My Magnetek 6332 (32A) is starting to give me problems. Fan noise is the first and I am having to add water to my 1 year old Trojan T105's every other week. Before I was adding water once every 4-6 months. It puts out a constant 13.68 volts and I think that I will completely replace converter and batteries.
I am thinking of going with a pair of Lifeline 4CT (6V) batteries and a 3 stage converter. I have used PDI 9160 converters on previous RV's in the past, but these Lifeline batteries like to see 14.2-14.6 volts and PDI maintains at 13.6 while only going into boost for 15 minutes at 14.4v.
Since I am going to take the plunge for the AGM batteries, I would like to have the best converter/charger that I can get to keep them at peak efficiency as much as possible.
I think while I am at it, I'll also install a Trimetric system monitor with a 500A shunt. I am also keeping my options open for solar panels in the future. Along with adding possibly a couple of 8D or L16 batteries in the bed of the truck.
I have looked at PowerMax and Samlex, but they also stop at 14.4v and they are fully automatic, which I don't totally understand. I do see that Iota goes to 14.6, but not to much info about those units.
So what seems to be a good Converter/charger for AGM batteries that I can replace my Magnetek with?
Combat Vietnam VeteranSupport our troops for serving our great country.
1997 Veri Lite RL1200 on a '02, K3500, CC, DRW, 8.1L, Allison, 4.1 gears, Bridgestone 225/70R19.5 tires.
I would replace the converter with a mulistage charger and keep the batteries.
Your current charger is constantly charging and not going into "float" mode @13.2 volts. My T-105's are almost 10 years old. They can take some abuse and I believe your will still do fine with a new converter/charger. I only need to add water in fall and spring, and not much is needed. Only about 16 to 24 ounces total for the two batteries. Your amount of water added should drop substantially.
You can always replace batteries later if you do not see improvement.
Mark & Jan "Old age & treachery win over youth & enthusiasm"
2003 Fleetwood Jamboree 29
Some of us have the Progressive Dynamics 92xx with the pendant to control the stage of charging....And charge Lifeline/Optima AGM's just fine...I have over 2 years on my 100amp AGM...It is performing as good as new.
Iota DLS with the IQ4 is a good choice also...
The PD 9260, Iota's will fit right under the old magnetek...
Photog101 wrote: I have used PDI 9160 converters on previous RV's in the past, but these Lifeline batteries like to see 14.2-14.6 volts and PDI maintains at 13.6 while only going into boost for 15 minutes at 14.4v.
PD should hold 14.4 volts for up to 4 hours when initially charging then drop to 13.6 volts. After a couple days PD then drops to 13.2v float and cycles the 14.4 about once a day for 15 minutes.
IOTA charges to 14.6 but switches down to 14.2 15 minutes after reaching the 14.6 volts. 14.2 is held up to 8 hours then 13.5 continuous. The sequence restarts once a week to give a boost charge but I think the 8 hours of 14.2 is shortened.
Powermax goes to 14.6 and immediately drops to normal mode so I cannot recommend this one. Especially for Lifeline.
IOTA or PD should be fine. I would use them with the existing battery at least a couple trips and see if battery condition improves with better charging.
Mark has the right idea. A PDI 9260 will fit in the converter box and give you 3 stage charging. If the wire going to your battery's is smaller than 6 awg, you'll want to add a bigger one.
Scott, Grace and Wesly
2003 Dodge 3500 4x4, 6 speed Cummins (lightly bombed),
2004 Forest River 25RKS many, many mods.
H0NDA eu2000i
I do have a Xantrex inverter, but I also have a Chicago 2000/4000 that I took out of my last Class "A", when I replaced it with a 1800/3600.
I just finished reading through the Xantrex Truecharge owners guide and it only has a max charge of 14.4 and with the remote panel and temp sensor it comes in at about $500.00.
I am thinking that the Iota with an IQ4 Smart Controller along with a Trimetric system monitor with 500A shunt and cable would be just under $450.00. I think that the Iota system would be better, as it has the higher output also.
I'll keep the T-105's and see just how tough they are from the abuse that the Magnetec gave them this winter. At my next battery change, I will go with the AGM batteries and maybe by that time I will have made more room for batteries in the bed of the truck, next to my truck camper.
I am also inclined to believe that this Iota system will work with a solar hook-up down the road and not have to change out any of the other charging system.
I am not aware of any "converters" that offer the level of programability (& temperature compensation) that I would want in order to safely maintain (expensive!) AGM batteries like LifeLines.
Do you currently have an inverter? If not, you might consider an inverter/charger. There are several to choose from. Take a look at: Xantrex, Outback, and Magnum.
msiminoff wrote: I am not aware of any "converters" that offer the level of programability (& temperature compensation) that I would want in order to safely maintain (expensive!) AGM batteries like LifeLines.
Do you currently have an inverter? If not, you might consider an inverter/charger. There are several to choose from. Take a look at: Xantrex, Outback, and Magnum.
Many folks are using Iota's and PD's for their lifelines, Optima and Universals just fine.
I have witnessed 7 years Lifeline WFCO/Iota, 9 years Optimas PD 9245.
Mine are over 2 years old and still at 100% spec...PD 9260.
The Magnetek 13.68v might even be a bit low during a Michigan winter. Still it is a slow charge and I think the Trojans will benefit from the higher voltage and amps from the IOTA.
Consider a solar charger with temperature compensation before next winter.
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