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FatChance · 12-28-2016, 03:25 PM

I have a '04 MADP 4016 400ISL Freightliner and am experiencing high float charge rates, 13.8 to 14.1v.

The inverter/charger is a Xantrex RV2012 with a Xantrex RC7 remote, BIRD system and Intellitec BD1 monitor. I am on constant 50amp service at the park we are staying at. Two 12v starting batteries, four 6v house batteries, all less than a year old, water level full on all of them.

Right now it is on float charge and indicating 14.1v. What should I check, how can I diagnose why it is like this? Would a full power off reset the charger? Thanks!

RKins · 12-28-2016, 03:32 PM

What voltage was your float charge before? I think mine shows 13.6v

twinboat · 12-28-2016, 03:57 PM

Just a guess.

If you have a battery temperature sensor on the inverter, unplug it.

They can fail and do what your inverter is doing.

FatChance · 12-28-2016, 04:22 PM

I do have a battery temperature sender. I will give that a try.

Edit: I disconnected the temperature sensor phone type wire from the inverter/charger and that lowered the float charge right down to 13.4v in a couple minutes.

Thanks, I love a cheap fix!

Does the battery temp sensor provide enough of a benefit that I should replace it ASAP?

wa8yxm · 12-28-2016, 04:32 PM

Mine does that too.. And I do not think it's the temp sensor for even if it was faulty the reading I got was out of line.. I suspect a leaky pass transistor.

The result is this: My RV was factory equipped with a converter.. One of the best made (progressive Dynamics Intella power 9180 with optional wizard) I simply disabled the charger in the Prosine (also a Xantrex product) and only use it when I need it... Example, when on Generator (It can crank out more amps and my batteries can eat 'em).

Or if some idiot accidently unplugs the Intella-Power (only one person plays in that area... ME, so you know who the idiot is) Usually I figure it out long about 3am and no way am I getting dressed goign out and plugging it back in, easier to CLICK and fix it tomorrow.

twinboat · 12-28-2016, 04:34 PM

I should have asked this first.

Are you in a cold climate ? It may be working as it should. Check your inverter instructions.

Otherwise, you can wait before replacing it. Many chargers don't even have battery temp sensors.

FatChance · 12-28-2016, 04:56 PM

If you consider Flagstaff, AZ at 7000' in late December "cold", I guess so.

I do not remember seeing a mention of the temperature sensor in the manual but will recheck. Thanks for the great information!

twinboat · 12-28-2016, 05:14 PM

What do I know, went swimming today, at Sombrero Beach, FL. Keys.

FatChance · 12-28-2016, 07:47 PM

So, do you think a float charge of 14.1v at, say, 30* outside temperature could be OK?

96 Wideglide · 12-29-2016, 06:59 AM

I have a Magnum charger that does the same thing. I just leave the temp sensor unplugged, unless I'm equalizing.

twinboat · 12-29-2016, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FatChance

So, do you think a float charge of 14.1v at, say, 30* outside temperature could be OK?

50 degrees below average of 80 degrees.
Add .02 volts per 10 degrees below 80.
Works out to .2 volts. Now you need to know your float voltage setting at 80 degrees.

FatChance · 12-29-2016, 10:27 AM

Follow-up: I called Xantrex customer service this morning and they said 14.1v float charge is normal at the low temperatures here (10-30* at night) and to keep the battery temperature sensor plugged in.

Thanks to everyone for their responses, I continue to learn more and more about our coach.