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How should the charger operate in a 1997 Foretravel Freedom charger/inverter

May 29, 2016, 11:56:29 pm

In a previous coach I had a slightly more advanced version of the Xantrex Freedom charger/inverter.  Once I plugged into shore power, or ran the generator, it would bulk charge the batteries until charged , then settle into float mode for the duration with the charger supplying all coach DC needs directly.

In my recently acquired 1997 U295 the charger control system seems to work differently.  During a recent stretch of rainy days I was in the coach for most of the day with a number of lights on.  The remote indicator showed that the batteries were discharged and went back to "accept" charge several times during the day.

Is this a normal operation for the charger system in this vintage Foretravel ? 

It concerns me because the coach batteries can usually only survive so many cycles.

Other than different versions of the Xantrex systems between coaches the only other difference is that I've installed a DC only marine refrigerator in this coach.  However, that should not overwhelm the charger since it only draws ~4.5 amps DC when running.

I appreciate any insights anyone can offer.

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Re: How should the charger operate in a 1997 Foretravel Freedom charger/inverter

Reply #1 – May 30, 2016, 05:18:58 am

Bill,

NO, something is not right.  It should automatically charge any time it sees an external source of 120 VAC, starting in bulk mode as you other one did.

Start by verifying that you do have 120 VAC to the unit.  There is a breaker on the main breaker panel for it and also check on the unit itself. 

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Re: How should the charger operate in a 1997 Foretravel Freedom charger/inverter

Reply #2 – May 30, 2016, 07:58:43 am

We still have a functional Freedom 25 in our 1997 U295. I agree with Brett's assessment that something is wrong. After the batteries reach full charge, our system stays in float mode. The system will usually remain in float mode until AC power is removed.

I suggest you check connections to batteries and Freedom 25. Also, load test the batteries. The problem may be with batteries rather than with the Freedom 25.

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Re: How should the charger operate in a 1997 Foretravel Freedom charger/inverter

Reply #3 – May 30, 2016, 08:35:22 am

May be incorrect DIP switch settings?

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Re: How should the charger operate in a 1997 Foretravel Freedom charger/inverter

Reply #4 – May 30, 2016, 07:02:43 pm

Thank you all.  You confirmed what I suspected.  However, being new to this version of the Freedom and the remote indicator panel I was a bit ignorant of their operation.

Since the charger does charge the battery bank back to float level while on shore power I'm fairly certain it is getting AC.

Today, with bright sun so no internal lights, etc. (just the DC fridge and whatever parasitic loads are around) I did not see the system cycle off float all day which I think puts the batteries down the list.

I'll have to see if the prior owner left a manual to explore what DIP switches might affect this kind of behavior.

The prior owner's friend did mention that an add-on to charge the chassis battery through the same system had been installed which adds another source of possible faults.

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