This is why you replace older converters

[Al and Missy]

I was going through my Airstream briefcase today and cleaning out old brochures and data when I found the owners manual for the Magnatek 7400 Series Battery Charger/Converter that I just replaced.

Here is what it says about voltage output:
Maximum voltage(*) - 13.8 volts at maximum load
Minimum voltage - 13.6 volts at maximum load

For both cases, I would imagine the voltage might might be higher at lower loads.

For the maximum voltage, the (*) note says 13.5 volts after the optional 13 hour timer expires.

1. I guess you could rationalize calling the converter with the option a 2-stage converter.

2. Does anyone think Airstream elected the option for the timer when purchasing the converters?

3. Even if the timer option is provided, 13.5 volts is too high for a float voltage.

I replaced mine with a Progressive Dynamics PD-9260. I did the same thing 5 years ago on my Safari 25.

Al

[KYShelby]

Originally Posted by Al and Missy

I was going through my Airstream briefcase today and cleaning out old brochures and data when I found the owners manual for the Magnatek 7400 Series Battery Charger/Converter that I just replaced.

Here is what it says about voltage output:
Maximum voltage(*) - 13.8 volts at maximum load
Minimum voltage - 13.6 volts at maximum load

For both cases, I would imagine the voltage might might be higher at lower loads.

For the maximum voltage, the (*) note says 13.5 volts after the optional 13 hour timer expires.

1. I guess you could rationalize calling the converter with the option a 2-stage converter.

2. Does anyone think Airstream elected the option for the timer when purchasing the converters?

3. Even if the timer option is provided, 13.5 volts is too high for a float voltage.

I replaced mine with a Progressive Dynamics PD-9260. I did the same thing 5 years ago on my Safari 25.

Al

Al,

We have a 2005 Classic and I’m ready to change out my converter. Any warnings on removal and installation of the PD-9260?
I have ordered the Boondocker 4 stage converter BD-1260-CL?

Wondering if I need change this?

Kenny

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by KYShelby

Al,

We have a 2005 Classic and I’m ready to change out my converter. Any warnings on removal and installation of the PD-9260?
I have ordered the Boondocker 4 stage converter BD-1260-CL?

Wondering if I need change this?

Kenny

PM'd you.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by KYShelby

Al,

We have a 2005 Classic and I’m ready to change out my converter. Any warnings on removal and installation of the PD-9260?
I have ordered the Boondocker 4 stage converter BD-1260-CL?

Wondering if I need change this?

Kenny

The Boondocker 60 amp is what I have had in both of my trailers for about 5 years. No issues so far. The lead acid battery in my Safari is 4+ years old and still going. I really like the Boondocker!

[azflycaster]

A pd9260 is a very good unit. It is not what Airstream uses. I would not replace it.

Originally Posted by KYShelby

Al,

We have a 2005 Classic and I’m ready to change out my converter. Any warnings on removal and installation of the PD-9260?
I have ordered the Boondocker 4 stage converter BD-1260-CL?

Wondering if I need change this?

Kenny

[Trowbridge]

We bought our 1964 Airstream Sovereign 30' in June. Prior refurbisher had put in a new Interstate deep cycle marine battery and said everything was fine with the Univolt converter (that model was only used by Airstream in trailers in 1964...gee wonder why they switched?) :-(

Short version, when left plugged in the Univolt overcharged ('fried' for the non-technical) the Interstate battery. So we replaced the converter and plugged in a new Optima marine battery. All good now :-)

[Al and Missy]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

A pd9260 is a very good unit. It is not what Airstream uses. I would not replace it.

I don't think anyone is thinking about replacing a PD9260. I think the question I was asked was whether to continue with a Boondocker or to change an order and get the PD. In short the answer I PM'd was buyer's choice. Plusses and minuses to each. I happen to like the PD9260.

Al

[72Int]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

The Boondocker 60 amp is what I have had in both of my trailers for about 5 years. No issues so far. The lead acid battery in my Safari is 4+ years old and still going. I really like the Boondocker!

Hi, quick question . Im replacing my univolt with a Boondocker 1265CL but my univolt has the intergrated fuses what else do i need to do for everything to work correctly?

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by 72Int

Hi, quick question . Im replacing my univolt with a Boondocker 1265CL but my univolt has the intergrated fuses what else do i need to do for everything to work correctly?

I'm not familiar with the wiring on your '72. On mine it was a very simple process. Connected the (+) and (-) charge wires. Connected the ground wire to the trailer frame. Plugged it in and it worked.

add edit:
I think you will need to add a fuse block for the 12v circuits, but I've never done that.

[panamerican]

Many moons ago, I swapped out the magnajunk converter to a then WFCO I picked up from bestconverter.

I didn't know any better way back then, and would plug in my RV when it was parked at home, let alone when camping. Most of 3 months a year +/- it would stay plugged in. What I didn't realize until I cooked 2 sets of batteries was what you just read. Batteries were dying by the start of the 3rd season and tapering off near the end of season 2.

To put it into perspective, lead acid batteries went from 2 good seasons to 5-6 seasons with this one simple and fairly inexpensive change out.

Why Airstream chose to put a battery cooker into these units is beyond my understanding. Can't be cost, gotta be greed, because we all know the profit margins on Airstreams are fairly high, meaning there is really no other reasonable excuse.....sans incompetence.

[A W Warn]

72Int,
Check out this post>
https://www.airforums.com/forums/f36...tml#post922616

This looks like a total rewire, maybe not what you need. But something like this fuse block is what you are looking for.

This video should be helpful to you>
https://youtu.be/f6u_24L0jfc

[rich e]

Will a new BD1260CL charge lead acid batteries faster than the original Magnetek charger/converter? Thanks

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by rich e

Will a new BD1260CL charge lead acid batteries faster than the original Magnetek charger/converter? Thanks

Maybe!
It depends on the output of the old converter vs the new converter.
In my case, the Boondocker did charge faster because the output amperage was higher than the old Magnatek.
The big difference is that the Boondocker is a multi-stage that charges first at a higher voltage, safely, then reduces voltage as the battery receives the charge. This way it does not overcharge and damage the battery.

[rich e]

Thanks Alan. I am unsure as to output of old charger ,but it was a single stage I believe. I am hopeful that BD will have higher output therefore charging more rapidly in the beginning.