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camper19709's avatar
camper19709
Explorer
Jan 27, 2014

Benefit of replacing converter/charger with larger one

I am having the converter/charger checked because my house batteries are not getting charged. If it is bad and needs replacement would there be any benefit to installing a larger unit.? The one I have is a 55amp. My system is 30amp with two 6volt batteries.
  • 55 amps is plenty for 2x GC2. Just don't get a WFCO if you want fast charging.
    Post what you have now for best replacement options.
  • Higher amps won't do you much good unless you can do them at higher voltage.

    6 volt batteries need 15+ volts to fully charge them. The usual Rv converter can't do that. I use a VEC1093DBD which can do the 15v if set to Equalize to do the "finish" portion of the recharge as recommended here:

    http://www.wholesalesolar.com/pdf.folder/battery-folder/charging_instruction_2011_2.pdf

    You can use your converter for the first stages and then swap over to the 1093 to finish it off, or just use the 1093 for the whole thing.
  • Chip,

    I am going to slightly disagree with Pianotuna...

    No

    Assuming you are going to put in a Good 3 or 4 stage converter/
    charger. (You remember what they say about Ass u me.) With 2ea - GC2s for the hotel bank, you will not see a difference in recharge time whether you have a 45, 55 or 70 amp converter. OK, PT was right about the 50~85% thing by maybe 15 minutes, but you will still be hours getting from 85% to 95%. The bank will only take what it can and a GC2 doesn't like to soak in more than about 50 Amps at most. If it takes more, it heats up and the curve falls faster.

    This is all tests and evaluations that I did (and still have the expensive instruments for) to prove the point to the owners of expansive big boats before the depression shut us down.
  • Hi,

    A larger unit will go from 50% to 85% faster--after that it won't be any faster at all. You would have to beef up the wire.

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