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Overcharging

93 225

I've got an overcharging situation. When the engine is running and the alternator is providing the charge, I'm getting 14.2v which I think is about right. However, when the coach is provided 110v (plugged into house current or generator running) the battery receives well over 15v, as high as 15.5v. So, does this mean I need a new converter ? Thanks.
jor

I should add that all the 12v stuff works fine and when I'm on 110v that's what I'm getting in the coach.

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Re: Overcharging

Reply #1 –
That sounds high but that's not the main reason why you need a new converter/charger.  If yours is stock, it is the unintelligent type that is either full on charging or off depending on the level of charge to the battery.  New chargers cycle through various stages including the all important "float."  The old style is ok if you are very careful about not having the coach plugged in for very long without a lot of 12V usage.  As you probably know, some things in your coach use 110 when plugged in (microwave, A/C) and others still use 12V from the battery which is recharged by the converter/charger.  The on/off of the old chargers will cook your coach battery.  I tried turning the shorepower on for one day per month to keep the battery fresh but since I can leave it plugged in where I am it was easier to replace the charger.  I think I did the most damage to it while actually using the coach and being plugged in at a campground.  On most coaches the house battery (coach) is charged by the charger when plugged in and by the alternator (along with the chassis battery) when the engine is running.  Most chargers do not charge the chassis (engine)  battery but there is a cheap work around called a Trik-L-Start.  It steals a trickle from the house battery when plugged in to shorepower. 
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060

Re: Overcharging

Reply #2 –
I'm with you, Dwayne. I've been pricing new converter chargers if, in fact, I have to replace my OE converter. KentS recommended the IOTA DLS unit. I found one for $287. I just bought a Trikl deal (arrived today) and will install it whenever I get this resolved. Thanks.
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Re: Overcharging

Reply #3 –
Quote from: jor –
93 225

I've got an overcharging situation. When the engine is running and the alternator is providing the charge, I'm getting 14.2v which I think is about right. However, when the coach is provided 110v (plugged into house current or generator running) the battery receives well over 15v, as high as 15.5v. So, does this mean I need a new converter ? Thanks.
jor

I should add that all the 12v stuff works fine and when I'm on 110v that's what I'm getting in the coach.


If you have temperature compensator connected to your charger and depending on the temperature the charger could increase the voltage to compensate for low temperature.  Look up your battery's specifications to see what is allowable. Wet cells, gell cells and AGM all have different charge specifications.
Good luck,
Rick

Re: Overcharging

Reply #4 –
I thought I should point out that I only recommended the Iota to John was because that is what I put in my U225. I also think that others such as the Xantrex smart chargers are good. The point is that whether we have wet or dry cell batteries, they will last a lot longer with a smart charger. I have a Xantrex in my U300.

I might add that after having experienced a built in inverter in my new coach, I would have replaced my converter with an inverter even though they are a lot more expensive. This inverter is Great!!!
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Overcharging

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Rick –
Quote from: jor –
93 225

I've got an overcharging situation. When the engine is running and the alternator is providing the charge, I'm getting 14.2v which I think is about right. However, when the coach is provided 110v (plugged into house current or generator running) the battery receives well over 15v, as high as 15.5v. So, does this mean I need a new converter ? Thanks.
jor

I should add that all the 12v stuff works fine and when I'm on 110v that's what I'm getting in the coach.


If you have temperature compensator connected to your charger and depending on the temperature the charger could increase the voltage to compensate for low temperature.  Look up your battery's specifications to see what is allowable. Wet cells, gel cells and AGM all have different charge specifications.
Good luck,
Unless it have been replaced, Jor probably has the dreaded Magnetek 6300/7300  converter charger in his U225.  It is what I had in my '94 U225.  They are well known for over charging and cooking batteries. 

I replaced mine with a Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 9270 converter/charger that has a microprocesser controlled, four stage charging system that constantly monitors the battery voltage and ensures a rapid; yet, safe, recharge.  It is highly rated in RV circles, and is OEM for many RV manufacturers.  Would have liked a inverter, but the budget did not currently allow it.  Was able to pick up the PD9270, with optional Converter Status Remote Pendant, for well under $200 at a Ebay store which I have dealt with before and come to trust.  It was new with warranty.

If you have the 8D Gel cell batteries, you need to modify the PD9200 with a inexpensive shunt jumper which is easy to install and available at Radio Shack.  As is, the PD9200 converter puts out to much voltage for GEL batteries, and the shunt jumper lowers the voltage for the Gel batteries.  If anyone needs instruction for doing this, I have them and will be glad to email them.  Might even have spare shunt jumpers if I did not throw them out.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Overcharging

Reply #6 –
Quote from: PatC –
93 225

I replaced mine with a Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 9270 converter/charger that has a microprocesser controlled, four stage charging system that constantly monitors the battery voltage and ensures a rapid; yet, safe, recharge.  It is highly rated in RV circles, and is OEM for many RV manufacturers.  Would have liked a inverter, but the budget did not currently allow it.  Was able to pick up the PD9270, with optional Converter Status Remote Pendant, for well under $200 at a Ebay store which I have dealt with before and come to trust.  It was new with warranty.

If you have the 8D Gel cell batteries, you need to modify the PD9200 with a inexpensive shunt jumper which is easy to install and available at Radio Shack.  As is, the PD9200 converter puts out to much voltage for GEL batteries, and the shunt jumper lowers the voltage for the Gel batteries.  If anyone needs instruction for doing this, I have them and will be glad to email them.  Might even have spare shunt jumpers if I did not throw them out.

Pat, that sounds like a great price. How many AMPs is the PD9200?
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: Overcharging

Reply #7 –
The one I got was 70 amps (PD9270).  Would have liked the 80 amp, but could not get the price right.  They are a 4 stage charger.  They have 4 models of the 9200 series, (92)45, (92)60, (92)70, and (92)80 amps.  Noticed that the EBay price was way up and that 9200 Series has them cheaper.  Got mine with the optional Remote Pendant for $156.  The Remote Pendant is not necessary, but gives one some control over what the unit is doing.  Progressive Dynamics has been in the business a long time, and these latest converter/chargers are state of the art, from what I'm told, compared to their old stuff.  Progressive Dynamics, Inc is from Marshall, Michigan.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Overcharging

Reply #8 –
Jor did not specify what kind of batteries he has so no way to know what his charging criteria might be.
As someone pointed out, kinda depends on where he is located and whether or not his unit is temperature compensating.
How cold is it?
If he is running Gels, I suggest that the engine alternator be set to not charge over 13.8 volts, higher could cause damage when driving any distance.
Regards,
JON TWORK KB8RSA
Full Time RVer (10+ Years) & Dedicated Boondocker
Retired, Unemployed, Homeless Transients
1996 Foretravel U270-36 w/24' Timberwolf Trailer
I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my remaining obligations.
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The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.

Re: Overcharging

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Jon Twork –
Jor did not specify what kind of batteries he has so no way to know what his charging criteria might be.
If he is running Gels, I suggest that the engine alternator be set to not charge over 13.8 volts, higher could cause damage when driving any distance.
He is running a single 8D wet cell for the coach.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Overcharging

Reply #10 –
Thanks to all. This has gotta be the converter and I'm going to replace it with one of those intelligent ones.
jor
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Re: Overcharging

Reply #11 –
I have the same unit as Pat, 70 amp PD 9270 but I didn't get the pendant.  It is the newer unit with the built in charge wizard.  Seems to do the job.
Dwayne Keith
1992 U240
3116/MD3060