Converter in 31 RKS

altar1 · 01-30-2011, 10:33 AM

We just ordered a new 31 RKS, delivery expected March 1. Since there are none around here to even look at, does anyone know what brand of Converter is in it, or what the CHARGING amps are? I know from the specs that it is a 45 amp converter, but I would like to know what the CHARGING amps are, and whether it is a single stage charger, or a multi stage. The dealer doesn't seem to understand the question. Or know the answer.

Thanks,

Tom

RVhiker · 01-30-2011, 11:19 AM

I wondered the same thing as you. My Superlite Fifth Wheel 28.5RLS is on order and the power converter is described the same as yours, "deluxe 120V 45-amp power converter". Here's a link to my question: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=1585

I believe that if you can supply the VIN to Jayco Customer Service that they would be able to tell specifics about your converter.

altar1 · 01-30-2011, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVhiker

I wondered the same thing as you. My Superlite Fifth Wheel 28.5RLS is on order and the power converter is described the same as yours, "deluxe 120V 45-amp power converter". Here's a link to my question: http://www.jaycoowners.com/showthread.php?t=1585

I believe that if you can supply the VIN to Jayco Customer Service that they would be able to tell specifics about your converter.

Since I've ordered it, but don't have it, gettting a VIN number isn't possible. It seems that many folks assume that since it is a 45 amp converter, it will charge at 45 amps. That isn't possible. Most converters have a maximum charge rate that in some cases is far below the stated converter amperage. I installed a Progressive Dynamics charger in the Motorhome that I am trading in that charges at 60 amps. I would even be satisfied if the Jayco charged at 30 amps, progressively. If it doesn't, then I will have to buy something that does.

Tom

Denise · 01-31-2011, 08:53 AM

Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum Tom! Check with the service dept at your dealer... if that doesn't help, contact Jayco direct at 574-825-5861 with the model you are buying. Good luck

Mopar1973Man · 01-31-2011, 08:55 AM

I agree with Healthi to give Jayco a call... They should be able to tell you...

namusmc65 · 01-31-2011, 09:33 AM

I don't know the specifics to your question but I will go get my paperwork out and see if it is in there. We have a 2010 31RKS and have been camping in it twice. We love ours and the current draw or charging rate has not been a problem, but of course we are usually hooked up via landline at the campgrounds. Have not been out for any extended trips not hooked up. Let me go out and get the books.

namusmc65 · 01-31-2011, 09:53 AM

Well this much I found, it is an IOTA converter and here is a link to there products if this will help you. http://www.rvfunproducts.com/rv-powe...-c-96_466.html Did not really see what the charging rate was. Hope this might help you. I don't understand all I know about these things anyway, which is not much!

namusmc65 · 01-31-2011, 09:58 AM

Just an afterthought on your electrical system question. My dealer installed a second 12 volt battery on our unit. He said with the electrically operated slideout, it was good to have a second battery on board. So we have two 12 volt batteries operating our 31RKS.

altar1 · 01-31-2011, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by healthi

Welcome to the Jayco Owners Forum Tom! Check with the service dept at your dealer... if that doesn't help, contact Jayco direct at 574-825-5861 with the model you are buying. Good luck

Thanks for the number! I checked with the service dept, and they didn't know. I will call Jayco direct.

Tom

altar1 · 01-31-2011, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by namusmc65

Well this much I found, it is an IOTA converter and here is a link to there products if this will help you. http://www.rvfunproducts.com/rv-powe...-c-96_466.html Did not really see what the charging rate was. Hope this might help you. I don't understand all I know about these things anyway, which is not much!

Hmm. It is entirely possible that a full 45 amps will be delivered to the battery via the charger in the absence of any other trailer load. I'll ask Jayco. The reasoning for all this is when dry camping, if I plug the trailer into my generator, what would be the max charging rate. On many of the older trailers, it was no more than 3 or 8 amps, which is close to useless. If that were the case, then I would hook up my external Vector 60 amp charger directly to the batteries, thereby diminishing my generator run time by a bunch. Thanks for all the answers everyone.

Tom

namusmc65 · 01-31-2011, 09:08 PM

Let me know what you find out from Jayco's service department. THey did not seem to be too helpful to me. Kept referring me back to my dealer who was not sure at all. I wanted to get the build specs to see what the unit was supposed to have on it and they did not want to provide it. Finally did get a copy from the dealer.

