I have read some old posts, but am still unclear on a couple of things. I bought a 15 amp charger I want to use when I have a night with shore power between stints of dry camping. (My converter only puts out a small charge). I have two 6 volt batteries in series. Do I need to install a cutoff switch between the battery and converter to isolate the batteries when charging? What about when I use the desulphating mode? When charging both 6 volt batteries in series I set the charger to 12 volts, right?Thanks in advance.

Your 12v charger will nicely charge your two 6v batteries that are connected in series. Having your converter attached should not present a problem (it can remain attached when you do not have shore power). The charger won't elevate your battery voltage enough to risk damage to the converter; in my opinion.However, the desulphating mode might concern me more. This is usually a higher voltage "spike" at a high frequency. I have no idea what this would do to your converter - likely nothing but it would be a concern.I use a desulphating trickle charger on my RV during the winter. I hook it up to the two 6v batteries and let it run for weeks when it is quite cold outside. This has an automatic desulphating mode that always kicks in after the batteries get fully charged. This has not caused any problem for my converter.Hope this helps....lets see what others have to say.

If you need to charge your TWO 6VDC batterioes in SERIES to a 90% charge state in a quick three hour time span the 15AMP charger may be a bit short...Battery science says you need 14.4VDC BOOST MODE and between 18-20AMPS DC current available to re-charge a deep cycle battery to its 90% charge state in a three hour period.You will be able to re-charge your two 6VDC batteries ok using a smart mode battery charger but may take a bit longer.I'm always at a spot where generator run times are limited by rules at the camp ground so this is very important for me to get my batteries re-charged as quick as I can if I am using the generator for 120VAC to run my on-board converter/charger unit or a portable smart mode charger. Roy Ken

Check what converter you have. (Post make and model) It may do a better job then the 15 amp charger you purchased.

Double post------------sorry 'bout that.

RoyB, you make excellent posts. In my little home shop I have a couple of 12 amp chargers and I need something bigger. For instance, my F250 with dual batteries just barely cranked after sitting for weeks.How big does the all purpose charger need to be for home use. I have a bunch of things with batteries.BTW, you often mention that you can get them to 90%. What needs to be done to get them to 100%?My Van RV has a 45 amp rated converter to charge my two GP 27's.Thanks

Battery Charger | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

beemerphile1
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
It is bad forum etiquette to hijack another persons thread.
enblethen
Nomad
Jun 16, 2014
No, reply was to Oldcat1
Horizon170: Not sure about old converter and would need to research your new one. I would get rid of the 6300 system and go with one like this:Best converter
Horizon170
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
enblton, Is your reply to me? The lable says 32amps.
Can I make a shop charger from it?
Thanks
enblethen
Nomad
Jun 16, 2014
The converter will put out 55 amps. This doesn't mean all 55 amps are going to the batteries. Some power would be used for lights, electronic devices and the like.
Horizon170
Explorer
Jun 16, 2014
Another question.
I replaced my B-W MFG. Inc, 32 amp power converter W/Battery charger, Series 6300A, Model 6332, with options CN J J Y, date code 248 with a new 45 amp charger with three charge rates to include float.
I didn't know at the time that the 32 amp had a float and wouldn't boil the batteries so I updated. Waste of money I guess but now I have the 32 amp and am wondering if I can make a shop charger out of it.
If so, what do I need to do to make it work?
Not sure but I guess it came with the 1988 RV, Horizon van camper.
Thanks
wwest
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
Be extremely careful regarding recharging any house battery(set)(***) using the chassis alternator/VR system. If the house battery(set) needs a serious level of recharge the electrolyte will boil off during the recharge cycle.

*** Moreso with deep cycle or battery bank, say two 6 volt batteries in series.

Alternator/VR has no way to limit charging current flow into a low internal resistance, DISCHARGED, house battery bank.

180 amp alternator, high enough engine RPM, ~150 AMPS charging current.
oldcat1
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
Thank you all so much for your replies. My converter is a WFCO model WF8955PEC. It is rated at 55 amps. It says it has 3 charging voltages (one of them is a 14.4 volt "boost" mode) but does the 55 amp converter rating mean the charging unit can put out 55 amps?

The converter in my old TT took forever to charge the batteries, so I would open the battery disconnect and leave a charger on them overnight. Maybe this new converter will charge them up from a low condition overnight. So far all our dry camping has been followed by several days on shore power, so I don't know what the converter can do in 18 hours or so.
enblethen
Nomad
Jun 15, 2014
Spec sheets says it has a 55 amp converter. It doesn't say what make and model, but most new RVs have better converters then in the past.
Forest River Spec sheet
This is interesting, if it is true.
Progressesive Dynamics
beemerphile1
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014
enblethen wrote:
Check what converter you have. (Post make and model) It may do a better job then the 15 amp charger you purchased.

I would wager that the converter in a 2014 puts out more than 15 amps.
MrWizard
Moderator
Jun 15, 2014
Moved from technology corner