how to replace the charger inverter in a four winds

[wpatters1229]

I have a 2006 class C four winds motorhome and want to start using AGM batteries. The charger inverter is the original one and I want to upgrade it to be able to charge the AGM batteries. Preferable a smart charger. Can I replace the current inverter charger in the same space or do I have to re-do that whole section that is currently under the side of the bed in the back of the rig?

[wpatters1229]

BFL13 wrote:
Please clarify your terminology. You likely have a "converter", not an "inverter/charger" . There is no such thing as a "charger inverter"

You likely have a single stage (13.7ish volts) Parallax 7300 converter in the 2006 Class C, or perhaps an Iota or PD or WFCO version of the same thing.

You can't meet the AGM battery charging specs with the plain version of one of those. You will need a charger that can do 14.4 volts and you will need an ammeter to measure when charging gets down to 1/2 an amp per 100AH of battery. The easiest way to do that is with a battery monitor that shows amps.

So the 12 volts from the battery is not going through an inverter? The Generator then just puts out 120V like plugging into the shore power. I do have an after marker invertor hooked up to the battery power.
Will have to see how much a proper charger is that will fit where the current charger is located.

[BFL13]

Please clarify your terminology. You likely have a "converter", not an "inverter/charger" . There is no such thing as a "charger inverter"

You likely have a single stage (13.7ish volts) Parallax 7300 converter in the 2006 Class C, or perhaps an Iota or PD or WFCO version of the same thing.

You can't meet the AGM battery charging specs with the plain version of one of those. You will need a charger that can do 14.4 volts and you will need ammeter to measure when charging gets down to 1/2 an amp per 100AH of battery. Easiest way to do that is with a battery monitor that shows amps.

[wpatters1229]

OK will look at it and get the info. I checked the output to the batteries and it is at 13.7 V. Is that not a charger that is providing that? This is with the rigged plugged into shore outlet.

[JimK-NY]

No one can give you any advice without knowing what is already installed. Once you get that information, I recommend you contact Randy at BestConverter. He specializing in replacement units for older chargers and electrical systems.

[dougrainer]

wpatters1229 wrote:
I have a 2006 class C four winds motorhome and want to start using AGM batteries. The charger inverter is the original one and I want to upgrade it to be able to charge the AGM batteries. Preferable a smart charger. Can I replace the current inverter charger in the same space or do I have to re-do that whole section that is currently under the side of the bed in the back of the rig?

You need to elaborate more. Very few Class C motorhomes had a INverter/CHarger 16 years ago. Especially if located under the bed(Heat Build up). More likely, you have a CONVERTER only. If you have a Converter, I would replace the Converter with a Converter that has an optional smart Charge module or setting for AGM batteries. You need to state Brand and Model of existing charger. ANY Inverter/Charger needs to be within 10 feet of the Coach batteries. Doug

[dougrainer]

time2roll wrote:
Inverter-charger should charge the AGM just fine with a change of settings.

If instead there is a far more common converter-charger it would be best to post the model number. Some are great, some adequate, some miserable. Some just need a plug in controller.

No the entire power distribution center does not need to be replaced.

16 year old Inverter/Charger may not have AGM charge settings. Doug

[pianotuna]

I'm having good success with reconditioned telcom agm batteries.

What make and model is the current inverter/charger?

[time2roll]

Inverter-charger should charge the AGM just fine with a change of settings.

If instead there is a far more common converter-charger it would be best to post the model number. Some are great, some adequate, some miserable. Some just need a plug in controller.

No the entire power distribution center does not need to be replaced.

[theoldwizard1]

Too many unknowns to give you a specific answer.

Shop for a combination inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch. All of the good quality ones do "smart charging" and have settings for flooded (wet) or AGM lead acid batteries as well as lithium. Better ones actually have an input for a generator.

If you get the combo I suggested, start by removing the old converter. You want your new inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch located as close as possible to your batteries. Wire your DC distribution panel directly to the batteries (via s mega-fuse) and an ampere meter shunt). Your outside cord should go directly to the new unit. The output of the new unit goes to the AC breaker box.