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Old 12-01-2012, 02:50 PM   #1
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three stage 'smart' converter/chargers???

In reading posts about battery care (another website) folks were asking if it was okay to leave the rig on shore power for long periods of time while in storage. Many responded it depended on the quality of the rig's converter.

Any idea about the quality of Jayco's? If they vary by model or size, I'd be curious about the one in our 2011 Eagle.

So far, I have stored it plugged into the electrical outlet in the outdoor barn but only turn on the power to that box every few weeks for a day or so. Advice? Thanks.
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Old 12-01-2012, 04:54 PM   #2
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The PO of my 2007 Jay Feather 165 Sport said he fried a battery having it plugged in at home for an extended period of time.
He replaced the convertor with a smart convertor.

You can contact Jayco with your Vin# and ask what kind of convertor you have.
There was also a recent thread with some discussion on this. You may try the Search function.

service@jayco.com

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Old 12-01-2012, 05:15 PM   #3
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cekkk,

If your Jayco has a Progressive Dynamics converter/charger (as of 2010 model year), you have a 3-stage unit which is fine for a long term shore power connection. Just check & maintain the proper battery water level.

Prior to the installation of the Progressive Dynamics product in Jayco RV's, Jayco used IOTA brand converter/chargers which were 2-stage units....., some IOTA models did have the ability to upgrade to a 3-stage unit ($25).

Bob
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Old 12-01-2012, 05:30 PM   #4
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Mine is a PD. I leave mine hooked to shore power when we are at home always. Check battery levels and no problems. The 3 stage charger does all the work.
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Old 12-01-2012, 05:46 PM   #5
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Some of the 2010 models have the IOTA converter, such as mine.

I would think that a weekly hook up to shore power would not harm any converter; isn't that what we do when camping? Of course check battery water once in a while.
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Old 12-02-2012, 10:45 AM   #6
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Thanks for the responses. I'll email Jayco with the VIN & serial number, last 8 digits of the VIN if I remember, and confirm.
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Old 12-06-2012, 09:21 PM   #7
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Most modern - 2 or 3 stage - converters are fine. Older chargers put out full charge voltage all the time which is what boils out batteries. 2 and 3 stage units do a higher voltage for the "bulk" charge then drop down to a comfy trickle charge for maintaining levels.

The 3 stage units give you a better and faster charge for depleted batteries - and some like the PD will put a periodic high voltage on the battery to stir the electrolytes. Basically at high voltage batteries bubble (this is a good thing) and the bubbles stir up the acid and water in the battery. Without this action the wather and electrolytes separate (if on charge or not) and this is bad for the battery.

With either, it is a good idea to check the fluid levels in the battery periodically. I check mine every 6 months or so, but I have a PD that does a great job of not boiling out the water while keeping the battery in good condition.

-Chak
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