I just replaced my 1 battery as my old one was shot.I put in the TC last night hooked it up and connected the shore power.At that point the battery read 12.8(full charge) In the morning I could hear the converter humming and the battery read 13.2, about 3hrs. later it read 13.7 and still humming. my question is how high can the battery charge before doing damage to my new battery? I can't remember but I beleive it use to be quite when the battery was fully charged now it just hums all the time. Is that normal? I have a 95 lance lite, if that means anything. I did a search but over 6K threads, I thought this would be easier. I boondock 99% of the time. The only time I use shore power is getting ready for a trip and run the fridge on 110 till we leave.

Let me be the first to ask you for the make/model of your converter.

12.8 is a fully charged battery if it's not connected to a charger. To fully charge a 12 volt battery it needs to get to a bit over 14 volts. Most older chargers, likely including your '95 model if it's the original, tend to keep the battery at too high a voltage for too long and boil it.If you do indeed boondock a lot and recharge with a gen. I would highly recommend a newer and better converter.A proper converter should charge your battery to over 14 volts for a while then back off to a float charge around 13.2 to 13.6.

If you have a charger (converter) than "hums", it is most likely a ferro-resonant type, really not intended to be left plugged in for long periods. Just long enough to fully charge the battery, maybe 8 hours or so. A newer charger will be three stage: start at constant (usually maximum available) current until the absorption voltage is reached (around 14.4 on a flooded lead acid), then switch to constant voltage until the charge current goes down to a low value ( a few percent of AH capacity), then switch to a float voltage high enough to keep it charged but low enough not to evaporate all the water (around 13.2 for flooded cells). The older type that hums does not charge your battery very fast, does not stop once its charged, and makes annoying sounds.If as you say you rarely use the charger/converter, just plug it it the night before the trip, save the money, and check your battery water every once in awhile.

Years ago, I destroyed three batteries due to my charger (converter). I was not aware there was a difference. After becoming aware and upgrading to a three stage smart charger, I no longer have battery problems. I purchased my most recent charger (converter) from BestConverter. Randy is very helpful and easy to talk to. He sells several different converters, and will get you the best bang for your buck. I suggest you give him a call, and save yourself lots of battery problems.I will probably move this thread to Tech Issues later today. You will get more exposure on this subject there.WayneModerator

I have a Magnetek 6325 what would be the easiest to replace it. I'm not a elect guy but am handy with anything except elect(mental block)? What about just using a seprate battery charge to charge till I replace my Magnetek, thanks to all for your help.I'm leaving in a week to boondock for 2 weeks, need help fast....

Shore power/ battery question | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

tuna_fisher
Explorer
May 06, 2014
Thanks to all for the many suggestions.I will take care of this upon my return from the Alvord desert in SE oregon in a few weeks, leaving in just a few days.
Reddog1
Explorer II
May 06, 2014
I would like to point out, it is not in Best Converters best interest to sell you junk. Best Converter sells several brands of Chargers, and is really indifferent as to which one you would purchase. They make no profit is selling you a converter that has a high return rate. They sell several chargers, and have a pretty good idea as to which ones have a high return rate.

I have a 55 amp Iota charger I purchased from Best Converter over 10-years ago. My point is, I made my purchase on the advice of Best Converter, and is has been proven to be good advice. Times change, as do products. I really encourage you to listen to what Best Converter has to say. In my opinion, they have much more experience with different converters than most of us do. Keep in mind, they can provide you with a simple conversion, or a different charger that might require lots of electrical experience.
Bobbo
Explorer III
May 06, 2014
tuna fisher wrote:
I was looking at the PD 4635(35amps) and it states in the manual
"Do not swith higher amp rating than origanl"
The original is 25 amp rating, what say you to that?

Close enough. Not a problem.

What about a Battery minder 2-4-8? I know it's not a new converter but it will save my over chargeing problem.

The 4635 is a better solution, and all you need, and will work just as well as any battery minder. The battery minder won't bulk charge your battery the way the 4635 will. That is important.

Also what are the problems i might have while driving and running my AC with my generator(Honda 2K)?

