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prlandry's avatar
prlandry
Explorer
May 01, 2014

what converter/charger should I buy?...I need help

Hi guys,

I'm the new owner of an older class A MH... a 1996 triple E commander DP and the house batteries are shot and I knew before buying it that they would need to be replaced.

I just ordered 4 t105's and I'm in the middle of picking out the right charger for me.

What I'm looking for in a new charger is that it can charge the batteries in the least amount of time off the 5kw onan onboard gen. And it would be way more convenient if I could run the charger off of a 15amp shore power (unless it will require a charger that won't be as effective to quickly charge the t105's)

I have pretty much made up my mind so far to go with the iota chargers due to them being able to push 14.8v as required by trojan.... I just need to decide what size I should go with. 45,55,75amps???

I plan on mostly boondocking with my rv and when my parents use the rig they will probably be hooked up to shore power more often then not.

I can't seem to find a quick answer and most of the long explanations I have found are over my head. Someone on here should be able to give me a quick answer.

I want to order my new charger in the next few days as my new batteries will show up monday.


This is a great site with plenty of good info... looking forward to what you guys suggest I go with amp wise.



Thx
Peter
Class A

20 Replies

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  • prlandry's avatar
    prlandry
    Explorer
    May 02, 2014
    dons2346 wrote:
    Why are you hung up on a converter/charger? An inverter/charger is a much more versatile set up. You can do a lot more with an inverter that you can with a lousy converter


    A quick search on ebay tells me I would be hesitant to spend that much on an inverter charger.... the ones I looked at are expensive.
  • prlandry's avatar
    prlandry
    Explorer
    May 02, 2014
    smkettner wrote:
    IOTA really only goes 14.6 then you have 15 minutes before it drops to 14.2 volts. The 14.8 is only the max if you hit it during that 15 minutes. Still an excellent converter.

    With #6 wire (how long?) I would stick with 55 amps. I am not big on parallel conductors and neither is RVIA and NEC. Low battery will still take a solid three hours to get to 90%. Larger wire is better. Since you are pulling wire I recommend going #4 even #2 if it will fit the connectors. Also the 15 amp outlet limits you to the 55a version.



    I haven't measured the exact length but I'm guessing around 12 feet... I can double up the cables as these are pretty good quality and are free.

    I was originally looking at the pd9260 but then read about the iota pushing just a bit more volts that would be better(I think) to charge up my new t105's as per the charging recommendations.

    If I went with a bigger converter say the iota 75... would this be more efficient at quickly charging my batteries while not being to harsh on them?
  • prlandry's avatar
    prlandry
    Explorer
    May 02, 2014
    dons2346 wrote:
    Why are you hung up on a converter/charger? An inverter/charger is a much more versatile set up. You can do a lot more with an inverter that you can with a lousy converter


    I was under the impression that I needed a converter/charger... what's the advantage of an inverter over the converter in a nut shell?
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    May 02, 2014
    IOTA really only goes 14.6 then you have 15 minutes before it drops to 14.2 volts. The 14.8 is only the max if you hit it during that 15 minutes. Still an excellent converter.

    With #6 wire (how long?) I would stick with 55 amps. I am not big on parallel conductors and neither is RVIA and NEC. Low battery will still take a solid three hours to get to 90%. Larger wire is better. Since you are pulling wire I recommend going #4 even #2 if it will fit the connectors. Also the 15 amp outlet limits you to the 55a version.
  • dons2346's avatar
    dons2346
    Explorer
    May 02, 2014
    Why are you hung up on a converter/charger? An inverter/charger is a much more versatile set up. You can do a lot more with an inverter that you can with a lousy converter
  • prlandry's avatar
    prlandry
    Explorer
    May 02, 2014
    I still have some nice #6 power cables that was being thrown out from some jobs I did back in the day when I was an installer for Nortel 15yrs ago. I have more than enough to run double or triple if needed...lol

  • prlandry's avatar
    prlandry
    Explorer
    May 02, 2014
    From what I know so far this will not meet my needs... this picture is worth at least a few words...




    I was looking at solar, but that will only be in the future and maybe only on the next rig. For now I just want to be able to dry camp efficiently using the generator.

    Really I want what's best for my new batteries.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 01, 2014
    Hi Peter,

    What converter is in it now?

    Upgrading the amperage may require running thicker wire.

    If you boondock lots, then consider adding a solar system.

    Power max, Iota, and Progressive Dynamics will all meet your needs.

    Triple E has a reputation for excellence--so the existing converter may be just fine.

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