Forum Discussion

silverbullet555's avatar
Jun 29, 2020

Bypassing charger Magnatek 6332

The camper we bought has a magnatek 6332 converter/charger. It had a battery in it that was 2 years old which has now been replaced because of bad cells. No biggie. But, I am not too sure on 30 year old tech for charging batteries and keeping them happy. I like to keep the camper plugged in when home so the fridge is cold and I can putter around.

That being said, I believe the magnatek will cook the battery again. I know I can buy a replacement panel for $200ish and I certainly will entertain that. I'm open to other ideas too.

But, in the meantime, while we are still fleshing this whole camper thing out, I'd like to simply not use the charger.

I figured, just remove the batter while at home, cover the positive lead and charge the battery using another charger in the garage. Then when we are ready to leave, plop the battery in and go. If I need to plug in while on the road, in short time frames, I assume it wouldn't fry the battery.

Good idea?
Bad idea?
Alternate idea?
  • I also recommend best converter. and there is nothing wrong with the boondocker series they sell.
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    What voltage is your Magnatek charger putting out? My Magnatek 950 has never charged more than 13.6 v when new and now charges 13.2 v after 25 years of use. I never under stood how this voltage will destroy a set of 2 6v GC batteries or be a battery boiler. Check your output voltage, as some of these older chargers can increase in charging voltage over time and if left on for months at a time can use a lot of water. If voltage is OK you have something else going on with your batteries. Another option is to buy a portable 40 amp charger like the B&D or Stanley which will quickly recharge your batteries and has an equalizing and desulfating function and will charge and maintain your batteries much better, then use your Magnetek as a converter and to top charge your batteries after your "smart charger" says full.