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Topic: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Yahoo Message Number: 105384
My house batteries don't appear to recharge when connected to shore power.  They slowly discharge over time.
Engine charging seems normal; solar output recharges as expected.
Any Thoughts? Dave
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105387
Quote
My house batteries don't appear to recharge when connected to shore power.  They slowly discharge over time.
Engine charging seems normal; solar output recharges as expected.
Any Thoughts? Dave
Year, floorplan, converter model?

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105391
Dave ...
 1 - It could be that your built in battery charger is kaput. Check its charging voltage with a DVM to see if it reads 13.6 - 13.8 DCV at the battery terminals when on.
 2 - It's possible that your house batteries are near the end of their life and will not hold a charge. All batteries, new or old, have a self discharge rate that slowly discharges a battery over time.
 3 - Perhaps you have some ghost loads on your house batteries that are on 24/7 that consume more power than your charger puts out.
 4 - Install a manual battery cut of switch to disconnect your house batteries from the RV loads when not in use. Charge the batteries with a separate car charger and see what they do with time when disconnected
 5 - Maybe some one put in other than distilled water into your batteries at one time. This will cause the self discharge rate to increase and cause the batteries to exhibit symptoms like yours.
 6 - Get yourself a first class clamp on DVM that will also accurately measure low DC currents (10 ma or lower). Their costs are usually in the $200 - $300  range and are a number 1 tool for trouble shooting AC/DC RV electrical problems in my opinion.
 7 - Another remote possibility is that your solar panel isolation diode is bad causing your batteries to discharge through your solar panel at night or when it is shaded.

These are just some thoughts that pop into my mind right now that maybe of help to you - Lutz
   To: lifewithalazydazerv@yahoogroups.com
 From:
 Date: Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:52:40 +0000
 Subject: [LD] Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected

Quote
My house batteries don't appear to recharge when connected to shore power. They slowly discharge over time.
Engine charging seems normal; solar output recharges as expected.
Any Thoughts? Dave
Year, floorplan, converter model?

Steve

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105392
Quote
My house batteries don't appear to recharge when connected to shore power.  They slowly discharge over time.
Engine charging seems normal; solar output recharges as expected.
Any Thoughts? Dave

Year, floorplan, converter model?

Steve
Steve, Unit is a '99 RB.  I believe  the converter is a Magnetek 6345Q.
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105399
Quote
Steve, Unit is a '99 RB.  I believe  the converter is a Magnetek 6345Q.
How are you determining that the batteries are discharging? Do you have the solar disconnected in some fashion, or are you noticing a slow voltage drop at night? Note that the converter charger will normally maintain a voltage of about 13.2 Volts. A much lower battery voltage would be an indication the charger is not functioning. The solar charger could provide up to 14.3V in the daytime.

Give as many details and symptoms as you can.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105436
Quote
Steve, Unit is a '99 RB.  I believe  the converter is a Magnetek 6345Q.

How are you determining that the batteries are discharging? Do you have the solar disconnected in some fashion, or are you noticing a slow voltage drop at night? Note that the converter charger will normally maintain a voltage of about 13.2 Volts. A much lower battery voltage would be an indication the charger is not functioning. The solar charger could provide up to 14.3V in the daytime.

Give as many details and symptoms as you can.

Steve
Steve, With the charger on (unit in garage & solar output zero) the voltage on the monitor shows about 12.1 volts.  With engine running or unit in the sun, the voltage is around 13.6.
I am fairly comfortable that the charger has failed but will still fool around with it a bit before I attempt to locate a replacement unit & figure out what I need to do to change it out.
Dave
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105446
Quote
With the charger on (unit in garage & solar output zero) the voltage on the monitor shows about 12.1 volts.  With engine running or unit in the sun, the voltage is around 13.6.
I am fairly comfortable that the charger has failed but will still fool around with it a bit before I attempt to locate a replacement unit & figure out what I need to do to change it out.
Dave
Dave, what monitor are you using? All those voltages seem low if measured at the battery. As a check, I would measure at the battery terminals with a known accurate digital voltmeter. The Sears #82139 is a good auto-ranging model.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105455
"I am fairly comfortable that the charger has failed..."
 Maybe I missed this in earlier discussion, but are you sure that there's no tripped breaker or blown fuse? That's by far the most likely cause of a nonworking converter.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105655
Quote
I plan to call the factory today to see what replacement is recommende for the Magnetek 6345Q which I understand is out of production.  Any thoughts are still welcome.
The 6000 series converters were not very efficient.
I'd suggest a upgrade like this: http://www.bestconverter.com/45-Amp-Converter-Replacement-Kit_p_46.html 
Art
Art and Barbara
Settled in Atterdag Village of Solvang
2015-2022 fulltime in a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Bus 37AP
2002-2015 2002 LD MB
Art's blog
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105656
I'd suggest a upgrade like this:
 
Quote
http://www.bestconverter.com/45-Amp-Converter-Replacement-Kit_p_46.html 
Art
Hi Art, I had the original converter on my 2006 MB die. I had to go to the mothership to get it replaced under warranty with the same type unit. I was impressed with the link and the updated filtering and step charging on the new suggested unit.
The one  I have now seems to overcharge the house batteries and I have to use about 1/3 gallon of distilled water per month. (I also have a single solar panel} How hard would it be to swap the converter out for the new one, and are they from the same manufacturer? Thanks, Jim Pappas Tacoma, WA
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105660
"How hard would it be to swap the converter out for the new one, and are they from the same manufacturer?"

