Batteries and 3 stage charging systems

boatmanea · 02-22-2017, 04:21 PM

Can anyone verify the technology of the charging system present on a 2014 Eagle 38.5 BHTS? Specifically, is it a 3 stage system? I've sifted through our owner's manual and can't find this information.

After 2 years, our 5th Wheel has a bad "wet" lead-acid battery (likely boiled off in Scottsdale this past summer,) so I'd like to replace both of them with a low maintenance pair of 12V AGMs. (I am not good at maintaining the fluid levels.) What are people's experiences and thoughts on size (27 Vs 29) and manufacturers? (Trojan Vs Interstate, etc...)

I know batteries are a discussion in and of themselves which I don't want or need to get into what's better/best here. I just want to make sure I am not getting into a situation where I am overcharging and potentially damaging the new ones. I do NOT boondock, so large AH output and capacity, parallel in series pairs of 6V golf cart battery sets are not needed.

**JFlightRisk** · 02-22-2017, 04:38 PM

The charging side of your electrics will be like that of a battery maintainer, and will cycle through stages of charge, which decreases sulfating. The info might be found in the power inverter(?) manual, for your TT. It's a great system, however, you still have to maintain water levels. The second part of your question, I'll leave to the experts here.

oldmanAZ · 02-22-2017, 05:01 PM

Check inside the panel with the circuit breakers and fuses. Mine has the converter/charger brand and model# inside that panel. You can then find the specs for it online.

**Mustang65** · 02-22-2017, 06:08 PM

What type fridge does the 5er have? Residential that runs off the inverter? Regular LP/Electric?

Don

boatmanea · 02-24-2017, 09:35 AM

So, after looking at the "fuse box" on the RV, I was able to determine that we have a Progressive Dynamics 4560 system. After a visit to their website and review of the manual, I confirmed that it is indeed a 3-stage "smart charging" system. Thanks all for the guidance!

Doubleheader · 02-24-2017, 07:48 PM

If you buy AGM's just make sure your on board charger is compatible.

boatmanea · 02-25-2017, 03:58 PM

What do you mean by compatible?

jimp · 02-26-2017, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatmanea

What do you mean by compatible?

NOT all 12v battery chargers are capable of charging AGM type batteries as AGM batteries require different charging rates, etc. vs wet cell or flooded 12v batteries.

The manual should state AGM compatible or not, or call the mfgr.

Doubleheader · 02-27-2017, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimp

NOT all 12v battery chargers are capable of charging AGM type batteries as AGM batteries require different charging rates, etc. vs wet cell or flooded 12v batteries.

The manual should state AGM compatible or not, or call the mfgr.

exactly

tdcoody · 06-21-2017, 03:11 AM

I have a 2017 Jayco Pinnacle and my manual says I have a 3-stage charge system. The manual referenced me to a button on my main board. Pressing the button allows you to switch between the 3-statges as indicated by the LED light. The light never lights up. Any suggestions?

**norty1** · 06-21-2017, 04:14 AM

My Progressive converter has lights to indicate what state of charge it is in but the beauty of it is I don't have to do anything except maintain the batteries by checking the water levels and keeping them clean and connections tight.

Mine has 2 group 24 batteries.

goducks · 06-21-2017, 09:18 AM

The difference between the WFCO el cheapo converter/charger and a higher quality one like a Progressive Dynamics is that the WFCO won't peak charge as high or as fast. The WFCO will only bulk charge to 13.6. The PD will bulk to 14.4, then start the trickle down process. The PD also has other features to aid in longer lasting batteries.
If you dry camp a lot then it's probably a good idea to invest in a good converter/charger.
If you mainly use water/elec hookups then you won't get much benefit out of a PD type charger.

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