Community Forums

Irishbleueye · 03-19-2015, 02:40 PM

Updating converter charger and I currently have a 50 amp. Should I get the 60 amp or does it really matter what amp charger I replace it with? Looking to get the Progressive Dynamics with the Charge Wizard built in, they offer both 60 or 45 amp. Thanks in advance..

wa8yxm · 03-19-2015, 03:02 PM

You have a 50 amp now.. Assuming the wires are up to the job of hauling 50.. They can likely haul 60 safely (But check the size to be sure)

For a pair of GC-2 batteries 70 amps is max recommended charge

(60 would be for Group 27 or 29 again a pair of 'em (30 each)

45 amps will take longer to recharge,,,but may extend battery life (years of life not hours between re-charge). However I do not know by how much (Slower charging may add to life.. IN this case... Not much)

FlyingDiver · 03-19-2015, 03:16 PM

The safe answer would be the 45amp, since you know the wires are rated for 50amp. The 45amp is probably also cheaper than the 60amp. So it depends on if the charge time is a priority for you. If you're running a generator to charge the batts, then the bigger one would be better if the wires will support it. Faster charge means shorter run time on the genny.

Irishbleueye · 03-19-2015, 06:26 PM

Sounds like the 45 amp is the way to go. It is cheaper and I don't really care if it takes a bit longer to charge. Esp if the slower charge will make my batteries last longer.

TQ60 · 03-19-2015, 08:38 PM

Unless cost difference is large get the bigger one.

Make sure it has good charge control.

Look at possible upgrades for agm control.

Others can comment on exact models and features as we do not keep track of such things.

Waiter21 · 03-24-2015, 02:06 PM

I just upgraded mine - I took out a 45 amp single stage and put in a 45 amp 4 stage.

The amp rating will do two things, How much DC current do you consume. You want the Converter power supply to be able to supply that current. AND, how fast can the charger re-charge your coach battery.

I can turn everything on in my MH and it won't even come close to 45 amps.

You may also look at physical size, If you are doing the upgrade, make sure the new power supply will fit. I had to cut the back out of my old converter to make room for the new converter.

You can see my install HERE:

Upgrading converter to 4 stage | 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

Irishbleueye · 03-24-2015, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

I just upgraded mine - I took out a 45 amp single stage and put in a 45 amp 4 stage.

The amp rating will do two things, How much DC current do you consume. You want the Converter power supply to be able to supply that current. AND, how fast can the charger re-charge your coach battery.

I can turn everything on in my MH and it won't even come close to 45 amps.

You may also look at physical size, If you are doing the upgrade, make sure the new power supply will fit. I had to cut the back out of my old converter to make room for the new converter.

You can see my install HERE:

Upgrading converter to 4 stage | 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

I ordered the 4 stage 45 amp and it will be here tomorrow. Mine is in lower storage area so should be ok on the size. Thanks for the info. I will see how much amps are pulled when I get it back together..

Waiter21 · 03-25-2015, 05:03 AM

Pat, very good - A lot of people buy these older MHs and breath new life into them with modern upgrades.

Both of these are single stage, one is an old transformer, the other is an electronic version.

Does yours look like this:

Original Magnatek 6345 looks like this (in my old Toyota):

or this:

This is the upgraded electronic Parallax 7345 installed in my Mirada

Irishbleueye · 03-26-2015, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Waiter21

Pat, very good - A lot of people buy these older MHs and breath new life into them with modern upgrades.

Both of these are single stage, one is an old transformer, the other is an electronic version.

Does yours look like this:

Original Magnatek 6345 looks like this (in my old Toyota):

or this:

This is the upgraded electronic Parallax 7345 installed in my Mirada

I do have a magnatek but its model 950. Independent unit that plugs in.

Irishbleueye · 03-27-2015, 07:14 PM

Ok, upgraded to 4 stage converter charger but it only charges the house batteries. How does the chassis battery get charged while in storage?

jauguston · 03-27-2015, 07:22 PM

Trickl-Start. Very simple to install and inexpensive.

Jim

Waiter21 · 03-28-2015, 06:26 AM

There are several options such as the trikle-start and several others.

I chose to install a circuit that ties the chassis battery to the coach battery through a small relay (you could use the isolator solenoid instead)

The "tie" only happens if the coach has 110 volts applied (shore or generator) AND the switch on the instrument panel must be turned on to enable this.

Keeping the truck battery charged while on shore power | 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

jauguston · 03-28-2015, 09:10 AM

Although that circuit will work it is far more complex than the three wires for the Trickl-Start. It has three wires. One to each big terminal on the boost solenoid and one to ground-that is it. The controller is about the size of a pack of cigarettes.

Jim

Irishbleueye · 03-28-2015, 09:03 PM

Ah, ok I knew I would have to use more solenoids and relays. Thank you for the wiring diagram. I think I will just use the trickle charger (battery tender). I use the same one on my Harley. It will plug into the outlet that the inverter plugs into and easily run over to the chassis battery. I thought maybe, maybe the house charger was somehow wired to also charge the chassis battery.. Man that was wishful thinking.. But in theory I do have a start boost toggle on the dash that I could replace the temporary rocker to a regular toggle and leave that toggle on when it in storage. That will connect the house batteries to it,correct?