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03-05-2016, 10:16 AM
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#1
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PSU1981
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Conroe
, Texas
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
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Correct Multi-stage converter for AS with AGM Batteries
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
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03-05-2016, 10:23 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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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
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03-05-2016, 07:43 PM
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#3
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2 Rivet Member
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 40
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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"
__________________
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way." Bertrand Russell
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03-05-2016, 08:05 PM
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#4
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PSU1981
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Conroe
, Texas
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
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Jumper clipped - please explain?
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03-05-2016, 08:50 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2012 25' Flying Cloud
Battle Lake
, Minnesota
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 7,714
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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.
__________________
Doug and Cheryl
2012 FC RB, Michelin 16, ProPride 1400
2016 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 Ecodiesel 3.92 axles
The Truth is More Important Than the Facts
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03-05-2016, 10:20 PM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2015 23' FB International
2007 19' International CCD
Steamboat Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,020
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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.
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03-06-2016, 08:39 AM
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#7
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2 Rivet Member
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PSU1981
Jumper clipped - please explain?
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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"
__________________
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way." Bertrand Russell
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03-06-2016, 10:23 AM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Grand Rapids
, Michigan
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 177
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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!!
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03-06-2016, 12:17 PM
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#9
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3 Rivet Member
2010 25' FB Flying Cloud
Snoqualmie
, Washington
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 191
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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.
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03-06-2016, 01:36 PM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2006 19' Safari SE
Tucson
, Arizona
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,627
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lsbrodsky
Many of us have dealt with Randy at BestConverter.com; he will steer you right....>snip<
Larry
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Ditto
__________________
TB & Greg and Abbey Schnauzer
AirForums #21900
PastPrez, 4CU/WBCCI
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03-06-2016, 02:11 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2015 23' FB International
2007 19' International CCD
Steamboat Springs
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,020
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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!!
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pd4655
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03-06-2016, 03:45 PM
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#12
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Rivet Master
2015 25' Flying Cloud
2016 30' Flying Cloud
Blenheim Ontario
, Ontario
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1,263
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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
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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.
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03-06-2016, 04:03 PM
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#13
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3 Rivet Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 247
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"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.
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03-06-2016, 05:14 PM
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#14
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PSU1981
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Conroe
, Texas
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
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How did you know to start with that the jumper wasn't clipped?
Anyone else with this problem?
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03-06-2016, 06:09 PM
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#15
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2 Rivet Member
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PSU1981
How did you know to start with that the jumper wasn't clipped?
Anyone else with this problem?
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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"
__________________
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way." Bertrand Russell
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03-07-2016, 06:24 AM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2013 30' Classic
Greenwood
, Mississippi
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 12,111
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Following thread-
I need new batteries and would like to upgrade to AGM batteries.
__________________
2013 Classic 30 Limited
2007 Silver Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited 5.7 iForce
2006 Vivid Black Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
1999 Black Nissan Pathfinder LE
TAC #MS-10
WBCCI #1811, Region 6, Unit 56
Airforums #70955
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03-07-2016, 07:19 AM
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#17
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Rivet Master
1999 30' Excella 1000
small town
, Maryland
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 802
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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.
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03-11-2016, 08:15 AM
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#18
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2 Rivet Member
2016 25' Flying Cloud
East Falmouth
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 21
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Jumper Clipped
jumper clipped meaning the blue wire is for the charge controller for the solar(factory) not the converter.two different animals
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03-12-2016, 08:13 AM
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#19
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2 Rivet Member
2015 27' Flying Cloud
Santa Fe
, New Mexico
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 40
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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"
__________________
__________________________________________________ ___________________________________________
"The most savage controversies are those about matters as to which there is no good evidence either way." Bertrand Russell
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03-12-2016, 09:03 AM
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#20
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3 Rivet Member
2012 25' FB Flying Cloud
Grand Rapids
, Michigan
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 177
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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.
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