How do I know if my RV has a 3 stage charger?

Just because it's suppose to be a 3 stage does not mean it actually works. That's why I suggested checking the charging voltage.

Ok, I guess I'll have to add "Monitor battery voltage w/ a voltmeter" to my daily checklist.

Keep an eye on it. A lot of folks have trouble getting the WFCO converters to go into boost mode, making it a fancy single stage charger. Do a search on "WFCO converter" for days of reading.

WF-8945AN-11. Yep, a 3 stage charger.
http://www.wfcoelectronics.com/Images/Products/OtherDocs/43-1.pdf

NMDriver wrote:
So to answer the question about does a regular charger ruin batteries I would have to say NO. If you neglect to check the batteries that is what ruins them quicker than a charger. IMHO

Thanks!!

Actually I did Google it first, what I should have done first though is look up the make/model.

Seeing that I've advised the same many dozens and hundreds of times, David Bowie is very disappointed in me.

Even if you have a smart charger you need to check your battery(s) periodically. Overcharging will boil out the water but sitting in a hot battery compartment in 110 heat seems to do the same. Do not trust the smart charger check monthly. Like everything else on an RV, they require some maintenance.

I went 5 months one summer using a $30 Harbor Freight car charger when my converter quit. The batteries did not seem to suffer (2x6V Golf carts) and I would likely still be using it but I got tired of running the extra extension cord to the battery compartment at each stop. One good thing is it kept me looking into the battery compartment and noticing if the posts were corroded or moisture was around the caps.

So to answer the question about does a regular charger ruin batteries I would have to say NO. If you neglect to check the batteries that is what ruins them quicker than a charger. IMHO

Re failure to google first..

1: That is very very very common
2: Some folks are better at Google than others so go ahead and ask.

Some Google searches are very obvious.. For example someone ask what Sewer Solution from Valterra was.. You type those very words into Google and you will get an answer.

Some, like "Does my Rig have a 3-stage converter" are not as easy to Google.

That certainly is what it looks like. I wasn't able to get over to the RV tonight but I think it'll happen this weekend.

I'm so embarrassed that I didn't first try look up then Google the make/model. I know better than that :B

Most likely has a WFCO 3 stage converter. That is what is in my 2004 Fleetwood Prowler. Most on here don't much care for them but I haven't had any problems with mine. IT is 55amp model max 14.4 volt which it will do when necessary.