New Batteries. What charger type / characteristics?

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Keith and Lu wrote:
We have been thinking about the new batteries (second use) and the type of charger we will need when home. The old charger sounds dreadful when plugged in and is 20 years old anyway. Any brands to lean towards or away from?

Trojan Deep Cycle

Most deep cycle batteries are spec'd to be bulk charged at 14.4 volts but IIRC Trojans require 14.8 volts so you'd want to consider that when selecting an appropriate charger. If you're investing a significant amount in batteries plus a new charger then you might also want to look for a charger that offers temperature compensated charging which most converters are not capable of. Many here may not agree but I'd just leave your existing converter in place, turn it off, and instead use a stand alone charger that does offer TC charging.

What make and model is your 20 year old charger????

For TWO Trojan T-105's in series. 220 amp hours. I would recommend the following

IF converter is seperate from power panel Progressive Dynamics 9260
If converter is attached to power panel Progressive Dynamics 4660

(NOTE last two digits are max current 60 is about the smallest they make)

If you really want to baby them.. Well a smaller converter would be good (down to about 30 amp) but I use 30% C/20 as recommended by Xantrex.

OR take the chance to upgrade to a Inverter/Charger such as an Xantrex Freedom XC-1000 so you can watch TV without Shore/Generator power. (Frankly I do not recommend the freedom line. I mean it works.. but I'm still having issues with the settings on mine. IT does nto always work).

SoundGuy wrote:
Most deep cycle batteries are spec'd to be bulk charged at 14.4 volts but IIRC Trojans require 14.8 volts so you'd want to consider that when selecting an appropriate charger.

I looked it up. For a pair of T105s (6v each), Trojan recommends a bulk/float/equalize charging voltage of 14.8/13.5/16.2. I have not found ANY automatic charger that meets those voltages "out of the box". Most automatic, multi-stage chargers charge at several 1/10th of a volt below those number and can NOT be adjusted.

SoundGuy wrote:
Most deep cycle batteries are spec'd to be bulk charged at 14.4 volts but IIRC Trojans require 14.8 volts so you'd want to consider that when selecting an appropriate charger.

theoldwizard1 wrote:
I looked it up. For a pair of T105s (6v each), Trojan recommends a bulk/float/equalize charging voltage of 14.8/13.5/16.2. I have not found ANY automatic charger that meets those voltages "out of the box". Most automatic, multi-stage chargers charge at several 1/10th of a volt below those number and can NOT be adjusted.

So what's your point in directing your comments at me when I'm not the one asking or buying new batteries and a converter? :S My point was that if the OP is talking Trojan batteries then he ought to consider the manufacturer's charging recommendations, primary being a bulk charge voltage of 14.8 volts, not 14.4 volts. And yes Virginia there is a solution offered for this special case - Best Converter offers a modified PD9200 that will in fact do 14.8 volts. You might want to spend more time being helpful than wasting your time being critical of other forum members who are trying to help. :R

+1 for the PD9200-14.8 linked above. Probably the 45 amp is plenty. Need to verify wires before you go bigger.

SoundGuy wrote:

So what's your point in directing your comments at me when I'm not the one asking or buying new batteries and a converter? :S

Sorry, they were not "aimed" at you. Poorly worded "general" response.

SoundGuy wrote:
My point was that if the OP is talking Trojan batteries then he ought to consider the manufacturer's charging recommendations, primary being a bulk charge voltage of 14.8 volts, not 14.4 volts. And yes Virginia there is a solution offered for this special case - Best Converter offers a modified PD9200 that will in fact do 14.8 volts. You might want to spend more time being helpful than wasting your time being critical of other forum members who are trying to help. :R

Thanks for finding that info ! Good to know that there ARE charger that will meet Trojan specs !

I have to add a missing word to my initial description. "Portable" charger.

But, now I'm wondering about the battery choice.


Keith

When my onboard inverter/charger developed issues & stopped charging I had to find a workaround till I got it fixed. Bought a portable charger with a selector for flooded, AGM or Gel Cell battery type. I have a 4D AGM. Charge rate is selectable 2amp or 15 amp. 15amp is not very high but means that it takes longer to reach the maintenance stage.

If you are storing & have access to the rig there really is no need to get a portable charger. Simply connect the battery bank once a month, let the onboard charger top off the bank & disconnect for another month rendering the trailer electronically dead again.