Forum Discussion

Jackie_Treehorn's avatar
Jackie_Treehorn
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015

Factory Battery Converter versus Auxiliary

I have a 2001 Winnebago Brave 33V and last year I replaced the 2 deep charge batteries. Today I changed the starting battery and found a pretty good amount of overcharging "dust" on the 2 new deep charge batteries. The rig came with a stock 45 amp converter/inverter in about a 12X7X4 box. Our use is mostly weekends on hookups around our region and obviously I'm having an overcharging problem when the vehicle is hooked up for 3 or 4 days at a time. I presume from the age of the vehicle that the stock inverter probably provides little protection for the batteries although maybe I don't understand the system fully- should I be looking at some sort of an upgrade repair to the existing converter or replacing it with a newer "smart" unit to protect the batteries?
Class A
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Nov 14, 2015
    Jackie - Try to find the make and model of your converter/charger unit. I think it is a PARALLEX Model 4445 which is most likely a single mode battery charger. If this charger only puts out 13.6VDC it may trend to boil out your battery fluids over time.

    This will destroy your battery if it runs out of fluids. If you pplan on keeping this charger unit it would be a good idea to start checking your fluid levels on a scheduled basis.

    It would be a better situation to change out the charger portion of this unit to a SMART MODE charger like the Progressive Dynamics or IOTA models... They will take care of your battery for you.

    You need to find out for sure what the make and model number is for your converter/charger unit. It will be displayed on the unit itself. You probably have a brochure manual on this unit in the provided folder of supplied appliances and unit that comes with your model trailer.

    The number you listed did come back to a PARALLEX Model 4445 from google search but I would make sure that is what you really have. You can contact a Mr Randy at BEST CONVERTERs and he can identify a good replacement for the converter unit only. I would not let Mr Randy sell you a WFCO product however. They are known problem converters with the RV'ers...

    Let us know what the exact make and model number of your Converter Charger unit...

    Roy Ken
  • Jackie_Treehorn's avatar
    Jackie_Treehorn
    Explorer
    Nov 14, 2015
    That's the best news of the day GrampaR123- Thanks! I'll check the tag and if it's the PD unit I'll get the Wizard next week. Happy Trails to you too my friend!
  • GrampaR123's avatar
    GrampaR123
    Explorer
    Nov 14, 2015
    If you have a Progressive Dynamics converter like most of us do in our older rigs, you can buy the "Charge Wizard" for under $30 which is made by Progressive Dynamics to upgrade their older converters to act as a "smart charger". I installed it in 5 minutes, it plugs right into the side of the converter. It's no harder than plugging in an electric cord into the wall. You can order them from Amazon, or any RV supply store, online or otherwise.
    Happy travels.
  • Pass42's avatar
    Pass42
    Explorer
    Nov 14, 2015
    Is there a make & model on your converter/inverter??? Any additional info would help

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