Duane
Apex, NC
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Joined: 05/11/2001
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Took the MH in a couple of weeks ago to have some things checked out before the factory warranty runs out at the end of the month. One of the things that I wanted them to check were the house batteries.
The problem that I was having was when I disconnected from shore power, or turned off the generator, the 12v stuff (coach lights) drained in a matter of minutes. Well seeing how I just checked the batteries about mid-May, and have not left the MH plugged in an excessive amount, I'm thinking there may be an issue with the converter not charging the batteries, or at least a bad battery with a shorted cell.
One thing I should have checked before taking the coach in to the repair shop was to check the battery water level. Got in a hurry to get it over, so I never checked the water before leaving the house. Fast forward to when I get a status call from the shop.... "Batteries were dry, Winnie will not cover them". So I approve them to replace both batteries, a $441 mistake on my part (that will never happen again if I can help it)
I have read on all kinds of RV forums about the single stage converter/chargers out there that just keeps sending the "juice" to the batteries and never backs off... I never dreamed the Winnie would put one of these in a MH. In fact the last two RV's that I've owned, both had Progressive Dynamics converter/chargers with the "Charge Wizard" installed. With the PD converters I basically checked the batteries at the beginning, middle and end of the camping seasons. I guess I've never had to worry about boilng the batteries dry before)
The guy at the shop told me that with the converter that I have now, I should check the batteries, at least every couple of weeks, if not more. Which brings me to my question....
Should I keep the Parallax converter that I have now and install a BatteryMinder or BatteryTender, or bite the bullet and change out the converter to a Progressive Dynamics model with the Charge Wizard? I thought about a Xantex model, but I already have an onboard inverter that came with the coach. So.... WWYD? (what would you do?)
Duane
Duane, Claudine and Ashleigh Miller
Apex, NC
2009 Winnebago Sightseer 37L on a Ford Chassis
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Joined: 07/03/2005
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If your present converter is single stage you would be wise to replace it with some brand of three stage. Randy at bestconverters.com can advise you on what is the best for your application.
Jim
2005 Coachman Sportscoach Elite 402 40'
350hp Cat C-7 w/MP-8
7500w Onan quiet diesel generator
6-Kyocera 130w solar panels SB3024i MPPT controller
Pressure Pro TPMS
1987 Suzuki Samurai tintop Toad w/VW 1.6 turbo diesel power
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VintageRacer
Dundas, Ontario
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Joined: 04/02/2005
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My decision in your exact position was to upgrade the converter to a smart converter, I bought mine from Randy at BestConverter too. Since I had the Parallax I bought the direct replacement upgrade kit. I was very happy with it.
Brian
2003 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab, Hemi, 5 speed manual, 3.73 gears, Tow Beast hitch with 24" extension.
28 ft race car hauler, Lola T440 Formula Ford, NTM MK4 Sports Racer
1980 MCI MC-5C highway coach conversion
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