amp minimum converter for fastest charging. Nothing wrong with 80 amps if your wire is fat (#4 or better).

http://www.bestconverter.com/9200-148-Volt-Deck-Mount