Jim
 Best Converter's site has a series of links pertaining to upgraded 6300-series converters.
Below is one showing photos of a 6300 converter being exchanged for a Xantrex converter.
http://www.bestconverter.com/MagnetekParallax-to-Xantrex_ep_20-1.html>
 Questions about which converter would be right for your application may be best answered by the guy at Best Converter. They carry a full line of converters.
I have had good luck with their service and advice.
 Two years ago, I replaced the converter in our 2003 LD with a Progressive Dynamics PS9270C 70-amp converter. It charges much faster than the stock 7400 converter and uses very little battery water. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157603671199053/>

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105662
Questions about which converter would be right for your application may be best answered by the guy at Best Converter. They carry a full line of converters.

Quote
I have had good luck with their service and advice.
 Two years ago, I replaced the converter in our 2003 LD with a Progressive Dynamics PS9270C 70-amp converter. It charges much faster than the stock 7400 converter and uses very little battery water. http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157603671199053/>

Larry
Hey Larry, I looked at you Flickr page. you have been very busy! I bookmarked Best Converters web page. Even though this replacement has been working OK, I'm willing bet there are better options than stock.
I don't suppose Best Converters does the actual work for you. It's just when the last one went out it just went out like a light bulb burns out . . . no warning.
We are in Apache Junction, AZ for six months and Tacoma for the Summer.
I guess I should get my info together (solar panel output and inverter specs) and give them a call to pick their minds on a replacement. I could then have it shipped to the mothership and have them do the work. (maybe when the batteries need to be replaced in two years.
Rambling on, anyway thanks for the link and the recommendations.
It was much appreciated, Best, Jim Pappas
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105671
Quote
I'd suggest a upgrade like this: http://www.bestconverter.com/45-Amp-Converter-Replacement-Kit_p_46.html 
Art

Hi Art, I had the original converter on my 2006 MB die. I had to go to the mothership to get it replaced under warranty with the same type unit. I was impressed with the link and the updated filtering and step charging on the new suggested unit.
The one  I have now seems to overcharge the house batteries and I have to use about 1/3 gallon of distilled water per month. (I also have a single solar panel} How hard would it be to swap the converter out for the new one, and are they from the same manufacturer? Thanks, Jim Pappas Tacoma, WA
Jim P

You might want to consider this one from same dealer.
 http://www.bestconverter.com/4600-series_c_133.html

They recommended it to me to replace my Parallax 7345 and even I managed to replace it with no explosions as yet. Plus it costs less that the WFCO model mentioned.

Jim C
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105673
Quote
Sorry about the delay in getting back to everyone that sent me a response, we were overcome by events.  I was finally able to put the troubleshooting tips to work this morning:

1.  When plugged into shore power the battery output, as measured across the terminals and at the converter input, is approx. 11.98vdc.
2. Same voltage check with solars charging reads 13 vdc.
3.  With engine running I get 13.8vdc.
 It does appear that the charger portion of the converter/charger is inop.
 I plan to call the factory today to see what replacement is recommende for the Magnetek 6345Q which I understand is out of production.  Any thoughts are still welcome.
Dave Steele
I have the converter/charger and DC distribution board from a Parallax 7345 that I removed when I upgraded to the PD 4645. Taken out of my o6 LD. If it would work for you let me know.

You can call me at 850-375-4026.

Jim C
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105834
Jim,
 Thank you for the offer.  I am actually thinking along the line of upgrading my converter/charger too.  I talked to the Mother Ship & they have a replacement "D"section available that would replace the charger but my thinking is that rather than repairing the specific failure I may be better off to replace the entine converter.
Why did you change out Parallax 7345 & why did you choose the PD 4645.

Dave Steele>
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105835
Quote
Dave, The Parallax/Magnetek single stage chargers are quite inferior compared to a modern 3 stage charger which will not over charge and gas off the water from your batteries. I recently converted the charger/converter section in my SOB with a Progressive Dynamics PD4645 upgrade kit from Best Converters (google them). It also has a 4th stage that periodically does desulphation on the battery plates when you are on shore power. This unit will make your battries last MUCH longer up to twice as long and you will rarely have to add water (you should still check the levels). This coversion kit comes with everything you need to do the job with a few simple hand tools. It only took me about an hour. I paid $228 with shipping. A really good investment in my opinion.  -Mark.     
Jim,
 Thank you for the offer.  I am actually thinking along the line of upgrading my converter/charger too.  I talked to the Mother Ship & they have a replacement "D"section available that would replace the charger but my thinking is that rather than repairing the specific failure I may be better off to replace the entine converter.
Why did you change out Parallax 7345 & why did you choose the PD 4645.

Dave Steele>
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105838
Thanks for the info.  I had been looking around the Best Converter  site & had pretty much decided to go with the PD4645.  I have now placed the order.  Thanks again to all for the great help.
Dave Steele
 
Re: House battery slowly discharges with shore power connected
Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 105861
Quote
Jim,
 Thank you for the offer.  I am actually thinking along the line of upgrading my converter/charger too.  I talked to the Mother Ship & they have a replacement "D"section available that would replace the charger but my thinking is that rather than repairing the specific failure I may be better off to replace the entine converter.
Why did you change out Parallax 7345 & why did you choose the PD 4645.

Dave Steele>
Dave,
 Randy at Best Converter recommended it. I decided to stay with 45 amp which is what I had with the Parallax and the clincher for me was that it was a direct switch out but gave me a four stage charger.

Jim