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Old 10-14-2019, 05:04 AM   #1
margerush
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battery & inverter

We just bought a maintenance free AGM battery. We have a few questions on how to take care of it. Monty (2016 3160RL) is plugged into 30Amp shore power & battery is turned off & we do not have a knife switch to shut battery down completely.

1. anyone know the manufacturer & model # of our inverter or how do we get this information?

2. Is our inverter compatible with an AGM battery?

3. We had a battery tender on a lead acid battery that overcharged the battery & spilled acid everywhere, any suggestions on a proven battery tender for an AGM?

4. other than a battery tender, how else do we take care of an AGM (can't open it to check water level)?

We're open to any other suggestions
 
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Old 10-14-2019, 07:50 AM   #2
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I think we have a common term issue.
An Inverter uses 12 volts DC, batteries, to make 110 volt AC. (shore power)
A converter takes 110 volts AC, shore power, and 'converts' it to 12 volts DC to charge the batteries.
The Converter that came in your rig will happily charge/maintain an AGM battery.
Since you are plugged in, I suggest you let the converter keep the battery charged.

My 2015 converter/Power control center is Progressive Dynamics, Mdl: PD4500 series.
Yours should be the same or close to the same.

Hope this helps,
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Old 10-14-2019, 10:31 AM   #3
Carl n Susan
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Quote:
Originally Posted by margerush View Post
We just bought a maintenance free AGM battery. We have a few questions on how to take care of it. Monty (2016 3160RL) is plugged into 30Amp shore power & battery is turned off & we do not have a knife switch to shut battery down completely.

1. anyone know the manufacturer & model # of our CONVERTER or how do we get this information?
Most likely you have a Progressive Dynamics, Mdl: PD4500. The converter is part of the CB/Fuse box. Look on the right side of the box for specifics.

Quote:
2. Is our CONVERTER compatible with an AGM battery?
Yes it is. You need to do nothing to adapt.


Quote:
3. We had a battery tender on a lead acid battery that overcharged the battery & spilled acid everywhere, any suggestions on a proven battery tender for an AGM?
As long as the coach is plugged into power, no battery tender is required or needed. The converter is a 4 stage unit which does a fine job of keeping the battery charged without cooking it. If you remove the battery for the winter then it should maintain a full charge while sitting.

Quote:
4. other than a battery tender, how else do we take care of an AGM (can't open it to check water level)?

We're open to any other suggestions
Turn the battery disconnect switch on so the battery is charged via shore power to the converter to the battery. That is it.
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Old 10-14-2019, 10:43 AM   #4
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Or to be sure the battery is really disconnected for storage...take off the negative cable that goes to the chassis ground. Nothing more required. Yes, there will be some arcs and sparks as there are some low current drain devices in the trailer that still draw current. Put a glove on if it makes you feel better.
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Old 10-14-2019, 12:20 PM   #5
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Useful info
https://www.keystonerv.com/upper-nav...rical-systems/
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Old 10-15-2019, 05:28 AM   #6
margerush
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Thank you everyone. We understand now, we have a converter, keep Monty plugged into shore power & turn battery switch on. This is why we love this forum (forum for dummies).
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Old 10-15-2019, 01:27 PM   #7
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We have a 2007 3400RL. When I went to AGM batteries (I have two-12 volt wired in parallel) about a year and a half ago I queried Keystone, and the service departments at two Montana dealers regarding converter compatibility. I was told by all three that I should be fine. NOT. Obviously my converter in that old a unit was not "smart" and it cooked the batteries while we were in one spot for a month last summer. Had the converter upgraded, AGM batteries replaced under warranty (thank you, Interstate Batteries!) and now everything is fine.
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Old 10-16-2019, 03:53 AM   #8
margerush
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driii, we had a battery tender on our second lead acid battery that overcharged the battery & spilled acid everywhere. I guess I'll keep an eye on the this expensive AGM battery & hope the converter doesn't overcharge it. Thanks
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Old 10-16-2019, 07:45 AM   #9
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If worried about AGMs and you Converter/Charger, contact the Converter Manufacturer and ask them. If they say no problem make sure you keep their response, just in case.
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