Battery Choice Again - Montana Owners Club

bncinwv · 02-15-2011, 03:24 AM

I have been reading all of the informative posts regarding battery selection on the MOC and have been trying to supplement the knowledge gained with much internet research. I am now leaning towards an Optima D27M battery that I will add in addition to the dealer supplied Interstate deep cycle starting battery. I am going to separate them with a marine MBSS switch so I can isolate the starting battery for backup use in addition to generator starting. I always come back to the same question which is in regards to the charging system that is provided. I was told that the rig has a 90 amp converter/charger and I am trying to find out the specifics of what is currently provided. Does anyone know the specific make and model number of what is being provided. I need to research the battery charging functions, specifically whether it is a three stage charger. Anyone know or have access to check what is provided on the 2011 models?? Xantrex?, Progressive Dynamics??
Bingo

Art-n-Marge · 02-15-2011, 12:12 PM

For future sake, shouldn't you try and locate the converter in your rig? Then you can get the make and model for future reference. At this point in Keystone's method of operations, I wouldn't be surprised if they have multiple vendors for things like that and what one reports on their rig you might not have the same. But that's just me.

I forget but I think I have a 55 amp converter, but it's got to be more, but probably not (since it won't motor my slides without the batteries).

If you have a 90 amp, that would be nice, because then you could drive all your slides even if the batteries are weak. And your rig has 5 slides doesn't it? WOW!

bncinwv · 02-15-2011, 12:28 PM

I plan on doing that Art, but the rig is in mini storage 20 miles from the house. I will be there Saturday, but this inquiring mind hates wondering that long, was hoping someone would have their literature handy and could do a look see, our literature is in the rig as well.
Bingo

Ozz · 02-15-2011, 12:50 PM

I (Think) my converter is a 90 amp Iota...cound be wrong.
The accessory I bought and plugged in for it was called The Charge Wizard, It made it a 3 stage charger.
Mine is a 2007 3400RL. I can't imagine them regressing to a smaller charger. With my age-induced CRS and my brain slowly turning into a Granite chunk...could be wrong.

Ozz · 02-15-2011, 12:53 PM

I think it is a Xantrex XDL 80 amp.
Google the question what Converter is in a 2011 Montana?

bncinwv · 02-15-2011, 01:42 PM

They upgraded the 80 amp to a 90 amp for the second half models Ozz. I was looking at the Xantrex website and could not find anything comparable. The charging wizard is what I saw somewhere else and is what I am trying to determine if it is built in. If all else fails I will try to find out Saturday since I have to take the battery back to the rig then. Thanks for the input.

Ozz · 02-15-2011, 02:24 PM

When I looked at the Xantrex, it appeared to me that they are all 3 stage...
I would think by now that should be standard.

mhs4771 · 02-15-2011, 02:29 PM

Bingo, don't know about your 2011, but our 2010 has the 80 Amp Xantrex. And it's a three stage charger/converter. It was part of Hickory Edition Package upgrade.

Lee F. · 02-16-2011, 03:57 AM

My 2011 came with a 90 amp three stage.

bncinwv · 02-16-2011, 04:07 AM

Lee,
Do you know the specifics? Make, model??
Bingo

Lee F. · 02-16-2011, 04:56 AM

Bingo,

It's a Progressive Dynamics Intelli-Power #PD4590K18L

Here are the specs:http://www.ecovantageenergy.com/cata...s/item2659.htm

I was told it was a three stage but the specs seem to show there are four.

bncinwv · 02-16-2011, 04:58 AM

Exactly what I needed to know Lee, and it is what I suspected I had. Thanks a bunch!!
Bingo

Lee F. · 02-16-2011, 08:45 AM

You're welcome. It's not often I get to contribute.

bncinwv · 02-16-2011, 08:55 AM

I sent and e-mail (thanks to John Kohl telling me that the company has great tech support) to Progressive Dynamics inquiring about a few more details that I am still foggy about. As I posted previously, I am planning on setting up a two 12v battery system in a marine fashion (cranking battery - Interstate that came with the rig) and adding a house battery (Optima D27M). Since the batteries are different types and different capacities, my thoughts are that they will have to be charged separately via the isolator switch. I will be using the cranking Interstate battery as a reserve in the event that I need to start the generator for charging purposes. Hopefully they can (or the MOC can - Hint, Hint!!) chip in and either confirm of rebuke my suspicions.
Bingo

You may also like: