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08-19-2008, 07:06 AM
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#1
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3 Rivet Member
1986 25' Sovereign
Allegan
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 146
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Converter advice needed
My wife is replacing the carpet in the 86 and in the process I removed the sofa - thus giving good access to the elctrical 120 AC to 12 DC converter. It appears to be original, a "Triad ?" 50 amp unit - a bit more modern than the old "Univolt" in the 75 AS. Even though it is working properly should I replace it with a more sophisticated one?
I've read here that a "3 stage" charger/converter is desireable to increase battery life. I'm not sure that I need a 50 amp converter as I'm planning on changing to LED lighting. I did install a "Intellipower 9200" 55 amp unit in the 75 when the univolt quit - very quiet untill the fan kicks in.
I appreciate any advice/experience that you'd care to share.
Thanks,
Whit Nash
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08-19-2008, 07:27 AM
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#2
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Retired.
Currently Looking...
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, At Large
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 21,276
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The 9200 would be good for your newer coach as well. Just because it's a 55 amp converter, doesn't mean you have to use it all...
__________________
Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy, and taste good with ketchup.
Terry
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08-19-2008, 08:54 AM
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#3
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Moderator Emeritus
1972 31' Sovereign
High Springs
, Florida
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 2,311
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Replace it if you can. This stuff is only going to get more expensive as time goes on. Your battery(s) will love you for it.
__________________
ARS WA8ZYT
2003 GMC 2500HD 4X4 D/A Ext. Cab
Propane Powered Honda EU2000i
Lots of Hot Sauce!
Air # 283
WBCCI 1350
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08-19-2008, 10:16 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
1986 31' Sovereign
1975 25' Tradewind
1967 17' Caravel
Sherfield English
, Hampshire
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 700
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Pick
Replace it if you can. This stuff is only going to get more expensive as time goes on. Your battery(s) will love you for it.
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The Intellipower 9200 is a superb piece of kit. It does that thing that the best essentials do, exactly what it says on the box. I found one (new) on eBay for $ 160
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08-19-2008, 10:19 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
1993 34' Limited
Melbourne Florida
, Springfield Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 759
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i also have a 1986 - what is the value in replacing the converter? Thanks.
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08-19-2008, 10:27 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
Vintage Kin Owner
Naples
, Florida
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 7,508
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Quote:
Originally Posted by willyd
i also have a 1986 - what is the value in replacing the converter? Thanks.
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Your batteries need to be properly charged to keep them going and to assure long life. This is done with a 3-stage charging system consisting of an initial 'bulk' charge, followed by a 'tapering' charge where the voltage tapers from the high rate of the bulk phase, and finally on to the 'float' charge where a minimum of voltage is added to the batteries to maintain their voltage.
These chargers are fully automatic and read the battery voltage and provide charging voltage accordingly. The old style 'Univolts' and single voltage converters like the Triad will boil your batteries if left on due to their single voltage charging mode.
A new converter is one of the best investments you can make in your trailer.
__________________
lewster
Solar Tech Energy Systems, Inc.
Victron Solar Components and Inverters, Zamp Solar Panels, LiFeBlue and Battle Born Lithium Batteries, Lifeline AGM Batteries
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08-19-2008, 11:33 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
Commercial Member
1986 31' Sovereign
1975 25' Tradewind
1967 17' Caravel
Sherfield English
, Hampshire
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 700
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08-19-2008, 04:21 PM
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#8
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4 Rivet Member
1954 22' Flying Cloud
1954 25' Cruiser
2005 25' International CCD
Paradise
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 407
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I might add that it is important to get the "Charge Wizard" which is sold separately (I think around $30). It plugs into the converter.
__________________
Paul Mayeux
A&P Vintage Trailer Works, Inc.
AirForums #1565
WBCCI #7162
Heart of Texas Camping Unit
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08-19-2008, 04:33 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
1984 31' Airstream310
Dunsmuir
, California
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,336
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 62 Overlander
I might add that it is important to get the "Charge Wizard" which is sold separately (I think around $30). It plugs into the converter.
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Charge wizard is built in to the 9200 series, there is a "remote pendant" which tells you what charge mode you are in, I don't know if it allows you to override the automatic stage selection of the converter.
__________________
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
If you want to be happy, practice compassion - The Dalai Lama
1984 310 Limited Motorhome
Courtesy Parking (W/S/E/Wi-Fi) on I-5 in Northern California, 70 miles from Oregon border
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08-20-2008, 06:59 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
1993 34' Limited
Melbourne Florida
, Springfield Ohio
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 759
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Thanks for the information - a new converter is on my list.
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08-21-2008, 07:18 AM
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#11
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3 Rivet Member
1986 25' Sovereign
Allegan
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 146
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Thanks
Thanks guys - the Intellipower gets moved today. Heading to Maine the first part of next week. Hope that the repair on the water pump fixed the leak, always some job security!
Whit Nash
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