Converter upgrade

[RPAspey]

Garbonz, I wouldn't doubt there's multiple recommendations out there, I'm going by a Trojan Battery Corp. technical paper I have in front of me. I have seen in other papers/forums the C/20 rate as a maximum charge rate.

2000 Cherokee, LEDs, solar, inverter, etc. '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by RPAspey

Garbonz, I wouldn't doubt there's multiple recommendations out there, I'm going by a Trojan Battery Corp. technical paper I have in front of me. I have seen in other papers/forums the C/20 rate as a maximum charge rate.

2000 Cherokee, LEDs, solar, inverter, etc. '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

Just looked at the trojan site and saw 20% for solar chargers, that why I asked. Pretty limiting for dry camping, and would not recommend Trojans for that reason.

Just saying. My Deka 6 volts can easily take 20%.

ALSO, while we are on it is the reason AGM and Gel's may be a better choice for drycampers since they can REALLY take a high bulk charge without damage...

[1A Camper]

I would not get too hung up on the current %. I think that is to size the smallest charger to get for max charge in the shortest time. If you go bigger (3 stage or better) it will be charging to a voltage. If you read the charging spec on the Trojan site. It only talks about voltage level and time. That is why when you go to a charger that is above the 20% rate. The charge time do not get shorter.
As someone else said it is best when dry camping to charge battery when they hit 50% discharge and bring back up to 80%. That is where you are going to get the most charge in the shortest time.

[RPAspey]

Originally Posted by garbonz

Just looked at the trojan site and saw 20% for solar chargers, that why I asked. Pretty limiting for dry camping, and would not recommend Trojans for that reason.

Just saying. My Deka 6 volts can easily take 20%.

ALSO, while we are on it is the reason AGM and Gel's may be a better choice for drycampers since they can REALLY take a high bulk charge without damage...

I've been using the Trojan T145 for 3 seasons or so with solar only charging. Not a bit of trouble. I can't remember when I used the progressive dynamics charger last, if ever since going solar.

Anyway, that 20% is only a recommendation. You can charge at a higher rate, but cell temperature and fluid levels should be closely monitored. Not to mention the increased ventilation needed to get rid of the off gassing.

2000 Cherokee, LEDs, solar, inverter, etc. '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

[garbonz]

Originally Posted by RPAspey

I've been using the Trojan T145 for 3 seasons or so with solar only charging. Not a bit of trouble. I can't remember when I used the progressive dynamics charger last, if ever since going solar.

Anyway, that 20% is only a recommendation. You can charge at a higher rate, but cell temperature and fluid levels should be closely monitored. Not to mention the increased ventilation needed to get rid of the off gassing.

2000 Cherokee, LEDs, solar, inverter, etc. '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.

That's very good to know. I have a 55 amp temp compensated charger that pumps every bit of 55 amps during bulk charging into my 2-6 volt Deka's and can therefore run my honda 2000 for right about an hour a day and be fine.

I have 200 w worth of solar cell but have not wired them up. Another project on the list..

[RPAspey]

Get'r done. You'll wish you did it sooner. Ain't nothing as sweet as never having to haul a genny.

2000 Cherokee, LEDs, solar, inverter, etc. '07 Tundra 5.7L DC-LB, modded as well.