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Topic: Parallax 75a converter (Read 492 times) previous topic - next topic

Parallax 75a converter

Ronnie at FT told me, last week when I talked to him, that the '95 U240 Grandvilla comes with a Parallax 75A Converter/Charger.
The photos I have been able to find all have show a Silver box with a muffin fan on it similar to a PC Power supply. The one time I crawled into the bay and took photos, there is NO Fan. It seems to be charging the Batteries OK, but I'm not sure what make and model it is.
There is NO inverter on the coach. The only time I have 110AC is if it is plugged in or the Generator is running. The generator is acting like the regulator is plugged but I have not gotten that far with it.
I have just changed the house batt to an 8D 12v Lead Acid at about 200Ah. At some point I will be adding 1 or more inverters and Much more Battery Capacity.
Looking for any schematics or drawings for the '95 U240.
Also, what does the wood in front of and behind the steps seem like? I would like to put a skid plate under the motorized step.
Thanks
Joe
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #1 –
Maybe this scan might help?
If nothing else, maye yours is similar or you can contact Parallax
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Cpt_kludge –
Ronnie at FT told me that the '95 U240 Grandvilla comes with a Parallax 75A Converter/Charger.  The one time I crawled into the bay and took photos, there is NO Fan. It seems to be charging the Batteries OK, but I'm not sure what make and model it is.

There is NO inverter on the coach. The only time I have 110AC is if it is plugged in or the Generator is running.
You will likely need to remove the mounting screws and pull that silver box out where you can get a good look at it.  I agree with you - none of the photos I find online of "Parallax Converter" look like what you have.  Link below to the archived docs section at Parallax web site.  Once you determine for sure what unit you have, might find some useful info:

Archived Tech Docs – Parallax Power Supply

If you need one, it's pretty easy to add a small inverter to run some particular device in your coach.  Many threads on the Forum about installing dedicated inverters to run a residential fridge or other items.

The Forum "Search" box is your friend!

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #3 –
Thanks Nitehawk and Chuck & Jeannie.

I'm going to need to crawl back into that compartment and see i can find ANY markings. I did not try to wee the top due to the closeness, but will try again. you may be correct in that the only way to KNOW will be to take the cover off :(
I do want to monitor the charge voltages to make sure the batteries are not being overcharged, but hesitate to disassemble it if it is working :)

I have seen some of the posts on adding an inverter. Having about 200Ah of battery may get me some time to run 1 AC or the Microwave. I understand that Microwaves and most newer electronics work best on True AC (sine). I have not seen anything on using multiple inverters. It would seem to me that they would have to be in sync to run at the same time or with the genny. Have not seen anything on that. .
Thanks Guys
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Cpt_kludge –
Thanks Nitehawk and Chuck & Jeannie.

I have seen some of the posts on adding an inverter. Having about 200Ah of battery may get me some time to run 1 AC or the Microwave. I understand that Microwaves and most newer electronics work best on True AC (sine). I have not seen anything on using multiple inverters. It would seem to me that they would have to be in sync to run at the same time or with the genny. Have not seen anything on that. .
Thanks Guys

Yes, a PSW inverter is the only way to go with today's electronic devices.

And, with your battery bank, you can run an microwave but roof A/C, NO.  For roof A/C, you will be running your generator unless you want to invest a lot of $$$$$$ in a complete upgrade of your electrical system.  And, even then, your 1995 U240 is very near rear axle capacity without adding additional weight.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #5 –
Thanks Brett, I had not considered axle weight.
As soon as I get it off of the jacks I'm going to measure the height at all wheels.
I think you said in a prev message that the correct height was 32-33" from the gnd to the top of the wheel well (on the inside) and to measure the rears between the duals.
Do you have a pic of the shims? How are are they to add, or subtract? RV Fully loaded or empty?
assuming that the ride height is too low, would you add shims? Where would you get them? MOT?
I will be getting a yardstick and cutting it down this weekend.
Thanks
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #6 –
Yes, 32-33".

You will certainly see stacks of the 1/4" thick steel slotted shims in front of and behind each wheel position-- certainly in front.

Removing a 1/4" shim from in front of and behind a wheel position RAISES that wheel position 1/4".
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #7 –
That converter is known as a battery boiler. You should replace it with something that is a 3 stage charger.
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Cpt_kludge –
...you may be correct in that the only way to KNOW will be to take the cover off.  I do want to monitor the charge voltages to make sure the batteries are not being overcharged, but hesitate to disassemble it if it is working.
I didn't mean for you to "disassemble" the converter or remove the cover.  I meant remove the mounting screws so you can pull the whole box out far enough to allow you to make a positive I.D.

1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #9 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
I didn't mean for you to "disassemble" the converter or remove the cover.  I meant remove the mounting screws so you can pull the whole box out far enough to allow you to make a positive I.D.


I didn't think you did LOL
I'm the kind of guy that tears things apart just to put them together again LOL
Sometimes I have to restrain myself :)
I DID notice from the pic when I looked closer, that the cover is RIVETED on. That may help me stay in line :)
Will use a mirror and see if I can find any ID
I agree about the Dunning-Kruger effect.........I had to look it up :)

Thanks
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #10 –
Quote from: red tractor –
That converter is known as a battery boiler. You should replace it with something that is a 3 stage charger.
I agree and will look ant an Inverter with Charging capability, but would like to know the Make and model to start :)
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #11 –
OK, I verified it is a Magnatek 775 (Parallax)
I am plugged into a 15A 110 Circuit and it is hummming, There is a fan on the Back and vents on the bottom.
To charge BOTH the house and Eng batteries the boost switch needs to be on?
I'm not running anything else on the coach!
An added inverter is moving up the list of upgrades :)
Joe
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Cpt_kludge –

To charge BOTH the house and Eng batteries the boost switch needs to be on? CORRECT

An added inverter is moving up the list of upgrades :) IF UPGRADING, I WOULD SURE GO WITH A PSW (Pure Sine Wave) INVERTER/CHARGER.
Joe


Be aware that installing an inverter/charger will also require some rewiring of the 120 VAC circuits (to run those circuits you want to be able to run with no shore power/no generator on the inverter/house battery bank).
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #13 –
Quote from: wolfe10 –
Be aware that installing an inverter/charger will also require some rewiring of the 120 VAC circuits (to run those circuits you want to be able to run with no shore power/no generator on the inverter/house battery bank).
I agree Brett.
I will be going over the 110v AC side to see what I want to run a PSW inverter with. All the TV's and enterainment is all Original. Need to upgrade to digital tuners and maybe a sat dish. I'm hoping that Starlink will be available before I go too far :)
1995 U-240 GrandVilla 36'
FMC# 18675
Lookingglass, OR
"There are four boxes to be used in defense of liberty: soap, ballot, jury, and ammo. Please use in that order." - Ed Howdershelt Abintra Press "If you have to lie to gain Support, you are not worth Supporting" "I just want to go somewhere where there's chocolate and nobody talks." - Ynez Reinschmidt

Re: Parallax 75a converter

Reply #14 –
Not unreasonable to include the microwave in the inverter circuit.

And an inverter/charger with PASS THROUGH feature makes wiring easier than going to a sub-panel.

Just move the hot and neutral from any circuits you want to run off the inverter to the inverter OUT connections. Connect "new ground" to main breaker panel ground.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020