Upgrade my old 2000 converter/charger

[tommymsw]

So I replaced my old converter/charger in my old '84 class C and it was easy... I replaced it with an entire power center. But the Winnebago is much more complicated! The AC and DC fuses are not near one another and the converter/charger looks weird. It is a MagneTek 7445. It appears that it is JUST a converter/charger and sends the rest off to a DC breaker board. Easiest route I guess would be to replace it with the same type of thing.

Some research found THIS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F8MC42C..._t2_B00F8MC440

Seems to all hook up the same way. It is also 45amp. I am wondering if I should go to the 55amp ($3 more) or if there is no real gain there?

And also, if this is the right move. I just want a new/better charger. The old one sucks.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

tommymsw-

From the Parallax Power Supply archives:

Brochure: http://d163axztg8am2h.cloudfront.net...ed7063ad4d.pdf
Manual: http://d163axztg8am2h.cloudfront.net...cb9d2fc725.pdf
Troubleshooting Guide: http://d163axztg8am2h.cloudfront.net...0a8ace307b.pdf

Confirm for yourself, but my read says the 7455T is a "simulated" two-stage charger. If so, and you care about the coach batteries, you'll replace it. I like the Progressive Dynamics PD9260C unit (link here), but several decent manufacturers are out there. If you call Randy at Bestconverter.com (888.828.1893), ask him for recommendations.

Winnie's been known to jam converters into some tight spaces, so keep that in mind as you look at replacement units.

[tommymsw]

Originally Posted by l1v3fr33ord1

tommymsw-

From the Parallax Power Supply archives:

Brochure: http://d163axztg8am2h.cloudfront.net...ed7063ad4d.pdf
Manual: http://d163axztg8am2h.cloudfront.net...cb9d2fc725.pdf
Troubleshooting Guide: http://d163axztg8am2h.cloudfront.net...0a8ace307b.pdf

Confirm for yourself, but my read says the 7455T is a "simulated" two-stage charger. If so, and you care about the coach batteries, you'll replace it. I like the Progressive Dynamics PD9260C unit (link here), but several decent manufacturers are out there. If you call Randy at Bestconverter.com (888.828.1893), ask him for recommendations.

Winnie's been known to jam converters into some tight spaces, so keep that in mind as you look at replacement units.

Thank you. Your link is for a 60A though and mine is only a 45. Will the increase in amperage be bad? And if I don't need a 60, then it seems like a waste of money. Also, I see the old converter, it is not in a terrible place. I think I will be ok.

[tommymsw]

I've read in other places that I should NOT go higher than 45A. I have TWO 6v golf cart batteries and I have read you should not go higher than 25A per battery. Although, I was looking at only a 55A. That is BARELY bigger... I am wondering if I should just stick with the 45A.

[l1v3fr33ord1]

tommymsw-

I don't know if it's wise, or even helpful, to replace a 45W (rated) converter with a 60 (rated) one. I suppose the cabling size between the converter and the batteries might set the upper limit; I dunno. Remember, though, that the converter provides 12VDC for house functions, in addition to charging the batteries. The more 12VDC current to the house, the less for charging. That might be important if you are running the generator to recharge the house batteries.

The 60W was just a rough recommendation, based on what I see installed "around." I wouldn't argue with you if you wanted to install something smaller than that.

[BobC]

You may not have the same problem I had but, be careful with the DC wire colors, they may not follow the expected Red=Pos/Black=Neg/Green=Ground. The safe thing to do is to verify which colors go to which terminals on your old convertor before you disconnect them. Fortunately for me, the damage was limited to a blown fuse.

Here's a link to my post on this topic:

http://www.winnieowners.com/forums/f...up-350868.html

[tommymsw]

Yea, there seems to be only 3 wires and I will pay CLOSE attention to what ones go where. I gave up on the whole "color" thing when I got my first RV. Now that I have a Winnie, the colors have changed again!