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Topic: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated (Read 2327 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated

Reply #25 –
Sounds like a new topic....
1996 U270
Build #4846

Re: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated

Reply #26 –
Hi Gayland,

Is your coach equipped with an inverter/charger? If so, as Dave mentioned, you can usually add a generator start module to kick on when the batteries reach a certain discharge point (based on the battery voltage).

My 91 did not come with an inverter. After reading and researching I've settled on a Magnum 2000W PSW model. It comes with a programmable remote; adding the optional gen start module and battery monitor module makes the whole thing automatic and prevents either overcharging or discharging too far.

At this moment I am planning on the Optima AGM starting battery and two MK 8D gels. The gels need a lower charge voltage, so will adjust the alternator and inverter/charger lower for the gels. It's still enough voltage off the alternator to charge the AGM, and am going to get that small (can't remember the name) device that connects from the coach battery to the starter battery to trickle charge the start battery when the inverter is charging the coach batteries.

Hope this helps.
Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated

Reply #27 –
Quote from: Merle Hench –
It's still enough voltage off the alternator to charge the AGM, and am going to get that small (can't remember the name) device that connects from the coach battery to the starter battery to trickle charge the start battery when the inverter is charging the coach batteries.

Hope this helps.
Steve
Steve,
It's called a trikl-charge (usually installed at the battery isolator), which charges the start battery with a minimal amperage from the coach batteries provided that the trikl-charge "sees" a charge from either shore or generator power.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH

Re: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated

Reply #28 –
Quote from: Peter & Beth –
Steve,
It's called a trikl-charge (usually installed at the battery isolator), which charges the start battery with a minimal amperage from the coach batteries provided that the trikl-charge "sees" a charge from either shore or generator power.

That's the one. Thanks.  ;D
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated

Reply #29 –
Merle - Yes, I have a Inverter/Charger, but don't understand what that has to do with the generator auto start.  Perhaps you can elaborate.  I have the Freedom 20 heart inverter setup.  I've checked both the charging voltage from it and from the engine alternator.  They both are under 14 volts with no load so I assume that is acceptable for the Gel batteries.  I'm not finding any need for charging the start batteries while in storage, they stay up just fine for months.  I did find that I lose a volt between the batteries and the automotive dash gauge, not sure why that would be.
1996 U270
Build #4846

Re: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated

Reply #30 –
Thanks John.

Sealing everything up as I go. Definitely going to plug those drain holes. I think if I was going to use a box again, I'd likely go a different route than the $1200 it would cost for a Foretravel replacement.

The possibility of water getting underneath the decking is another reason I decided to use PT material. It adds about 30 lbs to the bay. With the Optima starting battery, the Magnum inverter (near future) and two 8D sealed batteries, the weight works out pretty close to what three 8Ds would weigh.

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa

Re: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated

Reply #31 –
Steve, the converter on my 93, U225 was under the step into the coach. It was accessed by crawling in the bay on the drivers side, not an easy job.

You should only disconnect the converter if the new inverter is also a charger. I didn't see what kind of inverter you purchased. If it is a inverter/charger, you definitely should remove the old converter. If it is just an inverter you will still need a converter. I would recommend getting a smart converter as soon as possible. The old ones will damage the Yellow Top.

I would also be concerned about having the new inverter in an open battery compartment. I think you said you put the 8D Lead Acid back in the coach. If so, the gases released can corrode connections very rapidly. Bad connections can damage the new inverter as well as other electrical functions. FWIW

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: Electrical upgrade plans - you feedback would be appreciated

Reply #32 –
Thank you gentlemen.

Kent - as John mentioned the wet cell is only in there for a week or so to supply coach power while I sorted out some internal systems. Replaced the bathroom fan today and put in a new backup camera/monitor system - needed power for that. I expect to have gels in by the end of next week.

So under the step is where that converter is. At least it's out of the weather.  I believe I'll follow John's lead and just cut power to it via the breaker, leaving it in as an emergency backup for charging.

I haven't bought the inverter yet, but planning on a Magnum PSW 2012 2000w inverter/charger, with gen start module. There is enough room behind the Optima to mount it flat with the 3 inches of airspace around for airflow per the install docs. I am going to look at adding a 12 volt squirrel cage or centrifugal blower connected to the rear facing vent that would help keep air moving through the bay when the inverter is switched on. Need to look into a subpanel for the inverter output. Would like to run four circuits out of eight off the inverter.

Interesting that you did away with the isolator John. I can see advantages to that.

Steve
1991 U225 Grand Villa