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Topic: Charging and Boost Problem Solved (Read 1029 times) previous topic - next topic

Charging and Boost Problem Solved

Follow up from previous posts

OK. Let's see... First I noticed that my boost switch wasn't working properly. As I was trying to fix that I noticed that my coach battery was getting 15.5v when plugged into my 15 amp house outlet or running on the generator. This was one of the wtf moments. I started on the boost first. After buying and installing a new solenoid I discovered that the problem was simply a bad ground on the solenoid. Put the old one back in properly grounded - good as new. Now, onto the overcharge. As you might suspect, the culprit was a bad converter, probably the original in this 93 225. I replaced it with an 80w four stage. Also added a Trikl deal for good measure. Now, all is well. The coach is charging as it should and the starter batteries are bleeding a bit off of that charge. My back's a little sore though. I think the Foretravel engineer that placed the converter must have been some kind of sadist. I feel great. Think I'll have a cold one.

Oh, for anyone that replaces the stock 225 or 240 with a Progressive Dynamics 80 amp, you have to change out your 15a outlet to a 20a. The metal box is an improvement anyhow. Also, you get a "pendant" which is a little rinky dink monitor and manual override. That's what the phone cable is in the photo. I haven't figured out where I'm going to mount it.
jor



93 225
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Re: Charging and Boost Problem Solved

Reply #1 –
Jor,  That's Great!  You are now dubbed an official ForeTechie (FT for short).  Good to hear you're solving many of your coach's aches & pains from the past & old age...
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Charging and Boost Problem Solved

Reply #2 –
Quote from: jor –
After buying and installing a new solenoid I discovered that the problem was simply a bad ground on the solenoid. Put the old one back in properly grounded - good as new. Now, onto the overcharge. As you might suspect, the culprit was a bad converter, probably the original in this 93 225. I replaced it with an 80w four stage. Also added a Trikl deal for good measure. Now, all is well. The coach is charging as it should and the starter batteries are bleeding a bit off of that charge. My back's a little sore though. I think the Foretravel engineer that placed the converter must have been some kind of sadist. I feel great. Think I'll have a cold one.

Wow - great job!  And you definitely deserve that cold one!

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Charging and Boost Problem Solved

Reply #3 –
Jor,

Bet you never thought you would be having so much fun?  You have done an incredible amount of improvements to our old coach..Good to see it went to someone who really enjoys tinkering (is that a word?) .  Thanks for all the updates
We are only strangers until we meet; however, some of us are stranger than others

Re: Charging and Boost Problem Solved

Reply #4 –
Jor,
But where is everything else that is suppose to be in that compartment???  Much more stripped than mine is.  I had a board that ran across the floor where the old converter was mounted.  And the vacumn cleaner was mounted down there too.  But thanks, now I have a better idea of where to look for the  solenoid.  Have not done it yet, but I am going to put the charge "pendant" up in the coach where it is easier to keep a eye on. 

Nice job!!
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Charging and Boost Problem Solved

Reply #5 –
Quote
ut where is everything else that is suppose to be in that compartment?
Yours must be different, Pat. The converter is actually mounted to the back side of the entry step. On that side, the only access to the compartment is a foot or so space aft of the fuel tank. Besides the converter and outlet, only the onboard air valve is in there. On mine, the thoughtful previous owner (JeffS) installed a joey bed, to his everlasting credit. Today, I'm reinstalling that sucker; it's heavy!
jor

93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Charging and Boost Problem Solved

Reply #6 –
Wow if that plate with the boost solenoid is in your engine compartment, please come work on mine.
looks great.
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Charging and Boost Problem Solved

Reply #7 –
Quote
if that plate with the boost solenoid is in your engine compartment
Nah. That's the battery compartment on a 225. Wish the engine compartment was that squared away.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320