battery charger replacement

[Stephen Birtles]

Well I guess I dont want my batteries charged efficiently but it has
worked wonderfully for the past 6 years and am still working on the
same set of batteries that were installed in year 2000 by the way this
caoch sat for 6 months with no start and no use and when it was
brought out of storage it stared right up with no boost or assistance
So what you are saying is I should tear out this syustem and install
another system that is more efficient.
Sorry but Iam not going to keep up with the the warners in the my
stuff is better engineered and built than your stuff race much luck
with your future endeavours
Stephen 77fc35


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Tom Warner wrote:
>
> While a truecharge is fine it is not satisfactory for those who want
their batteries to be efficiently charged in the quickest manner.
>
> The rule of thumb is to have a charger that is capable of supplying
> current at 25% of your battery bank capacity. That means for a FC35
> for instance with 4 Trojan 6 VDC deep cycle batteries (450 amp hrs)
> you should have a charger capable of supplying 25% of or 112 amps and
> it will take approximately 2.8 hours to recharge them if you use the
> 50% rule to discharge. Increase the charger to 130 amps such as in
> the Heart 2500 that I have and it would take about 1.7 hours of
> generator running to recharge the battery bank.
>
> It becomes more critical when you own a PT or increase your battery
> bank size in a FC. My PT 40 is getting 6 new deep cycles now for a
> total 675 amp hrs and recharging them with a Truecharge 40 it would
> take 8.4 hours to recharge them if they were discharged to the same
> 50% level. Charging them with a 130 amp charger would then take 2.6
> hours of generator time to get them back fully charged.
>
> These figures are a little off since the chargers never charge at
> their full rate due to their charge curves. Mine is fully on at 130
> amps until the battery terminals reach 14.2 voltrs and then the
> current tapers off since it is a 3 stage charger.
>
> Everyone should consider this depending on your life style and how
> you use your battery power.
>
> In closing some have asked me to post information on converting from
> the old battery boilers to a new 3 stage charger/inverter. I will do
> that when my installation is complete. Installing a charger/inverter
> in a forward control is a little trickier then in a PT because of the
> long distance between the factory charger location and the batteries.
> Installation in a PT can be very efficient since the batteries and
> charger are very close together. However with that said if you want a
> nice installation with the capability to monitor everything by
> installing a Link 1000/2000 then the cables for the link have to be
> run the length of the coach over 60 feet. In addition Bluebird ran
> charging cables ina very strange way (they used the starter as a
> contact point for cables from the batteries and chargers. Bad idea.
> I have reconfigured everything in the battery area and am running new
> 4/0 cables from the charger directly to a new termination point just
> above the batteries. This will really clean up the area nicely and
> provide lots of current to the Detroit diesel (originally supplied
> with a 2 gauge wire to the starter?
>
>
>
>
>
> tom warner
> Vernon center,NY
> 1985 PT 40
>
>
> At 11:19 AM 7/29/2006, you wrote:
>
> >I run 1 turcharge 40 plus it is rated at 45 amps total and it is more
> >than suffiecient to charge my 3 banks of batteries
> >2 coach and 1 Generator
> >Stpehen 77fc35
> >
> >--- In
>
>WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,

> >"dlefty12" wrote:
> > >
> > > Curt,
> > >
> > > I have purchased 2-iota DSL-45 controllers (45 amp output each)
> > > which was recommended by Blue Bird, but I just removed the old
> > > chargers and found they are Triad-utrad 75 amp units. I now wonder
> > > if the 2-45 are sufficient?
> > >
> > > Dan 87 35fc sb Somers NY
> > >
> > > --- In
> >
WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com,

> > Curt Sprenger
> > > wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Dan,
> > > > Our 1987 PT has that squirrel cage blower for the chargers. I
> > > > disconnected it when the upgraded/newer charges with cooling fan
> > > were
> > > > installed. No problem in over a year.
> > > >
> > > > Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38, Anaheim Hills, Calif.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > dlefty12 wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > I have a '87 fc, and am replacing the original iota chargers
> > > with two
> > > > > iota DLS-45 chargers. The squirrel cage blower in the adjacent
> > > > > compartment is frozen. I have removed it and wonder if it is
> > > necessary
> > > > > to replace it. The new DLS-45's have colling fans that cycle
> > > depending
> > > > > on temp. The screened opening in the floor where the blower unit
> > > is
> > > > > housed should provide a good convection air flow to the charger
> > > room.
> > > > > Any thoughts. DAN
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
>

[Curt Sprenger]

HI Dick,

Been over in AZ and just got home this afternoon. After I get unpacked
I'll take a few pictures and send to your email address.

The rear of the compartment is open as you say, two 5" square openings.
The old boiler fans were facing the openings. The new chargers have fans
are in the front, towards the door.

Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38, Anaheim Hills, Calif.