Should work just fine. I run my AC with my built-in ONAN while driving all the time.

http://www.bestconverter.com/12-volt-2-4-8-Amp-BatteryMinder_p_139.html#.U2gGN9tOW1s

On a semi-related note, I did install a Trik-L-Start on my starting battery to keep it charged. It is equivalent to the 2-4-8 battery minder. It is wonderful. I highly recommend a trickle charger to keep the chassis battery topped off.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
May 05, 2014
mchero wrote:
I purchased my original coach back in 1994. I pulled ALL four golfcart batteries & installed the Sams Club golf cart batteries with a NEW Progressive Dynamics with charg wizzard. As of today, batteries still good! Take very little water.

I attribute the longivity of the batteries to the Progressive Dynamics converter! Nice units!

Mine only lasted 9 years. But I screwed up a few times.. Same converter though, And that is why they lasted so long.

Progressive Dynamics is a US company manufacturing in the US and they make QUALITY products.
tuna_fisher
Explorer
May 05, 2014
I was looking at the PD 4635(35amps) and it states in the manual
"Do not swith higher amp rating than origanl"
The original is 25 amp rating, what say you to that?

What about a Battery minder 2-4-8? I know it's not a new converter but it will save my over chargeing problem. Also what are the problems i might have while driving and running my AC with my generator(Honda 2K)?
http://www.bestconverter.com/12-volt-2-4-8-Amp-BatteryMinder_p_139.html#.U2gGN9tOW1s
AllegroD
Nomad
May 05, 2014
Reddog1 wrote:
Years ago, I destroyed three batteries due to my charger (converter). I was not aware there was a difference. After becoming aware and upgrading to a three stage smart charger, I no longer have battery problems. I purchased my most recent charger (converter) from BestConverter. Randy is very helpful and easy to talk to. He sells several different converters, and will get you the best bang for your buck. I suggest you give him a call, and save yourself lots of battery problems.

I will probably move this thread to Tech Issues later today. You will get more exposure on this subject there.

Wayne
Moderator

I would call Randy @ Best Converter. He will talk to you about your rig, it's wiring and your use. He will then give you one or more recommendations, with pros and cons. Call him.

I like the Progressive Dynamics 9200 series.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
May 05, 2014
tuna fisher wrote:
I have a Magnetek 6325 what would be the easiest to replace it. I'm not a elect guy but am handy with anything except elect(mental block)? What about just using a seprate battery charge to charge till I replace my Magnetek, thanks to all for your help.I'm leaving in a week to boondock for 2 weeks, need help fast....

You have two choices, The easiest by far is a Progressive Dynamics 9200, you put this .. Elsewhere, in your RV, and remove the converter wire from the breaker on the 6300 Tape and label it.. From the same circuit breaker (you may need to upgrade) run new wire to the new converter.

NOTE: Advantage: Heaven forbid the 9200 fails, You still have the original there and can un-tape and re-connect the wire.

Better (Technically) is the Progressive Dynamics 4600 line, I think they make one in 30 amps, This replaces the "Guts" of the 6300 (The stuff behind the curtain...er, behind the fuse panel)
mchero
Explorer
May 05, 2014
I purchased my original coach back in 1994. I pulled ALL four golfcart batteries & installed the Sams Club golf cart batteries with a NEW Progressive Dynamics with charg wizzard. As of today, batteries still good! Take very little water.

I attribute the longivity of the batteries to the Progressive Dynamics converter! Nice units!
BFL13
Explorer II
May 05, 2014
tuna fisher wrote:
Been looking at alternitives and this is what looks good to me, what do you think
http://www.bestconverter.com/45-Amp-Converter-Replacement-Kit_p_46.html#.U2em59tOW1t

Bad choice as that is a WFCO which has its own problems. Also don't get the Ultra Kit. Also don't get the kit that just replaces the 6300 with a 7300 (although the 7300m is a good converter, it is still single stage--slow recharge on generator for off grid.

That leaves the PowerMax or the PD replacements as the options. Each will do the job.

If you just want to keep the 6300 for when on shore power and have a good charger for off-grid, get the VEC1093DBD (while you still can--they are becoming hard to get anymore)
Reddog1
Explorer II
May 05, 2014
http://www.bestconverter.com/45-Amp-Converter-Replacement-Kit_p_46.html#.U2eoffldWSq

That is a good place to start.

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