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Old 12-17-2014, 07:10 AM   #1
Mark N.
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Battery Charger Recommendations

I am seeking advice on buying a good charger for my 2 6V. golf cart batteries on my Montana. I currently have a good automotive style charger and a Battery Minder trickle charger to keep them topped off on a continuous basis. But, I'm looking for something that has an equalize cycle to keep them adequately maintained, and to deal with sulfation. What is everyone using that has a stand alone charger? I'm not ready to go with an onboard charging solution yet. Thanks in advance.
 
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Old 12-17-2014, 09:26 AM   #2
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Sorry, I know it's not the answer you're looking for, but by 2010 when ours was built the on board smart charger was all I needed until we went solar.
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Old 12-17-2014, 10:30 AM   #3
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick

Sorry, I know it's not the answer you're looking for, but by 2010 when ours was built the on board smart charger was all I needed until we went solar.
So, mine is a 2013 3400RL, and obviously it has a charger built in. But, am I right in assuming there's nothing "smart" about it?
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Old 12-17-2014, 10:57 AM   #4
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Unless Keystone has changed suppliers since my 2012 - 3402RL you should have the PD4590 AC/DC distribution box. http://progressivedyn.com/all_in_one_pd4500_1.html

This unit has the built in full function charge unit with the charge wizard - http://progressivedyn.com/charge_wizard.html

Check your owners manuals there should be a manual that tells you what unit you have to confirm the above.

The Charge Wizard website tells you how it works and I believe there is a video as well.

I have my RV plugged in all the time and have two 6V batteries, over two years they have always remained charged and I have had to add very little water, personally I see no need for any other charger.


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Old 12-17-2014, 02:26 PM   #5
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Your OEM charger is a 90A charger and it brings the batteries to 14.4vdc every 21 hours. Will float @ 13.2vdc.

I see no reason for you to do anything other than just plug your rig in to shore power. Check water time from time.

I think you are trying to fix a problem that does not exist. Remove all the extra chargers you have installed and let the OEM charger do it's thing. It will burp the batteries daily and float them so they do not use water.

NOTE: on the ckt board is a LED that indicates the mode the converter is in. The converter can be locked into any mode, so might want to read the owners manual and understand what you have.

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Old 12-17-2014, 06:36 PM   #6
Mark N.
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Sweet! Thanks all!
I was told some bad info. about my charger. It was explained to me it will overcharge the batteries and eventually boil them dry if left on indefinitely. This charger is definitely all I need. I am plugging in my umbilical tomorrow and disconnecting the battery tender.
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Old 12-18-2014, 12:32 PM   #7
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Mark, not really Bad info, just very old info. At one time that was true, I ruined several batteries in our first TT by leaving it plugged in and boiled the water right out. Not sure if any newer RVs use that type of Converter anymore, at least any of the better RVs don't.
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Old 12-18-2014, 12:50 PM   #8
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Mark,

The only equalize cycle chargers out there are Solar Controllers.
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Old 12-18-2014, 01:53 PM   #9
8.1al
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My Progressive converter with charge wizard has a equalization mode
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Old 12-18-2014, 02:39 PM   #10
CountryGuy
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

My Progressive converter with charge wizard has a equalization mode
Hey Charlie,

Looking for a replacement for my original converter. I have the original Parallax 55 amp series 500 that came with the unit. No problems yet. May I ask what model Progressive you bought as a replacement? I boil water like crazy!
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Old 12-18-2014, 04:14 PM   #11
8.1al
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by CountryGuy

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

My Progressive converter with charge wizard has a equalization mode
Hey Charlie,

Looking for a replacement for my original converter. I have the original Parallax 55 amp series 500 that came with the unit. No problems yet. May I ask what model Progressive you bought as a replacement? I boil water like crazy!
Al,
I replaced my original with the Progressive Intellipower. http://progressivedyn.com/power_converters_9200.html
It does a very good job and I very seldom have to add water
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Old 12-18-2014, 06:02 PM   #12
CountryGuy
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by CountryGuy

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

My Progressive converter with charge wizard has a equalization mode
Hey Charlie,

Looking for a replacement for my original converter. I have the original Parallax 55 amp series 500 that came with the unit. No problems yet. May I ask what model Progressive you bought as a replacement? I boil water like crazy!
Al,
I replaced my original with the Progressive Intellipower. http://progressivedyn.com/power_converters_9200.html
It does a very good job and I very seldom have to add water
Looks like what I need - Thanks - See you at Quartzsite
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Old 12-19-2014, 03:01 AM   #13
8.1al
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by CountryGuy

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by CountryGuy

Quote:
quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

My Progressive converter with charge wizard has a equalization mode
Hey Charlie,

Looking for a replacement for my original converter. I have the original Parallax 55 amp series 500 that came with the unit. No problems yet. May I ask what model Progressive you bought as a replacement? I boil water like crazy!
Al,
I replaced my original with the Progressive Intellipower. http://progressivedyn.com/power_converters_9200.html
It does a very good job and I very seldom have to add water
Looks like what I need - Thanks - See you at Quartzsite
See you at lunch
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Old 12-19-2014, 06:25 AM   #14
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Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Mark N.

I am seeking advice on buying a good charger for my 2 6V. golf cart batteries on my Montana. I currently have a good automotive style charger and a Battery Minder trickle charger to keep them topped off on a continuous basis. But, I'm looking for something that has an equalize cycle to keep them adequately maintained, and to deal with sulfation. What is everyone using that has a stand alone charger? I'm not ready to go with an onboard charging solution yet. Thanks in advance.
As people have said, most all the new RV's come with the "smart" charging systems, which have the built in de-sulfation modes. A battery that is sulfated up can be resurrected, but it takes special equipment to do that. We've left ours plugged in all the time and have had no problems whatsoever.
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