Converter charger upgrade?
Hi everyone,
I have a 2004 Winnebago Journey motorhome and I recently upgraded my house batteries to three 12V AGM batteries. The new batteries work great but my current converter charger is not capable of charging them in a reasonable time. My current charger is a Parallax 13.6 VDC, 55 amp model 7455 that was original equipment on my coach. The charger seems to be working correctly but it appears to have two deficiencies:
1) It does not have adequate charging voltage (especially in the initial charging stage. 2) It automatically reduces charging current long before the batteries have a full charge.
I am considering buying one of the new 55 Amp multi-stage chargers that charge with high voltage initially and turn down as appropriate as the batteries reach full charge. I would like to use my current wiring which is 6 AWG and I believe the max rated current through that cable is 60 amps. Therefore, I think I am limited to no more than a 55 amp charger.
Am I on the right track for this do-it yourself project? Will the exisiting 12VDC components in my 2004 vintage coach handle 14.7 VDC during the high voltage charge stage? Should I bite the bullit and change out the wiring to allow a higher amp charger (my batteries can handle up to 190 amps)?
Your thoughts and Wisedom will be greatly appreciated.
BZP
I have a 2004 Winnebago Journey motorhome and I recently upgraded my house batteries to three 12V AGM batteries. The new batteries work great but my current converter charger is not capable of charging them in a reasonable time. My current charger is a Parallax 13.6 VDC, 55 amp model 7455 that was original equipment on my coach. The charger seems to be working correctly but it appears to have two deficiencies:
1) It does not have adequate charging voltage (especially in the initial charging stage. 2) It automatically reduces charging current long before the batteries have a full charge.
I am considering buying one of the new 55 Amp multi-stage chargers that charge with high voltage initially and turn down as appropriate as the batteries reach full charge. I would like to use my current wiring which is 6 AWG and I believe the max rated current through that cable is 60 amps. Therefore, I think I am limited to no more than a 55 amp charger.
Am I on the right track for this do-it yourself project? Will the exisiting 12VDC components in my 2004 vintage coach handle 14.7 VDC during the high voltage charge stage? Should I bite the bullit and change out the wiring to allow a higher amp charger (my batteries can handle up to 190 amps)?
Your thoughts and Wisedom will be greatly appreciated.
BZP
