Hey Guys...so this is just an informational thread to maybe save some folks some time.
I'm about to upgrade my single 12v battery to 2 or 4 x 6v batteries and have been spending time researching converter chargers to make sure I don't kill the new batteries with crappy standard gear. That said, there is very little information on the web as to which Converter/Charger comes in any unit.
I called CR and they were unsure about which converter/charger I had.
My goal is two fold:
1.) Be able to boondock as long as possible on Battery Power without running the generator.
2.) Recharge said batteries in as little time as possible without running the generator for hours upon end. Even though the onboard Gen is an ONAN 5500, which is pretty quiet, I'd still prefer to run less Gen and more batteries.
To Goal # 1 - I have decided to purchase the Trojan T105 batteries. Each battery gives 225AH at 20 hours. Four (4) of these guys will give me about 450AH @ 20hrs (so approx 22.5A for 20 hrs, assuming I don't let the batteries charge down past 50%) to play with. The total AH pool will be 900AH.
Knowing that I'm not going to need 22.5A per hour (running TV, Music, Lights, Furnace, etc...), I should be able to run longer. I am aware I'm not taking the Air Conditioning into account.
To Goal # 2 - Make sure I have the appropriate converter/charger system so recharge the 450AH as quickly as possible so I run less GEN power AND maintain my batteries for optimal performance during the storage months (my unit stay plugged in to 120v when at the storage place) without over charging them.
Since the internet wasn't playing ball, I decided to head to the unit and take a few pics. Turns out that in
MY SPECIFIC 2013 3912 I have the Progressive Dynamix PD4950 18LV with Charge Wizard. Essentially it's a Stage 4 system, which is good news since I no longer feel I need to upgrade it.
I have seen on the web several 3912s with 75A systems advertised.
Here's the details:
Progressive Dynamics PD4590K18LV AC DC Distribution Panel & Inteli-Power Converter with Charge Wizard 90A Camper Trailer RV
90A AC/DC Distribution Panel and Inteli-Power Converter with Charge Wizard
AC/DC Distribution Panel and Inteli-Power Converter with Charge Wizard
Inteli-Power 4500 Series models can recharge the battery to 90% in 2-3 hours using our patented Charge Wizard technology.
The built-in Charge Wizard automatically selects one of three operating modes: BOOST, NORMAL, STORAGE.
Boost Mode - Indicated by green LED remaining on. The output voltage is 14.4VDC to rapidly recharge the battery up to 90% of full charge.
Normal Mode - When the battery is between 50% and 90% charged, the green LED will flash once per second. When the battery has reached 90% of full charge the green LED will flash 2 - 3 times per second. In this mode the output voltage is 13.6VDC and the converter is safely completing the charge of the battery
Storage Mode - Indicated by green LED flashing every 6 - 8 seconds. In this mode the output voltage has been lowered to 13.2VDC, the RV battery is fully charged and the converter is maintaining the charge.
Inteli-Power AC Features:
Note: AC Breakers are not included and shown for reference only.
Inteli-Power DC Features:- Top two fuse holders recommended for low current devices such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
12 or 18 Branch fuse holders with maximum rating of 30 AMPS each.
Optional terminal block or wired branch circuit connections.
Optional L.E.D. indicators identify which fuse is blown.
Converter/Charger section is accessible from the front.
Converter/Charger ratings of 60 and 90 AMP, which is the largest rating available in the industry.
Easy access reverse battery protection fuses.
- DC disconnect - allows the attachment of a remote DC disconnect switch.
- Optional DC Ground Buss can be user-installed in the DC wiring compartment.
Other PD4500 Series Features:
Reverse battery protection
Electronic current limiting
Low line voltage protection
Intelligent cooling fan
High voltage protection
Automatic thermal protection
- Press open door for easy access to circuit breakers
Front access to large wiring compartment
The above link goes to the full catalogue of PD Converters in case yours is different.
Hopefully, this will save some folks several hours and or a trip to their unit if they are trying to figure out what converter/charging system they have.
Thanks.
Matt.