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Old 08-09-2011, 10:53 PM   #1
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Converter for battery charging

I have a 2012 Sabre 32BHOK and I realize this topic has been covered in the past but I had a couple questions. Can anyone tell me how to tell if the converter is charging my battery. I checked the voltage to my battery while attached to the trailer while plugged into the 110 and it only went up to 13.63v. I was told it should go up to the 15v area and then come down once it seances the battery is charged?

I recently had problems with the battery that came with the trailer and had to use my portable charger on manual for 2 days to bring my hydrometer readings back to where they should be.
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Old 08-10-2011, 12:25 AM   #2
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after unplugging from shore power for abt an hr, the battery should read very close to 12.6. if it rises to 13.6 when u plug back in, i would say it is charging. 15 seems to be a little high to me but i wouldn't argue the point.
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Old 08-10-2011, 06:48 AM   #3
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13.6 sounds about right. That's what I see when I check the voltage while plugged into shore power. My Shamrock comes with a WFCO 3-stage converter and the three modes/stages of operation include (shamelessly copied from the manual):
Absorption Mode: During this mode, the converter output is in the
13.6 Vdc range. This is the normal operation mode. This mode
provides the 12 Vdc and current required by the 12 Vdc RV appliances,
as well as slow charging the battery.

Bulk Mode: When the converter senses that the RV system voltage is
less than 13.2 Vdc (equivalent to less than 50% of battery charge) the
converter will automatically go into the “Bulk mode.” In this mode, the
output voltage of the converter will switch to 14.4 Vdc for a maximum
of four hours.

Float Mode: If the RV is not being used for approximately 48 hours,
with a “no load” condition and the shore power is plugged in, the
converter will automatically go in to the “Float mode.” In this mode,
the converter is charging the battery with a trickle voltage of 13.2 Vdc.
When the converter senses a demand (by turning on lights), the
converter automatically returns to the “Absorption mode” 13.6 Vdc.

By the way, the 14.4volt limit is why I also use a battery charger occasionally. The two Trojans I have need 14.8 volts.
__________________
Scott
DW, 3 Kids and our Goldens

2012 Shamrock 233S
2008 Toyota Sequoia 5.7L 4WD
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Old 08-10-2011, 09:17 AM   #4
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Thanks for the info. I have a generic manual that mentions very little. I also have 2 6v Trojans and it sounds like it will be a good idea to charge them with a charger after every trip
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