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PSU1981 · 03-05-2016, 10:16 AM

I have a 27 FB 2015 FC which I understand from everything I read has a single stage converter that can over charge & harm the batteries when connected to shore power & battery disconnect is in the USE position.

Couple of questions: 1. What is the recommended multi-stage converter for AGM batteries?
2. With the correct multi-stage converter when connected to shore power can the battery disconnect stay in the USE position & not harm the batteries?

3. I have factory solar panels -- do these only charge the batteries when the battery disconnect is in the USE position?

4. Can the solar charging also over charge / damage the batteries & if so how do I prevent this.

Thanks,

Glenn

lsbrodsky · 03-05-2016, 10:23 AM

Many of us have dealt with Randy at BestConverter.com; he will steer you right.
With the right converter you can leave the battery in Use with shorepower. As for solar, the charge controller provided by AS is crap, on or off. You need a 3 stage charge controller as well. The solar is charging even with the switch in Store. Look at a place like AM Solar.

Larry

J2Becker · 03-05-2016, 07:43 PM

Change the converter but read the manual for the solar charger. I think it gets a bad rap. It is not a three stage unit but the relay does cut off when the batteries are at 100%. It is what the manual says and I can hear the relay as well as see that the charging Amps go to zero and voltage reflects a fully charged state. Make sure the jumper is clipped if you have AGM batteries. Mine was not by the factory.

"It's supposed to be a challenge, that's why they call it a shortcut. If it was easy it would just be 'the way'." ~ Rubin, "Road Trip"

PSU1981 · 03-05-2016, 08:05 PM

Jumper clipped - please explain?

dkottum · 03-05-2016, 08:50 PM

Our factory solar panels and solar charge controller has been hooked directly to the factory AGM batteries for 4 1/2 years. As J2Becker says it disconnects the solar panels when the batteries are fully charged. I still have the factory converter/charger but never allow it to charge the batteries (by placing the Battery Disconnect Switch in STORE position when on external power). The factory system is still working well and the batteries in excellent shape.

Steamy1 · 03-05-2016, 10:20 PM

I did not have a good experience with Randy and Best Converter. Not particularly helpful and I ended up paying $50 in shipping for returning a charger that was defective. My recommendation is to buy from Progressive Dynamics through Amazon.

J2Becker · 03-06-2016, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSU1981

Jumper clipped - please explain?

Regarding the jumper. In the manual there are two charge patterns. One for flooded cells and one for AGM/sealed batteries. There is a blue loop of wire at the bottom of the controller and if you have AGMs it should be cut/clipped so the controller should provide appropriate voltage.

Mine was not cut at the factory and after a few rounds of email with Airsteam support people they said I should cut it

Not the easiest thing to get to. You have to remove the panel that has the light on it in the forward storage area. Starboard side of the trailer. If you are not a contortionist removing a propane tank helps.

Sorry for the long explanation. J

"It's supposed to be a challenge, that's why they call it a shortcut. If it was easy it would just be 'the way'." ~ Rubin, "Road Trip"

Jwestman · 03-06-2016, 10:23 AM

I have a similar question: In my case I've switched to AGMs and still have the old Parallax charger (2012 flying cloud). Is there a particular Progressive Dynamics unit for specific use with AGM batteries or will the standard upgrade work at the right charging rate? Thanks!!

Anders79 · 03-06-2016, 12:17 PM

I have a 2010 FC with solar panels and two AGM sealed batteries. Have had the trailer about 15 months - and about 90% of the time plugged into shore power (and > 90% of the time have batteries in Use state). I have had no problems (and assume person owning the trailer before me hadn't either). So - should i be concerned and look into - or is this a potential problem that if it hasn't occurred by now - were probably fine.

TBRich · 03-06-2016, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Many of us have dealt with Randy at BestConverter.com; he will steer you right....>snip<

Larry

Ditto

Steamy1 · 03-06-2016, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwestman

i have a similar question: In my case i've switched to agms and still have the old parallax charger (2012 flying cloud). Is there a particular progressive dynamics unit for specific use with agm batteries or will the standard upgrade work at the right charging rate? Thanks!!

pd4655

MelGoddard · 03-06-2016, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lsbrodsky

Many of us have dealt with Randy at BestConverter.com; he will steer you right.
With the right converter you can leave the battery in Use with shorepower. As for solar, the charge controller provided by AS is crap, on or off. You need a 3 stage charge controller as well. The solar is charging even with the switch in Store. Look at a place like AM Solar.

Larry

My question is:
Given the price of a "Top Line" trailer like the Airstream; Why the Hell can't Airstream use good quality equipment instead of "Crap"?

After paying a top dollar for an Airstream, there is no valid reason that I should have to 'she'll out' more bucks to make it operational.

dsrtgrls · 03-06-2016, 04:03 PM

"After paying a top dollar for an Airstream, there is no valid reason that I should have to 'she'll out' more bucks to make it operational."

you are sooo right but it is what it is. had i known more would have made changes prior to my delivery. luckily all has been fixable. i too wish shame were an incentive for change but not.

PSU1981 · 03-06-2016, 05:14 PM

How did you know to start with that the jumper wasn't clipped?

Anyone else with this problem?

J2Becker · 03-06-2016, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSU1981

How did you know to start with that the jumper wasn't clipped?

Anyone else with this problem?

I installed solar myself on my prior trailer. And it had a jumper for different battery types. So when I read the manual for the controller airstream uses for factory solar I "had an eye out" and read carefully. The engineer in me. J

"It's supposed to be a challenge, that's why they call it a shortcut. If it was easy it would just be 'the way'." ~ Rubin, "Road Trip"

m.hony · 03-07-2016, 06:24 AM

Following thread-
I need new batteries and would like to upgrade to AGM batteries.

streaminwild · 03-07-2016, 07:19 AM

Don't forget Lew Farber from AM Solar in Florida, and Andy from Inland RV Corona California. Like Randy, all three are huge contributors of friendly advice to this forum.

miskeeta · 03-11-2016, 08:15 AM

Jumper Clipped
jumper clipped meaning the blue wire is for the charge controller for the solar(factory) not the converter.two different animals

J2Becker · 03-12-2016, 08:13 AM

Good and they are different animals. I am going to upgrade my converter when I get home.

"It's supposed to be a challenge, that's why they call it a shortcut. If it was easy it would just be 'the way'." ~ Rubin, "Road Trip"

Jwestman · 03-12-2016, 09:03 AM

My 2012 is in the shop now upgrading to Progressive Dynamics 4655 - the built in charge wizard has a profile specific to AGM batteries. Also adding the Trimetric monitor so hopefully I won't have problems again. These were recommendations from both Best Converter and my Airstream dealer. I'm looking at Renogy or Zamp portable solar solution for the rare times we boondocks or experience an emergency like we had last summer where we were trapped by downed trees and no power for a week.