Richard Hayden wrote:

> Curt,
> Is that the compartment just forward of the curb side lift-up vent
> where you access the Racor and the batteries? That area on mine is
> open to all of the dirt from the road. However, I believe it has been
> modified. I would like to know how this compartment was supposed to be
> arranged originally. Mine had the boilers on top and the shunts below
> on the bottom with lots of wasted space. The rear wall of the
> compartment has been cut out and that's where the crud from the road
> gets in. I removed the boilers. The previous owner had installed a new
> Zantrex inverter with a 100 amp batt. charger. That is located in the
> next compartment forward just ahead of the drivers and has no
> ventilation. Seems to be working though with just the cooling fan in
> the unit.
>
> I'd just like to know how it's supposed to be arranged.
>
> Thanx
>
> Dick Hayden - '87 PT 38 - Lake Stevens, WA
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: Curt Sprenger > >
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>
com
> >
> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 2:27 PM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] battery charger replacement
>
> Dick,
> The new chargers were installed in the same location as the old battery
> boilers. The compartment is vented.
>
> Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38, Anaheim Hills, Calif.
>
> Richard Hayden wrote:
>
> > Curt,
> > Where did you put the new charger? Is the space vented?
> >
> > Dick Hayden - '87 PT 38 - Lake Stevens, WA
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Curt Sprenger > > >
> > >
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
>
com
> >
> >
>
com
>
com
> >
> > >
> > Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2006 2:06 PM
> > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] battery charger replacement
> >
> > Dan,
> > Our 1987 PT has that squirrel cage blower for the chargers. I
> > disconnected it when the upgraded/newer charges with cooling fan were
> > installed. No problem in over a year.
> >
> > Curt Sprenger 1987 PT38, Anaheim Hills, Calif.
> >
> > dlefty12 wrote:
> >
> > > I have a '87 fc, and am replacing the original iota chargers with two
> > > iota DLS-45 chargers. The squirrel cage blower in the adjacent
> > > compartment is frozen. I have removed it and wonder if it is necessary
> > > to replace it. The new DLS-45's have colling fans that cycle depending
> > > on temp. The screened opening in the floor where the blower unit is
> > > housed should provide a good convection air flow to the charger room.
> > > Any thoughts. DAN
> > >
> > >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>

[glennshehorn]

I really hate to stir up a much discussed (cussed) issue, but with 44
weeks of this treatment left I've got lotsa time and not much energy to
get back to the major projects on my Bird.
I do think I could handle a smaller job that has to be done, so here
goes.
I need to change the original battery chargers out to something that
fits more into the world we live in and won't boil my batteries dry.
Whats the final consensus on this issue. Keeping in mind that the more
projects I come up with( all new plumbing, black and gray water tank
repairs, water heater(s), genset and slide tray, redo headliner,
insulation in doghouse and genset, complete propane system
eval,inverter/converter, air intake mods, plus all the maintenance
issues the previous owner felt were too expensive to do) the lower the
value of my coach gets.
Any and all thoughts greatly appreciated as always.

Glenn Shehorn
83FC35
Kansas City, Mo

[Pete Masterson]

Final consensus? he he he...

In general, a so-called three stage charger is preferred. One that
provides a high amp "bulk charge" then a medium charge rate as the
batteries become mostly charged, followed with a "float charge" that
holds them at/near a full charge. This can be a separate charger or a
charger that is combined in an inverter. To manage the charger, a
controller is helpful, especially if you have multiple charge
sources, such as shore power and solar panels ... or if you have
plans to add solar panels at a later time.

The recent discussion in the past couple of days of some controllers
is one starting point.

The previous owner of my coach (apparently) upgraded the dual
inverters and installed a Heart Link 2000 R controller that controls
charging batteries in two banks*. I may be mistaken, but it appears
that the house batteries are wired in two banks-- and I don't see
that the engine batteries are in the loop (so to speak) -- but then,
they don't have any load on them between starting the engine.

I need to spend more time tracing battery cables, etc.... when time
and inclination allow...

Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lockhart Texas



On May 11, 2007, at 1:52 PM, glennshehorn wrote:

> I really hate to stir up a much discussed (cussed) issue, but with 44
> weeks of this treatment left I've got lotsa time and not much
> energy to
> get back to the major projects on my Bird.
> I do think I could handle a smaller job that has to be done, so here
> goes.
> I need to change the original battery chargers out to something that
> fits more into the world we live in and won't boil my batteries dry.
> Whats the final consensus on this issue. <snip>

[Terry Neal]

Glenn,

I used 2 of the IOTA 45 amp, 3 stage chargers in my PT40. Real easy to
install, they use the new charging technology. I see them on eBay for
$150 or so. I installed them last fall, used the coach all winter on
shore power & only added maybe a 1/4 inch of water to them in the last
4-5 months.

