AGM Batteries, B.I.R.D and Relay

[SX_RVing]

I recently installed four (4) Life Line AGM's as replacement for the original lead/acid coach batteries. When I oiginally thought to make this change, I was told by one of the Newmar Techs that I had to install another relay for the B.I.R.D to work properly (i.e charge chassis batteries from shore power, and house batteries from alternator). I was given the part number and purchased the relay and a fused link. I was also given a hand-drawn diagram on how to wire it, and told it was pretty simple.

This weekend I changed out the batteries, and I set the preference (on the EPlex panel) to AGM - Note: I don't have AGM-2 as part of the set-up in my preferences. I then went to install the relay, and much to my amazement, I have no idea how, or where, to wire the relay.

I called Newmar for help, but as yet they haven't gotten back to me.

Has anyone done this same installation? Anyone know how to wire the relay? A picture would be great.

Thanks,

Sebastian

[Dav5942]

Don't understand why an additional relay is required as the Lifline AGM batteries use the SAME setting on the charger as Lead Acid(per the owner of Lifeline). We also changed out to four Lifeline AGMs this winter but have not gotten on the road to check out their "boondocking or dry camping" capability.

[SX_RVing]

Originally Posted by Dav5942

Don't understand why an additional relay is required as the Lifline AGM batteries use the SAME setting on the charger as Lead Acid(per the owner of Lifeline). We also changed out to four Lifeline AGMs this winter but have not gotten on the road to check out their "boondocking or dry camping" capability.

Dave,

I don't really have a good answer, other than that's what Newmar said: "Change preference to AGM (from lead/acid) and install the relay." Did you keep your preference as lead/acid?

With the coach sitting in the drive way, all seems fine without the relay. I think it has to do with the charging profile (AGM vs. lead/acid), and when the B.I.R.D is activated. But, I don't really know for sure.

Sebastian

[wa8yxm]

There is sometihng ike 0.1 volt difference in teh charge profiles on my Xantres for Generic Lead Acid and Generic AGM.. And an even greater difference between "Generic" and selected brand names.

For 0.1 volt I don't think you'd need to change the relay

[azloafer]

I changed-out two lead/acid coach batteries for two AGM's when we bought the coach. When it was done the dealer said nothing else was required and no change to any settings. My reason for the change was that the batteries were not on a pull-out tray and the clearance made it almost impossible to check the water. Now all the batteries are sealed and require no maintenance. They have been doing just fine for the past 16 months. Joe

[GaryKD]

Hi SX_RVing,
I changed my coach batteries to AGMs almost 3 years ago. Did nothing but a thorough battery replacement. Everything works as advertised.

[Iron Man]

Here is a conversation about agm's and the eplex system. The OP don't have the eplex.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/agm-...ion-73738.html

Search the Nemwar forum for other discussions involving the relay and agm setups

["007"]

I came across this thread also about Newmar not wiring BIRD correctly.
There are two different BIRD's one for gas and one for a DP.
Links are in Quick Tips.

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by 007";840297]I came across [B][URL="http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/coach-battery-charging-80887-2.html#post795988

this thread[/URL][/B] also about Newmar not wiring BIRD correctly.
There are two different BIRD's one for gas and one for a DP.
Links are in Quick Tips.

Outdated links.

There are 4 different BIRDS (Intelitec part numbers in BOLD):
00-00362-100 (The "original"???) http://www.intellitec.com/pdfs/BATTE...300362.000.pdf
00-00366-000 Diesel 1 http://www.intellitec.com/pdfs/BATTE...300366.000.pdf
00-00839-100 Diesel 2 http://www.intellitec.com/pdfs/BATTE...300839.100.pdf
00-00956-000 Gas http://www.intellitec.com/pdfs/BATTE...300956.000.pdf

[read & learn]

Like GaryKD I also changed to 4 AGM batteries. Had one of Newmar techs check profile for the charge rate at Rally and he said everything was OK. Have used for Boondocking and have had no trouble.

[Dav5942]

Originally Posted by SX_RVing

Dave,

I don't really have a good answer, other than that's what Newmar said: "Change preference to AGM (from lead/acid) and install the relay." Did you keep your preference as lead/acid?


Sebastian

Yes and am pretty sure the existing bird relay is working properly. Ours is located next to the transfer relay in the power cable compartment.

["007"]

TechWriter thanks for the links with updates.
I was going to correct some of my links but after looking at them have found it may confuse threads because we must have older MH's with one type both DP & Gas.
I have seen most of yours in owners MH's yours are more detailed but this last one for GAS 00-00956-000 is new to me.
Maybe in the newer gas coach's.
I like to post threads with actual members problems when all these links are in the FILE link we irv2 have we loose how the problem might have been solved.
I will post your post in Quick Tips in the BIRD group of threads.

[SX_RVing]

Thanks to all for your responses.

After following some of the recommended threads and reading the B.I.R.D manual, here's what I've deduced: The eplex system overrides the built in settings in the magnum charger/converter. With the eplex preference set to AGM, float charge occurs at approximately 13.0 volts. In order for the B.I.R.D to allow the chassis batteries to charge from shore power, the charge voltage has to be above 13.1 for at least 2 and 1/2 minutes. The relay is a way to override the B.I.R.D and allowing charging of the chassis batteries at the lower float voltage. Normally this would not be a problem, unless the coach sits for months at a time. At that point the chassis batteries will likely be dead.

I went out to the coach and re-selected the lead/acid option and the float voltage immediately went up to 13.3 volts, thereby activating the B.I.R.D and initiating charging of the chassis batteries from shore power.

I read the lifeline manual and it states that the recommended bulk charge is at 14.2 to 14.4 volts, and float charge is at 13.2 to 13.4 volts. I don't remember the bulk charging voltage the eplex uses for lead/acid batteries (I think it's 14.4 or 14.5 volts), but certainly, the float voltage is within the range recommended by LifeLine.

As yet, Newmar has not gotten back to me in reference to my query.

So, after some investigation, I've decided to keep my eplex preference set to lead/acid as suggested by Dav5942 and others, unless Newmar makes a different recommendation. Which I doubt that they'll make any recommendation at all. If they do, I'll post it here.

Thanks again to all that responded.

Sebastian

["007"]

Thanks to you for bringing up the question have stored in Quick tips.