Converter Replacement

chasfm11 · 02-02-2009, 04:40 AM

We discovered that our house batteries were "cooked" when we went to leave on an camping trip last Friday. The water was below the plates on both so I just replaced them. I guess I got lulled into a false sense of security on checking the water levels. The batteries had not be using any water so I was checking once per month. We plugged in the RV to keep the furnace running during our recent cold snaps and apparently the weather conditions and the constant operation, along with the age of the batteries did me in. That is now water under the bridge.

This is a good time, however, to try to prevent a re-occurrence. We have the original Magnetek 950 converter that came with our RV and I suspect that it is partially responsible for the failed batteries. I don't believe that it was a great unit even when new and am sure that much better ones are available. I've done a couple of searches here and on other sites but didn't find the specific type of recommendation that I'm looking for.

Here are our specific requirements.
1. We hardly ever boondock when camping. That means that we are plugged in, usually to 30amps, just about every time we go.
2. We don't winterize in the winter since we try to camp every month. In December and January, the RV is plugged in almost constantly because of the furnace.
3. We have no unique electrical devices, especially on the 12volt side. It is just standard lights, water pump, etc. If I understand correctly, the 950 is a 50amp unit. I don't mind upgrading to a little heavier unit but don't want to have to change out a lot of wiring for a large upgrade.

We don't need the top of the line converter/charger but would like something that is a bit kinder to our batteries than what we have. I'd appreciate any specific suggestions.

Thanks,

Charlie

Eddie Foy · 02-02-2009, 05:35 AM

You need a unit with a three stage charger. They go into "float mode" so as not to cause excessive water loss.

I like my 2000 watt Magnum SE unit.

chasfm11 · 02-02-2009, 09:14 AM

Thanks, Eddie. It looks like a great unit. Unfortunately, with the very little that we boondock, $1,200 for the ME 2012 is a bit more than I think that I can justify.
That was the cheapest that I could find it anyplace.

Charlie

1995Brave · 02-02-2009, 09:57 AM

Go to www.bestconverter.com They have several different brands of multistage converters. I use a PD-9160 with pendent.

TXiceman · 02-02-2009, 10:02 AM

Chcek our sponsor RV Upgrades, for an IOTA converter.

I put one in a year ago and no problems.

Ken

Eddie Foy · 02-02-2009, 12:38 PM

Even if you don't boondock, the three stage charger will save your batteries.

UFO Pilot · 02-02-2009, 01:33 PM

I bought the Progressive Dynamics 9260 with remote pendant off EBAY. It has the 3 stage charger. I believe I paid about $165 total.

chasfm11 · 02-02-2009, 02:33 PM

Thanks to Ken and Wayne for your additional inputs. I had looked at both the 9260 and the Iota as part of my research. Of the two, the 9260 with the pendant was the way that I was leaning.

I had search RVUPGRADES first as I'm a past customer of theirs and have been extremely pleased with their service. Unfortunately, the Iotas just don't have as much information at the Progressive Dynamics models do. I wanted to make sure that I wasn't making a lessor decision just because I had less information.

Forest Grump · 02-03-2009, 10:28 AM

I bought the 80 amp Xantrex. It is a 3 stage and not all that expensive. I found a great price by Googling it from a Marine dealer in Florida.

Xantrex does not honor warranties for their equipment that is not purchased from dealers, the example they gave is E-Bay. For a warranty to be honored you must submit a copy of your dealer invoice for the product.

E-Bay prices were also higher than the price I bought it for.

Rainbow · 02-12-2009, 12:50 PM

I replaced my magnatex with an inetlipower. I used this link and it went in great and has been a great improvement ove the magnatek.http://home.comcast.net/~rabarber/magnetek.htm