Upgrading stock Winnebago power converter

Go the best converter route, with a progressive dynamics unit- we did this on our 2008 Winnebago after the parallax blew a cap and couldn't hold 12 volts under load.

I just today replaced my Schumacher today with a PowerMax PM4B-60 Amp 4 Stage it was a challenge running the wires and finding a place to mount it, but I am pretty sure it will be worth the work. I also have the Trik-L-Start...

Good Luck LeeB

arcticgps wrote:
More good tips, Thanks!

I like the trickle charger on the vehicle battery idea too. I have those on our regular vehicles too. We have block heaters to pre-warm the engine when it is cold. Some people put pad or blanket heaters on their batteries to warm them as well but a local battery guy convinced me years ago to use a trickle charger instead. It warms the battery from the inside and always ensures we have a full charge to start.

Works like a charm at -40º!

I just have to figure out where I should tap into the rig's 110 system.

The Trick-L-Start doesn't run on 110. It is connected to the house 12 volt side. If the house batteries are maintaining so will the chassis battery.

Well, I just replaced my Parallax 7345 converter with the PD 4645 kit, based on just learning I may have overcharged my battery (water low). It was easy, but the instructions were confusing in a couple areas, and a little light on information in a couple others. My old board had soldered in DC wires, not screw type, which made it a bit of a challenge, and not mentioned in the instructions.

Also, the "pigtail" instruction said not to connect 2 wires to the breaker, but in effect, there are 3 or 4 wires connected (wire from breaker, wire from converter, wire from a grommet out the backside of the AC section, and previously used but now unused wire from the breaker that went to the old converter). I wire-nutted the wire from the breaker, converter, and grommet together and left the unused wire (which had a covered female end) in the bottom of the panel.

Anyhow, filled the battery with distilled water, turned the converter on, nothing smoked, everything worked, and the "bad" battery was charging at 14.46 volts. Will check later to see if the voltage drops.

The Trik-L-Start doesn't use 110v, it only uses the 12v system. I went to the relay that connects the batteries together in an emergency. I put the input wire on the side of it that is connected to the house battery/converter, the output wire on the side connected to the chassis battery, and the ground wire to the body of the relay since it is grounded to the frame. It just bypasses the relay. The Trik-L-Start has a diode in it to prevent power being transmitted the wrong direction, and will provide 5 amps to the chassis battery anytime either the house battery is turned on, or the converter is supplying power.

More good tips, Thanks!

I like the trickle charger on the vehicle battery idea too. I have those on our regular vehicles too. We have block heaters to pre-warm the engine when it is cold. Some people put pad or blanket heaters on their batteries to warm them as well but a local battery guy convinced me years ago to use a trickle charger instead. It warms the battery from the inside and always ensures we have a full charge to start.

Works like a charm at -40º!

I just have to figure out where I should tap into the rig's 110 system.

I used a intelltec bi-directional-isolater-relay-delay or bird.
And mounted it under my step next to may charge relay to charge my engine battery when on shore power. It also put a delay in charging the house batteries off if the engine to give so it is not such a hard hit on the alternator when you first start the engine

Dakzuki wrote:
While you're at it install a Trik-L-Start to maintain your chassis battery while plugged in.

I did that too, but a couple of years earlier.

I did the same thing. It was an easy swap. Shop around on line and you can get a good deal. While you're at it install a Trik-L-Start to maintain your chassis battery while plugged in.

Wow, great responses, thanks folks. Especially Bobbo that had already done this. It is a bit of cash to drop but I remember loosing a nearly new battery AND having a chilly weekend trip because of it. Well worth the investment.

I'll check to make sure it won't mess with my warranty and get my screwdriver.

Thanks all.