Community Forums

RHD51 · 07-17-2019, 04:22 PM

I am thinking of replacing my house batt. If I replace it with an AGM batt. will I need to replace the converter? I believe these batt.'s need a smart charger.
If so how do I determine what size I need?
I do not have any info. on what converter is existing in my 06 Gulf Stream, 21', 30 A service.
Any recommendations on batteries or converters are welcome.
I do hope to add some solar at some point.

Sbrownstein · 07-17-2019, 04:50 PM

Bet you have a 3 stage converter already. No need to replace with AGM.

Wbago97 · 07-17-2019, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHD51

I am thinking of replacing my house batt. If I replace it with an AGM batt. will I need to replace the converter? I believe these batt.'s need a smart charger.
If so how do I determine what size I need?
I do not have any info. on what converter is existing in my 06 Gulf Stream, 21', 30 A service.
Any recommendations on batteries or converters are welcome.
I do hope to add some solar at some point.

I guess you should find the converter and look up the info for any good advice.

It's probably ok if you don't replace the converter but get a smart charger that has an AGM setting and check the batteries once in a while.

DGBPokes · 07-17-2019, 04:59 PM

I do not know details of your inverter. Mine has a different setting based on the battery type. It had to be changed, but that was all.

HeresJohnny · 07-17-2019, 05:04 PM

I'm by no means expert in the matter but gained a lot of good info while working and designing 12v and 24v solar lighting systems and I will say this much: 12v DC is the same whether it's a L-ion, gel, lead-acid, AGM, etc. Unless there is a significant change in charge amperage requirements (which isn't the case unless you've added battery banks), you S/B good with your existing converter

Clomok · 07-17-2019, 07:10 PM

What do you currently have? Being a 06 and a smaller coach, I’d say you have a single stage, look on your distribution panel and post the model #/specs. You should be fine with a 55(ish) amp model, even a 45amp should be plenty. Progressive dynamics makes a 4 stage lower unit conversion that’s really easy to install.

RHD51 · 07-17-2019, 07:19 PM

I pulled the cover off to look at converter/charger. It is mounted below the breaker/fuse panel, all in one unit. Looks like I am going to have to pull the whole thing to look for a model #. Looks fairly simple to disconnect charger/converter from fuse panel but space/size looks critical.
Just need to figure out what I have to see if necessary to change.
I believe the AGM needs a smart charger for optimum performance.
Or if I have a 3 stage charger, is it sufficient?

Clomok · 07-17-2019, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHD51

I pulled the cover off to look at converter/charger. It is mounted below the breaker/fuse panel, all in one unit. Looks like I am going to have to pull the whole thing to look for a model #. Looks fairly simple to disconnect charger/converter from fuse panel but space/size looks critical.

Just need to figure out what I have to see if necessary to change.

I believe the AGM needs a smart charger for optimum performance.

Or if I have a 3 stage charger, is it sufficient?

It will say the model # of the power center on the front that faces you next to the breakers. If it’s a all metal door it’s a pallelax distribution center.

This will work perfect for you then, you don’t have to remove much, just the lower section (converter) which is held in by 2 screws.

https://www.progressivedyn.com/rv/po...r-4600-series/

RHD51 · 07-17-2019, 08:13 PM

Took a closer look at the cover and found I have an WFCO 8945.
13.6 VDC and 45 Amp.
Found Progressive Dynamics and Boondocker have direct replacement 4 stage units made to charge all types batteries. Looks like I need to go with one of these for a new AGM batt.

Sbrownstein · 07-17-2019, 08:27 PM

WFCO 8945 is a three stage converter...

HeresJohnny · 07-18-2019, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeresJohnny

I'm by no means expert in the matter but gained a lot of good info while working and designing 12v and 24v solar lighting systems and I will say this much: 12v DC is the same whether it's a L-ion, gel, lead-acid, AGM, etc. Unless there is a significant change in charge amperage requirements (which isn't the case unless you've added battery banks), you S/B good with your existing converter

I stand corrected
https://www.knowyourparts.com/techni...agm-batteries/

Wbago97 · 07-18-2019, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeresJohnny

I stand corrected
https://www.knowyourparts.com/techni...agm-batteries/

Interesting but I think the danger is actually more from the alternator on a long drive than the converter he listed @ 13.6V.

carl.swoyer · 07-18-2019, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RHD51

I am thinking of replacing my house batt. If I replace it with an AGM batt. will I need to replace the converter? I believe these batt.'s need a smart charger.

If so how do I determine what size I need?

I do not have any info. on what converter is existing in my 06 Gulf Stream, 21', 30 A service.

Any recommendations on batteries or converters are welcome.

I do hope to add some solar at some point.

What brand is your inverter?
If it's a magnum Ms series it might be programmable.

RHD51 · 07-18-2019, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wbago97

Interesting but I think the danger is actually more from the alternator on a long drive than the converter he listed @ 13.6V.

So if I go to an AGM, I need to be concerned about the alternator over charging the battery?
My next trip will be two long days of travel to destination, How do I solve this?