2004 Safari Converter swap

[flsafari]

Hello,
I have an 04 Safari 25' that has an IPC Parallax Converter. The battery charger side of this unit leaves a lot to be desired for my needs, would like to switch it out for a converter with a 3 stage charger and or battery minder included. who makes something along these lines and what do I need to do to swap it out? Thanks for any help you can offer.

[uwe]

I just installed a 60A Intellipower converter/charger with the charge wizard option, and it is impressive. They make an 80A version as well, which might suit your elevated needs bit better?
http://www.bestconverter.com/view_category.asp?cat=39

[flsafari]

Thanks for the reply, just out of curiousity what all is involved in the swap???

[uwe]

Originally Posted by flsafari

Thanks for the reply, just out of curiousity what all is involved in the swap???

Sorry, I can't help you with that one, as my installation and experience is limited to pre-80's trailers.
Your trailer is likely to have a converter/DC distribution combo. This would have to be separated, and the converter part replaced with a different unit.
What is it that makes you think you need another converter for a unit as new as yours?

[flsafari]

Uwe,
Actually the part I'd like to upgrade is the battery charger, and it is my understanding that on these Parallax units you cannot separate the charger side from the converter, nor have I been able to find a way to disable the charger so I can put a 3 stage in the circuit. thanks

[uwe]

Usually the converter also does the charging duties. I am not aware of being able to separate the two.

[Silvertwinkie]

You must have some serious power needs to want to swap that out....ever just consider a Honda EU1000i inverter generator?

[flsafari]

ST
Yeah, I have a Honda 3000 and it does a wonderfull job, however, with the money I've got tied up in my batteries I'd like a charger that takes a liitle better care of them than the Parallax. I like to get out and boondock, nice to be able to get a couple days or so out of the batts before you need to charge them. I'm pretty sure that a good 3 stage will put a better charge on when I do fire up the
Honda. I have 2 Lifeline AGM 6 volts up front where the old Interstate 12v's lived and the Parallax does a pretty mediocre job of charging them. Thought maybe adding a different converter/charger might help things out.......

[thenewkid64]

Originally Posted by flsafari

I have 2 Lifeline AGM 6 volts up front where the old Interstate 12v's lived and the Parallax does a pretty mediocre job of charging them. Thought maybe adding a different converter/charger might help things out.......

AGM and gel batteries really need a charger that can be set to battery type. AGM batteries do not like to be charged the same way as a wet cell. An adjustable charger will prolong the battery life and should give you a truly full charge when you are on grid. I would bet the parallax is not fully recharging the batteries you have.

[Silvertwinkie]

I wonder what Airstream does with the gel batteries they sell when you get the solar packages....the same converter???

[flsafari]

So I guess we're back to my original question, has anyone swapped out their Parallax for something else in a late model safari????

[PWRSTRK]

What's involved in adding solar panels to a solar pre-wired trailer? HOw much does it cost? Tom

[RiskIt]

I've done a 80amp intellipower in my older A/S... it was very easy, and works very well:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ad.php?t=17642

I have 3 Trojan batterys (2) deep 6v. and (1) 12v. The intelli keeps them in great shape. When your pluged into land power (110v) it will run all your 12v and still charge the battery's. If you add the charge wizard it will 3 phase the charging. There are a bunch of posts about this. It works, its easy...

[rp709]

I want to upgrade from my two 12V deep cycle marine batteries. Are any 6V batteries available that will fit the battery compartment on my 2005 28' Safari? Ron