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Snaken49 · 04-10-2013, 03:56 PM

Folks,

While doing some routine maintenance I noticed the top of my battery box was warm. Opening it up I noticed one battery was very hot and had a crack across the negative screw down post. The #2 battery also shows some evidence of overheating and fluid seeping from the vent. Both batteries are 2 1/2 years old and my AS stays plugged into shore power year round.

I called Optima and they were concerned enough to request pictures and the specs on the Parallax Power system. Also called Parallax and they suggested it was probably a problem with a bad cell vice the charging system.

Has anyone experienced a similar problem with either bad batteries or the Parallax 7300 Series 55AMP converter?

http://parallaxpower.com/7300/7300pwrcntr.pdf

While looking at the Parallax website I noticed an upgrade kit for the 7300 Series converter that offers battery temperature optimized charging. Has anyone installed or have experience with this kit?

http://parallaxpower.com/TempAssure/TCRU%20Series.pdf

Your feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

SteveH · 04-10-2013, 04:00 PM

If you are using the original Parralax converter, and leaving it plugged in 24/7, that's your problem. That converter puts out too high voltage to be left on full time, and will cook the batteries.

dznf0g · 04-10-2013, 04:21 PM

What Steve said. That converter is not a 3 stage "smart" converter.

Snaken49 · 04-10-2013, 05:15 PM

Steve & Rich thanks for the quick reply!

I use my FC as a mobile office so it has to be ready to go year round. Do you think the Parallax Upgrade Kit will fix the charging issue?

Or can you recommend a 3 stage smart converter?

Thanks!

dznf0g · 04-10-2013, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snaken49

Steve & Rich thanks for the quick reply!

I use my FC as a mobile office so it has to be ready to go year round. Do you think the Parallax Upgrade Kit will fix the charging issue?

Or can you recommend a 3 stage smart converter?

Thanks!

Call Randy at Best converter.com. He is very helpful. At the time I bought he recommended Iota DLS 55. I've been very happy with it.

handn · 04-10-2013, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveH

If you are using the original Parralax converter, and leaving it plugged in 24/7, that's your problem. That converter puts out too high voltage to be left on full time, and will cook the batteries.

I agree. It took me two sets of Blue tops in 4 years and close to $800 to figure that one out.
I junked the Paralax and went to a three stage converter charger. I also went back to lead acid batteries as the Blue tops aren't worth the more than double price.

richinny · 04-10-2013, 05:46 PM

BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics

cwf · 04-12-2013, 04:32 PM

Wow, many choices at "Best" site.. will need a phone call for sure...

Snaken49 · 04-13-2013, 08:14 AM

cwf,

You are right about a lot of choices! I have a friend with AS who bought the 4600 series upgrade an Trimetric monitor from "Best" and he is very pleased with the performance.

I sent an email to randy this morning asking him to explain the advantages of the Parallax TCRU or ParaMode 4400 series converters over the 4600 or Ultra III upgrades they list on the "Best" site.

"Best" prices are lower than any other aftermarket converter suppliers including othe authorized Parallax dealers. Will definitely do business with Randy. Thanks!

batman · 04-13-2013, 09:02 AM

I can also recommend the Iota DLS-55. May I also recommend Lifeline batteries, these seem to be the best AGM's I have used. Much better specs than Optima, etc. A battery temp sensor is a great idea also. Good luck.

Dennis

daveswenson · 04-13-2013, 10:15 AM

Randy's recommended replacement for my Parallax 7355 was this one, with the caveat that a little modification of the Parallax housing would be required. He said they were working on a kit to make it a direct swapout, but that the mods were not a big deal if I was at all handy.

WFCO-Powermax Main Board Replacement

I haven't done it yet.

**DKB_SATX** · 04-13-2013, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveswenson

Randy's recommended replacement for my Parallax 7355 was this one, with the caveat that a little modification of the Parallax housing would be required. He said they were working on a kit to make it a direct swapout, but that the mods were not a big deal if I was at all handy.

WFCO-Powermax Main Board Replacement

I haven't done it yet.

OK, that's a badly-titled listing. I saw "WFCO" and was going to tell you to just pass on that, but reading the listing it's a unit made by Powermax to replace WFCO parts that I guess they're also recommending to replace Parallax. So far I'm completely satisfied with my Powermax converter (from BestConverter), which replaced a WFCO that had annoyingly variable DC output.

Gene · 04-13-2013, 10:53 AM

I replaced the OEM converter with an Iota, recommended to be the best.

If battery acid has leaked into the battery compartment, you will have to neutralize the acid or it will corrode the box over time. I think baking soda will neutralize it. Then wash it down thoroughly before you replace the batteries.

Gene

daveswenson · 04-13-2013, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DKB_SATX

OK, that's a badly-titled listing. I saw "WFCO" and was going to tell you to just pass on that, but reading the listing it's a unit made by Powermax to replace WFCO parts that I guess they're also recommending to replace Parallax. So far I'm completely satisfied with my Powermax converter (from BestConverter), which replaced a WFCO that had annoyingly variable DC output.

Exactly. It's a direct swap for the WFCO but will work with the Parallax with a little tweaking. It's the one Randy recommended.

Snaken49 · 04-14-2013, 08:21 AM

I am working with Randy on Monday to upgrade my converter.

In the meantime I recommend to AS customer service that they either make a good stage 3 converter a standard issue or offer an upgrade option either time of purchase or order from the factory.

It would also help if AS would mention the possibility of overcharging or overheating the batteries in the user manual.

I'll post pics and specs of the converter unit that will replace my 7300. Thank you all for your comments and suggestions!

Gene · 04-14-2013, 08:27 AM

Snaken, you are correct. We have been recommended that for years to Airstream, but apparently they aren't listening. I would add to that recommendation that they upgrade the batteries from Series 24 to batteries that have more capacity. The battery box would have to a little larger and there is enough space for that.

Gene