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Old 12-31-2010, 10:29 PM   #1
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Converter Questions

Hi I am wondering if anyone knows if the Parallax 7345 Converter/charger is a multi stage charger or does it always output just 13.8volts? The website suggests that sone of the Parallax products are 2-stage chargers, but it doesn't say which ones. I'm not sure if it's even charge/trickle capable. This is important in terms of the required maintenance, as chargers that don't fall back to trickle will boil off the water in the cells more quickly and need more frequent maintenance.

http://www.parallaxpower.com/7300/51...%20rev%20G.pdf

Regards,

Matt
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Old 01-01-2011, 12:10 AM   #2
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Re: Converter Questions

Hi: memobug...Reading the owners manual it states that "Your Parallax 7300 p.c. is capable of delivering its full rated output to the battery(s) if needed, but will taper off to a few hundred milliamps when the battery(s) are at full charge". They also recommend the system be connected to 120V for at least 8hrs once a month to keep the battery charged. That is what Reace recommends too. Alf
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Old 01-01-2011, 01:24 AM   #3
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Re: Converter Questions

Alf,

Seems to me that we both left our Escapes plugged in to AC for the winter last year ( and the year before - is it that long already? ) with the battery connected and near as I can recall, we started the camping season with fully charged batteries and no other issues.
I did check the battery levels a couple or three times, but I don't recall having to add much if any water.

This year, I did disconnect the battery a few weeks ago, but I'm about to re-connect it to top it up, needed or not.

So, in my experience, the converter delivers the charge that the battery requires and nothing more.

baglo



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Old 01-01-2011, 02:29 AM   #4
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Re: Converter Questions

Thanks everyone. It's reassuring to hear that the charger does both charge&float so there won't be any damage. I got sort of spoiled by the Progressive Dynamics products like the one I put in my other trailer. They have quick charge, charge, float, and a periodic maintenance mode that helps prevent sulfating.

The big advantage to a quick charge mode is you can bulk charge to 70% in a couple hours, say if you were running off a generator. At the normal charge level of 13.7 volts or so it would take several more hours to get there and maybe a full day to get to full charge.

Generally, whether the charger has a float mode or not, it's a good idea to check the electrolyte level every couple months to keep the cells topped off with DI water. It's a little unfortunate the batterybox is screwed shut with about a dozen fasteners (my iPhone just substituted "castanets!"). And you need both the square head and an 8 or 9 mm socket to get it open. Don't leave home without it!

Happy New Year!
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Old 01-01-2011, 06:42 AM   #5
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Re: Converter Questions

Hi: memobug& gbaglo...It really is a pain to get to the battery...I'll agree, but due to its location indoors...it must be sealed and vented. Battery gas like most gas isn't pleasant and can be down right deadly!!! I have checked ours twice since may of '08 and added a slight amt. of distilled water to one cell once. I don't take the battery out and the trailer isn't plugged in all winter. No power source where it's under cover. I just use the cut off switch to make sure there's no drain from it. Some day I know it won't work and neither will I!!! Happy New Year...and "Long may your glass not LEAK". Alf
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Old 01-02-2011, 08:15 PM   #6
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Re: Converter Questions

I'm in Glenn's camp. I keep power on Hokie all winter with a small cube heater keeping things warmed inside (and free of moisture). In 2 years I've only added a small amount of distilled water, but I do check it every couple of months to be sure all is well. Seems to be working so far.
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Old 01-02-2011, 10:16 PM   #7
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Re: Converter Questions

In winter, I just use the handy disconnect switch, and leave the batteries in the trailer. I make certain they were fully charged before storing. I do not bother plugging it in, or using heat, there really is no need here. Last year I checked the voltage when taking it out of storage and it had hardly dropped at all. I have checked the electrolyte levels in my trailer twice in two years, right before the final charge and have yet to add to it in two years.

If it was handier for me, I would probably plug it in to top up the batteries one or two times during the winter.
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Old 04-25-2011, 12:07 PM   #8
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Re: Converter Questions

I have been combing the forum for info on where to find the "handy disconnect switch" for the battery. Can someone tell me where to find it please?? I have a 2008 17B...

Thanks,

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Old 04-25-2011, 01:49 PM   #9
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Re: Converter Questions

I think that switch was introduced on the 19.

I don't have one on my 17 B. Just disconnect one of the leads at the battery.

baglo
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Old 04-25-2011, 01:59 PM   #10
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Re: Converter Questions

We charge our battery's on the frist of the month.
I plug in after work and unplug on the way to work the next morning.
I also remove the neg. lead to the battery, for any hidden loads.
I have check my battery,s with a volt and hydrometer, they are usualy in the 94 /96 % full before charging each month.
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Old 04-25-2011, 02:22 PM   #11
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Re: Converter Questions

The Battery disconnect is a option on the 19ft. They located it under the dinette near the Converter panel, looking inside the door it would be on the left side dinette seat.
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Old 04-25-2011, 04:57 PM   #12
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Re: Converter Questions

I think the battery disconnect is standard on the 19, it was with mine.

After switching it off when I parked the trailer for storage in early November and not going by it once this winter. I checked the batteries on the weekend when showing it to someone Tammy sent my way, and the batteries had hardly dropped at all, less than they would being used on a weekend off grid.
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Old 03-12-2012, 11:14 PM   #13
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Re: Converter Questions

I see this is this thread is kinda stale but I'll post here anyway. Seems that my 19 foot(bought used) has a WFCO converter. I think it is a three stage charger. Reading about battery care, lots of people seem to recommend using an external dedicated charger. This seems like it would be a pain because the battery is so well sealed. If I was to boondock somewhere cold and needed the heater at night would I be alright using a Honda eu1000 to charge the trailers battery with the WFCO converter? Maybe running the generator for a few hours during the day? The other option I was exploring was installing installing a catalytic heater. Solar was also interesting but the guide over at fiberglass rv doesn't mention trying to run a heater.

Also, this maybe obvious, but I'm guessing you shouldn't tow with the Battery cutoff switch turned off due to the fact that there would be nothing to activate the emergency brakes ( not to mention the fact that the battery wouldnt charge)
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Old 03-12-2012, 11:59 PM   #14
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Re: Converter Questions

Can't answer a bunch of your questions, but I have the Honda 1,000 and I had a weak three year old battery and needed to charge it up.

I would run the Honda for maybe 45 minutes, maybe twice a day, but usually only once.

See your Honda instruction manual about how long to run it at a go. As I recall, you don't want to run it for hours, nor will you need to.

baglo
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Old 03-13-2012, 12:00 AM   #15
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Re: Converter Questions

I was up at Lac La Juene provincial park in the middle of October last year and the temperature was going down to minus 5 at night. I ran my Yamaha 1000 watt generator from about 7pm to 10 pm (we had the place to ourselves) charging the battery through the convertor and then let the propane heater run through the night on battery power with no problems using a single 12 volt battery.

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Old 03-13-2012, 04:19 PM   #16
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Re: Converter Questions

Thanks for the reply. That's exactly what I wanted to hear.
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