bigfoot converter/charger

[umpqua]

I've got a 2006 Bigfoot 10.6 camper

What converter/charger is normally found in a Bigfoot and what would be the recommended converter/charger with easy installation for someone who likes to leave their camper plugged in over winter and between trips.

It appears from my reading I'm burning up batteries by leaving it plugged in when I get home from trips and/or not properly charging batteries when I get home from trips. I'm a bit neglectful, but from the reading I've done the issue is likely due to plugging it in after removing the camper from the truck.

I've got the deep cycle I bought last year on the charger in the garage and I don't expect it to be much good. Then there is my pair of 6v batteries down at Les Schwab being tested to see if they are any good. I got them for my wife's trip to Alaska a few years ago and put them in the garage intending to charge them last year, but forgot…. Had to grab a deep cycle for a quick trip when I realized they were dead (due to not being plugged in…my wife pulled the plug that goes to the camper)

We don't use the camper too much and rarely for more than a few days. I've got an eu2000i I take along on most trips if I think I will need a charge. I'm going to be using the camper for the next 4 weekends traveling to baseball games with my son.

[arto_wa]

umpqua wrote:
I've got a 2006 Bigfoot 10.6 camper

What converter/charger is normally found in a Bigfoot and what would be the recommended converter/charger with easy installation for someone who likes to leave their camper plugged in over winter and between trips.

My Bigfoot 10.6 had a Magnatec which I replaced little over two years ago with Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power PD9160A "Deck Mount" model, with Charge Wizard option.

Very easy installation - it's installed in the cupboard behind/under the kitchen sink, close to where the old converter was.

The 60 amp model was chosen in order to be able to recharge batteries fast with the built in generator.

It has worked out very good for us!

I can take and send you few photos if you are interested?

[bigfootford]

Not sure which converter you have in your BF 2006. My BF 2000 had a Magnetek 6300 which is a battery destroyer... Commonly named Magnejunk!

Open the door on your converter, there should be a label.... If it is a Magnetek then there are several great options to resolve your issues.

The replacement is going to be a bit involved so first find out what you have then you can use the link to projects to get started.

Do not consider WFCO as an option....

Consider these with the Progressive Dynamics being my preference especially if you do not rewire with bigger wire.

Talk to Randy at Bestconverter

Here is my preferred list in order best to ?

Progressive Dynamics 9200 series
Boondocker
Iota with DLS.

[Reddog1]

Like Photomike, I too use a converter/charger from Best Converter. If you give them a call, they will help you identify what you have, and recommend alternatives. They sell several different chargers/converters.

Wayne

[54suds]

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/25966285.cfm

[Johnny_G1]

Get yourself a 100 watt solar panel and a SS10 controller, problem solved, that's the way I keep my BigFoot batteries charged and only using a 80 watt panel.

[Dakota98]

QUOTE:

We don't use the camper too much and rarely for more than a few days.

Aside from a new converter, which I don't believe is needed in your case, remove the batteries from the TC & place on a portable "smart" charger to bring them to 100% capacity, then put them on a trickle charger the rest of time during storage. If you are using LA batteries, maintain correct water levels. Use the Honda along with the smart charger when dry camping.

You may want to read THIS

Part # 1 & 2

[Photomike]

What was in there is not important as most of the units that came with the older TCers were/are garbage. I have a Best Converter and leave mine plugged in 24/7/365. Has paid for itself many times over in not frying my batteries.