Inteli-power converters

[Stan Hunter]

This is the first time I have posted here so I hope it is the correct forum.
I am looking to upgrade my converter to the highest amp output available and it appears to be the 9180 or the 9280. My question is there truly a significant difference in charge time between the two? The 9280 info says it will charge the battery in 2-3 hrs. But, it doesn't say what the 9180 does it in. If someone is familiar with these I would appreciate a comparison between the two.

Thanks,

[Stan Hunter]

This is the first time I have posted here so I hope it is the correct forum.
I am looking to upgrade my converter to the highest amp output available and it appears to be the 9180 or the 9280. My question is there truly a significant difference in charge time between the two? The 9280 info says it will charge the battery in 2-3 hrs. But, it doesn't say what the 9180 does it in. If someone is familiar with these I would appreciate a comparison between the two.

Thanks,

[RV Wizard]

Stan, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy the forum. The depth of discharge will determine the time needed to recharge batteries as much as the amperage of the charger. I have not done any home work on the comparison of these two models. I am sure someone that has will chime in shortly. You will find we are a group of fun loving RVers that like to help each other where we can. Any questions you have, just ask. Good luck and stay safe.

[Bill Davis]

Had one on my previous motorhome, worked very well. Do get the Charge Wizard.

[Gary RVRoamer]

The 9180 does not include the Charge Wizard - it is an optional module that plugs into a 9180. The 9280 has the charge Wizard function integrated into the converter. You definitely want the Charge Wizard - it does much better job of charging the batteries under all conditions - so you may as well get the 9280. A Charge Wizard equipped converter may or may not charge faster than a non-charge wizard model, but it will always insure that your batteries are getting a safe and effective rate of charge and help them achieve a long service life.

The 9180 has a TCMS port which allows the optional Charge Wizard module to plug in. The 9280 already has the Wizard, so its accessory port supports the optional Remote Pendent which allow you to monitor charging.

[richardcoxid]

Stan

Be careful on how fast you charge your battery/batteries. This is from the Trojan web site.

http://www.trojanbattery.com/

"There are many types of chargers available today. They are usually rated by their start rate, the rate in amperes that the charger will supply at the beginning of the charge cycle. When selecting a charger, the charge rate should be between 10% and 13% of the battery's 20-hour AH capacity. For example, a battery with a 20-hour capacity rating of 225 AH will use a charger rated between approximately 23 and 30 amps (for multiple battery charging use the AH rating of the entire bank). Chargers with lower ratings can be used but the charging time will be increased."�

Maybe somebody with a better understanding of electricity can explain it in understandable language.

http://www.ccis.com/home/mnemeth/12volt/12volt.htm

http://www.phrannie.org (poop sheets)

Both of these sites have some very good information about 12V/12V battery systems.

Fair winds and following seas!

Richard

[Stan Hunter]

Thanks everyone for their input. I purchased the 9280 from Progressive Dynamics and you saved me a lot of money BillArf. And Richard with 6 batteries plus a chassis battery I could probably use both converters, I have an inverter and do mostly dry camping.

thanks,
Stan