Terry Neal
Bozeman, MT
82PT40 6V92TA
74FC34 6V53T



glennshehorn wrote:

> I really hate to stir up a much discussed (cussed) issue, but with 44
> weeks of this treatment left I've got lotsa time and not much energy to
> get back to the major projects on my Bird.
> I do think I could handle a smaller job that has to be done, so here
> goes.
> I need to change the original battery chargers out to something that
> fits more into the world we live in and won't boil my batteries dry.
> Whats the final consensus on this issue. Keeping in mind that the more
> projects I come up with( all new plumbing, black and gray water tank
> repairs, water heater(s), genset and slide tray, redo headliner,
> insulation in doghouse and genset, complete propane system
> eval,inverter/converter, air intake mods, plus all the maintenance
> issues the previous owner felt were too expensive to do) the lower the
> value of my coach gets.
> Any and all thoughts greatly appreciated as always.
>
> Glenn Shehorn
> 83FC35
> Kansas City, Mo
>
>



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[g]

Sorry, that came out not quite right. What I meant (I think) was that it seems
to me that the value of these FC's seems to be on a downhill slide. I don't have
the background to know if this is cyclical or it just seems that way as I look
at more work to get it where I want to be on my first Bird. And that IS because
the more I look the more I like. I swear that these units were built with at
least some plan to make an Old Maintenance Man smile and his (fill in the
blanks) go insane.

----- Original Message -----
From: glennshehorn
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 1:52 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] battery charger replacement


I really hate to stir up a much discussed (cussed) issue, but with 44
weeks of this treatment left I've got lotsa time and not much energy to
get back to the major projects on my Bird.
I do think I could handle a smaller job that has to be done, so here
goes.
I need to change the original battery chargers out to something that
fits more into the world we live in and won't boil my batteries dry.
Whats the final consensus on this issue. Keeping in mind that the more
projects I come up with( all new plumbing, black and gray water tank
repairs, water heater(s), genset and slide tray, redo headliner,
insulation in doghouse and genset, complete propane system
eval,inverter/converter, air intake mods, plus all the maintenance
issues the previous owner felt were too expensive to do) the lower the
value of my coach gets.
Any and all thoughts greatly appreciated as always.

Glenn Shehorn
83FC35
Kansas City, Mo





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Rob Robinson]

Twin IOTA 55s work well. Make sure you put in the single IQ4 smart module.
Don't put separate smart modules in. One charger will eat the other. Been
there done that.

On 11/05/07, g wrote:
>
> Sorry, that came out not quite right. What I meant (I think) was that it
> seems to me that the value of these FC's seems to be on a downhill slide. I
> don't have the background to know if this is cyclical or it just seems that
> way as I look at more work to get it where I want to be on my first Bird.
> And that IS because the more I look the more I like. I swear that these
> units were built with at least some plan to make an Old Maintenance Man
> smile and his (fill in the blanks) go insane.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: glennshehorn
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 1:52 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] battery charger replacement
>
> I really hate to stir up a much discussed (cussed) issue, but with 44
> weeks of this treatment left I've got lotsa time and not much energy to
> get back to the major projects on my Bird.
> I do think I could handle a smaller job that has to be done, so here
> goes.
> I need to change the original battery chargers out to something that
> fits more into the world we live in and won't boil my batteries dry.
> Whats the final consensus on this issue. Keeping in mind that the more
> projects I come up with( all new plumbing, black and gray water tank
> repairs, water heater(s), genset and slide tray, redo headliner,
> insulation in doghouse and genset, complete propane system
> eval,inverter/converter, air intake mods, plus all the maintenance
> issues the previous owner felt were too expensive to do) the lower the
> value of my coach gets.
> Any and all thoughts greatly appreciated as always.
>
> Glenn Shehorn
> 83FC35
> Kansas City, Mo
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>



--
Rob, Sue & Merlin Robinson
94 WLWB


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Gregory OConnor]

Glenn, I hope the 44 weeks go quick and sucessful for you. G.b.

There should be a formula some place on the size of charger necessary
for given/factors A)batterybank B)inverter C)personl need. The
larger the charger the quicker the recharge from gen run when dry
camping. No need buying more than your needs require.

One thing for sure, any charger you upgrade to will some day be
replaced when the nex great battery system is developed. Most
motorhomes dont get upgraded as much as BBlodges. Most dont last as
long.

GregoryO'Connor
94ptRomolandCa --- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "g"
wrote:
>
> Sorry, that came out not quite right. What I meant (I think) was
that it seems to me that the value of these FC's seems to be on a
downhill slide. I don't have the background to know if this is
cyclical or it just seems that way as I look at more work to get it
where I want to be on my first Bird. And that IS because the more I
look the more I like. I swear that these units were built with at
least some plan to make an Old Maintenance Man smile and his (fill in
the blanks) go insane.
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: glennshehorn
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, May 11, 2007 1:52 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] battery charger replacement
>
>
> I really hate to stir up a much discussed (cussed) issue, but
with 44
> weeks of this treatment left I've got lotsa time and not much
energy to
> get back to the major projects on my Bird.
> I do think I could handle a smaller job that has to be done, so
here
> goes.
> I need to change the original battery chargers out to something
that
> fits more into the world we live in and won't boil my batteries
dry.
> Whats the final consensus on this issue. Keeping in mind that the
more
> projects I come up with( all new plumbing, black and gray water
tank
> repairs, water heater(s), genset and slide tray, redo headliner,
> insulation in doghouse and genset, complete propane system
> eval,inverter/converter, air intake mods, plus all the
maintenance
> issues the previous owner felt were too expensive to do) the
lower the
> value of my coach gets.
> Any and all thoughts greatly appreciated as always.
>
> Glenn Shehorn
> 83FC35
> Kansas City, Mo
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>