Converter Replace with 4 Stage Smart Charger

[frjeff]

I am looking at a 1989 Excella wherein the Owner has replaced the old, noises converter with a smart charger.

Very close to buying and now wondering if this something I should be concerned about?

[Al and Missy]

I don't know what you mean by should you be concerned. This is generally a good thing to do. We can't make a true determination without knowing which converter was installed, but there are several brands that are commonly used, Progressive Dynamics and Boondocker to name a couple. I replaced the Parallax converter in my Safari 25 with a PD9260. It worked great for the two years I owned the trailer.

The 4-stage converter will reduce the possibility of overcharging your batteries to the point of damage.

Al

[55AS]

I may be wrong, but I think the OP is questioning the use of a 4 stage "battery charger" as opposed to a 4 stage "converter"

[frjeff]

Originally Posted by BambiTex

I may be wrong, but I think the OP is questioning the use of a 4 stage "battery charger" as opposed to a 4 stage "converter"

Yes, a charger, NOT a converter.

[dcasr]

Originally Posted by frjeff

I am looking at a 1989 Excella wherein the Owner has replaced the old, noises converter with a smart charger.

Very close to buying and now wondering if this something I should be concerned about?

____________

In 2009 I bought a 29' Excella built in December 1989 (model yr 1990) and until last year had the original charger/converter that came from the factory. It cooked my batteries one after another, so last year I installed a Progressive Dynamics PD9245 and it is gentle on my battery. Every three months I check the battery and add a really tiny amount of water in each hole.

If the OP would post here the EXACT NAME AND NUMBER on the existing unit, and then all of us giving you advice will give you much more accurate counsel

[xrvr]

Pretty sure he means a battery charger, not a converter.

[frjeff]

Originally Posted by avionstream

Pretty sure he means a battery charger, not a converter.

Yes

[mehes]

4 stage charger vs 4 stage converter. Does anyone want to explain the differences?

[frjeff]

Sorry about my question and causing so much confusion.

Current owner has just explained to me that it is simply a newer converter which has a quieter run as well as a stepped/phase charger within.

As he states: "The new charger is staged and automatically steps up or down as the battery needs. The older charger only had one stage, full blast. They would over charge and ruin the batteries. The new chargers puts out full charge when the battery is discharged and steps down as the battery to replace the voltage. When the battery is fully charged, it steps down to idle and keep the battery fully charged. All automatically."

Sounds like an improvement over the original to me.

[mehes]

I'm sorry as well. My post was meant to direct attention to the fact you have a 4 stage smart (insert favorite term here). You do indeed have a great improvement over the original equipment. I don't think you should have any concerns about it. If you find out more like the brand or model number I'm sure someone could give you their experiences with it. The intent of my post was to steer the conversation away from a meaningless debate over terms. If you have no other concerns with the Excella I say go for it and start enjoying it.

[frjeff]

Originally Posted by mehes

I'm sorry as well. My post was meant to direct attention to the fact you have a 4 stage smart (insert favorite term here). You do indeed have a great improvement over the original equipment. I don't think you should have any concerns about it. If you find out more like the brand or model number I'm sure someone could give you their experiences with it. The intent of my post was to steer the conversation away from a meaningless debate over terms. If you have no other concerns with the Excella I say go for it and start enjoying it.

Will know next Thursday when I will fly down to TX to look it over and hopefully schedule her tow to MI.

[mehes]

Safe travels. Enjoy.

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by frjeff

I am looking at a 1989 Excella wherein the Owner has replaced the old, noises converter with a smart charger.

Very close to buying and now wondering if this something I should be concerned about?

Not something to be concerned about unless its strictly a battery charger and not intended to be used as a continuous duty power supply like a converter/charger. Find the make and model of it
[/S]