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Old 08-20-2017, 11:18 AM   #1
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2017 converter vs. 2018 converter.

I understand Airstream upgraded their converter/inverter for 2018.
Since I'm on the verge of buying a new 2017 or ordering a 2018, please educate me on the difference and is it worth it?
I have 30 amp power where I store the RV and I'd like to be able to leave it plugged in. Or at least put a Battery Tender on the batteries. I'm tired of replacing batteries because they are discharged or overcharged.
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Old 08-20-2017, 11:28 AM   #2
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A Progressive Dynamic charger converter will cost around $200 and you can easily install yourself. I would not let the charger converter affect any deal you are trying to make on the trailer you want 2017 or 2018.
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Old 08-20-2017, 11:34 AM   #3
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Hi

It depends a bit on which trailer you are looking at. The 30A swap out process appears to be pretty simple. The 50A is doable, but not quite as easy.

Bob
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Old 08-20-2017, 01:09 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad View Post
I understand Airstream upgraded their converter/inverter for 2018.
Since I'm on the verge of buying a new 2017 or ordering a 2018, please educate me on the difference and is it worth it?
I have 30 amp power where I store the RV and I'd like to be able to leave it plugged in. Or at least put a Battery Tender on the batteries. I'm tired of replacing batteries because they are discharged or overcharged.
2017= Dumb (fry the batteries) charger/converter
2018= Smart (doesn't mess 'em up too bad) charger/converter

I have a 2017 but will wait on upgrading the converter cuz I don't leave the AS plugged in. I bring the batteries home and connect to a battery tender.

Not sure what other upgrades came with 2018, but if you can get a better deal on the 2017 (likely) go with it.
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Old 08-21-2017, 07:09 AM   #5
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Originally Posted by KK4YZ View Post
2017= Dumb (fry the batteries) charger/converter
2018= Smart (doesn't mess 'em up too bad) charger/converter

I have a 2017 but will wait on upgrading the converter cuz I don't leave the AS plugged in. I bring the batteries home and connect to a battery tender.

Not sure what other upgrades came with 2018, but if you can get a better deal on the 2017 (likely) go with it.
Hi

2017 = you get 90% of the "full amp hours" charged into the batteries
2017 = you get about 110% when they are new.

Neither one cooks the batteries except when the temperature is very hot. They both do the same sort of thing in this regard (no temperature probe).

Bob
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Old 08-21-2017, 07:12 AM   #6
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Bob, did you mean "2018" in the 2nd line? Doesn't the 2017 converter overcharge batteries when left on for long periods?
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Old 08-21-2017, 07:16 AM   #7
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Also, I hope you know I'm being slightly facetious in my characterization of the chargers...
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Old 08-21-2017, 07:29 AM   #8
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Also, I hope you know I'm being slightly facetious in my characterization of the chargers...
Hi

No problem there. I just worry about people going crazy yet again about chargers when defective or abused batteries are their issue.

Bob
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Old 08-21-2017, 12:38 PM   #9
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Interesting subject and a couple of the responses prompt me to ask...I just purchased a Battery Minder brand battery tender. I have it coupled directly to my batteries (2017 26U Flying Cloud). It automatically compensates for temperature, desulfinates, etc.

There shouldn't be any issue with leaving this plugged in all the time right?

I would love to hear your ideas, experience...
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Old 08-21-2017, 01:51 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Lil Bear View Post
Interesting subject and a couple of the responses prompt me to ask...I just purchased a Battery Minder brand battery tender. I have it coupled directly to my batteries (2017 26U Flying Cloud). It automatically compensates for temperature, desulfinates, etc.

There shouldn't be any issue with leaving this plugged in all the time right?

I would love to hear your ideas, experience...
Hi

As long as the battery minder is in the same enclosure as the batteries it should track the temperature. If they have an external temperature probe, that's not obvious. The stock AS solar chargers temperature compensate, but do it from inside the trailer. Turn on the air conditioning (or heat) and no more compensation.

I'd also be careful about matching the battery type up with the charger.

Bob
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Old 08-21-2017, 02:12 PM   #11
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I like the Battery Minder concept. I'd like it better if they followed their own advice. The manual warns you to not place the minder above the battery, and put it as far away as the cables allow. So in their own pictures they show it mounted on top of a battery!!!

I'm beginning to think the only way to care for batteries is to bring them home, put them on a small charger and watch the progress.
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Old 08-21-2017, 04:41 PM   #12
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I have a 2015 27FC, Switched out the stock inverter charger with a PD 4656, $175 on Amazon , easy DIY project, I camphost and stay plugged in for 2-3 months no problem. For storage (indoor) I leave batteries in , attached to a Battery Tender, seems to be working ok even with sub-zero temps.
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Old 08-22-2017, 07:44 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mollysdad View Post
I like the Battery Minder concept. I'd like it better if they followed their own advice. The manual warns you to not place the minder above the battery, and put it as far away as the cables allow. So in their own pictures they show it mounted on top of a battery!!!

I'm beginning to think the only way to care for batteries is to bring them home, put them on a small charger and watch the progress.


That's what I do. It's a little bit of hassle but necessary since I don't have power where I store the AS
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Old 08-22-2017, 08:20 AM   #14
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Hi

The whole "keep sparks away from batteries" issue is a bit exciting. Remote probes are the "easy" way to address this. In an open area with AGM's it's not real clear that you should get very concerned about it. A sealed box with flooded cells .... that's different.

Bob
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Old 06-01-2018, 06:11 PM   #15
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My 2018 Classic has a WFCO WF-9865, which, according to WFCO’s site, is a 3 stage converter. Charging profile comes fairly close to the AGM requirement; it does not appear to have an equalize stage for lead-acids, nor does it appear programmable.
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