RVhiker · 02-01-2011, 06:22 AM

altar1,

Here's a couple of other thoughts.

1) Some converters (some models of Progressive Dynamics and Iota) will allow charging your batteries at a higher rate with the addition of a smart charger controller - an Iota IQ4 Smart Charger Module or a Progressive Dynamics Intelli-Power Charge Wizard.

2) Jayco has - at least in the past - installed a special version of a converter lacking the smart charger port and therefore lacking the capability to use a smart charger controller.

namusmc65 · 02-01-2011, 07:14 AM

Well, since yours says deluxe, I would wonder if it is the 4 stage charger. Mine does not say deluxe, it says "converter, 12v-45 amp & Charger."

RVhiker · 02-01-2011, 08:07 AM

It seems like you can't know exactly what equipment will be on a new trailer until you lay eyes on your trailer... maybe they plan it that way??

I got one nice surprise when I ordered my 28.5RLS, an Eagle Superlite Fifth Wheel. I noticed that the Eagle (but not the Superlite) came with Dexter® Nev-R-Adjust™ brakes. The Dexter® Nev-R-Adjust™ brakes system looks like the self adjusters on my wife's 1968 Chevy (from a while ago).

Me, I'm tired of jacking up trailers and crawling under them to adjust the brakes. I looked at the Dexter site, and the incremental cost of the self adjusting brakes over the manual adjust brakes is almost nothing. Also, the Dexter site says that complete manual adjust backing plate kits are not available.

I asked my dealer to check with the Jayco zone rep to see if I could order the self adjusting brakes. He found out that 2011 Eagle Superlite fifth wheels, contrary to the brochure, DO come with the Dexter self adjusting brakes. Maybe Jayco decided the upgrade was cheap enough, or maybe the deal is that Dexter can't supply full manual kits anymore. Whatever the reason, I won't have to crawl under my new fiver as much to adjust the brakes. And it's nice that technology from the 60's is finally making its way onto RV trailers.

altar1 · 02-01-2011, 02:41 PM

I called Jayco today and asked the question regarding charging amps on the 45 amp charger.

They replied promptly by email. The charger is a Progressive Dynamics Intelli-Power 45 amp. Specs:

The built-in Charge Wizard automatically selects one of four operating modes: BOOST, NORMAL, STORAGE, DESULFATION.

BOOST Mode 14.4 Volts - Rapidly brings RV battery up to 90% of full charge.

NORMAL Mode 13.6 Volts - Safely completes the charge.

STORAGE Mode 13.2 Volts - Maintains charge with minimal gassing or water loss.

DESULFATION Mode 14.4 Volts every 21 hours for a period of 15 minutes to prevent battery stratification.

I have the same one in my Motorhome except 60 amp, and really like it.
Thanks to everyone who helped me get the answer!

Tom

RVhiker · 02-01-2011, 04:59 PM

That's good news. I had a Progressive Dynamics 45 amp converter in my old trailer, and it worked quite well.

Sounds like Jayco is using a PD9245C, which has a built in Charge Wizard. I'll be purchasing a converter status remote pendant, http://www.progressivedyn.com/prod_details/pendant.html. It let's you choose charging modes; with that, you can choose the boost mode manually, and allows quicker recharging when you are boondocking and running the converter off a generator.

RVhiker · 02-01-2011, 06:37 PM

Well, maybe Jayco is using the PD9245C, unless Jayco is using this one: http://www.progressivedyn.com/all_in_one_pd4000.html - in which case, it does not look like you can manually control the DC output.

altar1 · 02-01-2011, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVhiker

Well, maybe Jayco is using the PD9245C, unless Jayco is using this one: http://www.progressivedyn.com/all_in_one_pd4000.html - in which case, it does not look like you can manually control the DC output.

In their email to me they gave the link:
http://www.progressivedyn.com/all_in_one_pd4000.html
which is the one without the manual control. I have used the 60 amp version of same without manual control for 3 years now in my MH, and never missed having the manual control.

Tom

RVhiker · 02-01-2011, 09:20 PM

Good information there. Thanks for posting it.

namusmc65 · 02-02-2011, 09:29 AM

Well, that still leaves me in the dark as mine is defnitely an IOTA converter and not a Progressive Dynamics.

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