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Old 12-30-2014, 10:47 PM   #1
Retired Ford Tech
 
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converter/charger

I don't remember if I asked this question before,but here it goes.
We are full-timers and have a 2008 GT 350ts. We are in Arizona for the winter and my question is, can I put the battery disconnect in the disconnect position while we are here. I am afraid that the charger will over charge the house batteries while we're here. When I put the switch in disconnect, all the 12 volt stuff still works. Also will the charger back off to a trickle once the batteries are charged if I put it back to connect?
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Old 12-31-2014, 03:27 PM   #2
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I don't remember if I asked this question before,but here it goes.
We are full-timers and have a 2008 GT 350ts. We are in Arizona for the winter and my question is, can I put the battery disconnect in the disconnect position while we are here. I am afraid that the charger will over charge the house batteries while we're here. When I put the switch in disconnect, all the 12 volt stuff still works. Also will the charger back off to a trickle once the batteries are charged if I put it back to connect?

With the battery disconnect off you are getting 12 volt DC to lights, refrigerator control, Propane Detector from the charger.
Your batteries will not charge at all and will slowly drain.

Now if you leave the battery disconnect on it will charge the batteries and depending on the model charger you have it may drop to a trickle charge when full.
I have a multi stage charger that charges and drops to trickle over time. It also exercises batteries so they do not build up calcification on plates.
Here is a picture of my charger.
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Old 12-31-2014, 04:49 PM   #3
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Did you add this convert/charger and what comes as standard equipment. Is it located where the power cord attaches ?
Thanks Rod
Happy New Year
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Old 12-31-2014, 05:25 PM   #4
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Did you add this convert/charger and what comes as standard equipment. Is it located where the power cord attaches ?
Thanks Rod
Happy New Year

Yes it came with my 2012 and yes it is located in the power compartment where my cable is and transfer switch.
It is located on the right in the compartment.
Left side is transfer switch box and Progressive power monitor system box
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Old 12-31-2014, 05:31 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by rvpezzano View Post
Did you add this convert/charger and what comes as standard equipment. Is it located where the power cord attaches ?
Thanks Rod
Happy New Year
Yes they are mounted with the a/c power supply. Trouble with bypassing the batteries is the charger puts out a poor DC voltage, not healthy for electronics. Battery smooths the output to near perfect. If your charger "cooks" your batteries- time for a new one!
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Old 12-31-2014, 05:38 PM   #6
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Our GT is the SE model. I have a 50 amp outlet in the compartment. When I use the Gen, I have to plug the power cord into the outlet. A real pain wrestling that cord! I guess the way to go is a transfer switch and maybe a converter/charger.
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Old 12-31-2014, 06:38 PM   #7
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Iggy has a late 2012 and has that Changer/converter I have an early 2012 and don't have the change wizard. I have been told that as long as my batteries are good all is good. I do wish that they would have changed to the new one at the beginning of the year as I think it helps battery life.
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Old 12-31-2014, 07:08 PM   #8
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Thanks, I'm putting better charger on my wish list.
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Old 12-31-2014, 08:04 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by Falcon35 View Post
Iggy has a late 2012 and has that Changer/converter I have an early 2012 and don't have the change wizard. I have been told that as long as my batteries are good all is good. I do wish that they would have changed to the new one at the beginning of the year as I think it helps battery life.

You are correct. It's impossible to overcharge a good battery. The primary advantage of a multistage charger is it can recharge a low battery more quickly. Not usually an issue in an RV unless you are dry camping and want to minimize the time you want to run the generator.


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Old 01-01-2015, 10:55 AM   #10
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I think I remember Iggy has installed a generator auto start also. I think that would be a good addition, not having to get at 3:00 am to start the generator while staying in a rest area.


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Old 01-01-2015, 05:34 PM   #11
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rvpezzano I read your PM

The one you mentioned in the PM was the Intelli-Power PD9260c is a 60 amp rating. Not sure what the c means
I have the 70 amp rating version PD9270.

If you have two 12 volt batteries I would suggest the 70 amp.
It not only charges the batteries but also supplies 12 volt DC to your 12 volt DC panel which controls your lights and any other stuff on the panel.

Only you can decide which one you need.


Note:
I do not have any auto start on my generator just the switch on the generator and the one up front in the center console.
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