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Topic: Battery Charging (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Battery Charging
Yahoo Message Number: 47274
I am wondering how good the Magnetec 7300 converter used by LD is for charging the batteries?  Is it a 3 stage charger? I had a 1994 Bounder (Ford 460) for 8 years and the original Magnetec was junk.  I replaced that with the Statpower TC 40+ which is a 3 stage charger with an equalizer function too.  I saved it when I traded my Bounder for my present diesel.  If I get a new or slightly used LD would anyone have suggestions as to whether using the Statpower would be better than the Magnetec?   If so, is there space for it?  Thanks. Mike.
2007 RK
Battery Charging
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47281
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I am wondering how good the Magnetec 7300 converter used by LD is for charging the batteries?  Is it a 3 stage charger?
No, but it is a big (if imperfect) improvment over the earleir Magnetec conveter.  The 7300 is a high efficiency power supply connected directly across the batteries.  It will provide a constant 13.8 volts to the batteries except when the the total load (battery charging plus other loads) is less than 45 amps.  Then it goes into current limit and lowers the output voltage to fit.
 The 7300 works a battery charger pretty well in winter months with the a battery temperature lower than 55 or 60 degrees.  In warm weather, it will seriously overcharge a battery since the their float voltage goes well below 13.8 volts at warm temperatures.  In other words, the 7300 is a lot better, but it is still far from perfect.

Quote
anyone have suggestions as to whether using the Statpower would be better than the Magnetec?  If so, is there space for it?
Almost any multistage battery charger would be better.  Keep in mind that using current from the battery (for the coach) while charging batteries confuses multistage chargers.  The best way is to leave the 7300 in place to provide DC for the coach.  The fellow I know that did this added a heavy duty relay to disconnect the batteries from the 7300's distribution panel and connect them to a multistage battery charger when the coach has AC power from the line or generator. The batteries charge much more quickly while the 7300 powers the coach.  A really nice scheme.  He had a midbath coach and placed the charger on top of the fresh water tank under the kitchen counter.

Linley
Battery Charging
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 47291
Mike,

I'm not an expert on these matters and don't know the technical reasons that make one converter better than another.  Like you, I'm considering replacing a very old converter and came up with the following links:

Trailer Life discussion on replacing old converters: http://tinyurl.com/5noyp

Detailed how-to instructions: http://home.comcast.net/~rabarber/magnetek.htm

Cheap source for converter/smart charger: http://www.bestconverter.com/

My understanding is that the newer converters will usually fit
Andrew
2008 Rear Bath
(previously 1999 TK)