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Re: Battery Upgrade

Reply #25 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3472
Steve

Thanks for the info. I looked closer yesterday and agree that I am about 2.5 inches short of putting in three pairs of T145 Trojans.
The tray on the inboard side is jammed up against a steel brace that runs fore and aft. Looks like 1.5x1.5 to 2x2 inches. Inboard of that is the expanded metal that vents the compartment. I could build an adapter tray that would step up and set on top of that 2x2 steel brace. Thus, getting three pairs of the batteries in there. I think this may be overkill, but I like a challenge. If nothing else, I'll put the two pairs and on paper solve the challenge to fit three pair. My only concern would be having adequate ventilation for the extra batteries. Especially during charging cycles.

Yesterday I discovered another challenge. In the 2000 Allure, and probably others, the Heart Freedom 20 inverter/charger has only a remote ON/OFF switch on the panel above the door. If batteries are going to be maintained properly, there needs to be a way to equalize them periodically. The remote ON/OFF switch does not control the equalization function. Equalization function is not part of the automatic functions of the charger and must be manually initiated.
In order to tap into all the features of the inverter/charger, I need to install a Remote Control Panel or a LINK 2000 control system. The LINK system is pricey and a bit overkill for $400 plus allot of work to install extra wiring and components. The basic Remote Control Panel FDM12-25 P/N 84-2056-01 will provide control of all the features (including equalization) and also give a reasonable display of battery condition information. Also, this panel uses the existing RJ-11 wiring already in the coach for the remote ON/OFF switch according to Country Coach.

I talked to Vern Huber at Country Coach yesterday afternoon and he confirmed my assumptions that there would be no problem in changing out the existing 8D batteries for the two T145 banks and installing the basic Remote Control Panel. As a matter of fact, Vern pointed out that it would be a waste to put a good set of Trojan batteries in the coach without adding the basic Remote Control Panel so the batteries could be properly maintained through periodic equalization. I have to agree. If the 8D house batteries had been occasionally equalized, I think I could have got more service out of them. As it is now, I have one cell in each that has no or extremely low specific gravity (1.100). Thus, indicating a shorted/bad cell.
I talked to Country Coach Parts to confirm the application P/N of the control panel and they indicated that they did not stock the panel and would only become a third party to any transaction. Doug in parts suggested I call Xantrex (they merged with Heart) direct to confirm the P/N application and identify a local supplier. I did a search on the net and found the control panel for $114 plus shipping from Bitterroot Solar

I am going to call Country Coach back today and find out exactly where they installed the Remote Panel option in the 2000 Allure and other coaches. Hopefully, the mounting installation will be simple and straight forward. Does anyone in the group have the Remote Control Panel option in their coach? Where is it installed?

Also, the recent discussion on replacement of wet cells with sealed gel or AGM batteries should be a concern. From what I have read, unless you have at least the Remote Control Panel option in the inverter/charger system, you cannot select to a different type of battery. The older Remote Control Panels used dip switches. On these, dip switches #2 and #3 control battery type and temperature that is crucial to charging rates that are different for gel type batteries. The newer Remote Control Panels use a touch pad control in lieu of dip switches according to Xantrex.
Sorry, for being long winded. I thought there might be others in the group interested in the details. That is what makes this group so great....sharing of information.

Jim Hughes

Jacksonville, FL
2000 Allure #30511

Re: Battery Upgrade

Reply #26 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3474
Jim,

I installed the Link 1000 in my '98 Intrigue. At the time it was $100. My coach had the on/off switch to the inverter on the side of the cabinet in the kitched area accross from the refrigeratorr.

The installatin was simple. Cut a hole in the cabinet where the on/off switch was, insert the Link, plug in the RJ-11 and go!

As to equalizing the 8D's..... it didn't help mine. I replaced them at about 2 years and they were about ready to go when I traded 2 years later.

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel

Re: Battery Upgrade

Reply #27 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3478
Jim, I installed a remote control on both of my previous coaches. On the '97 Intrigue I installed it next to the inverter switch under the cook stove surface unit. On the 2000 Intrigue, I installed it directly beneath the center of the control panel above the front door. Both installations required a little bit of cutting, but not much trouble.

Walt Rothermel
2003Allure30811
 

Re: Battery Upgrade

Reply #28 –
Yahoo Message Number: 3482
Jerry

Quote
>> The only trouble I've had is the Heart charger will overheat and
turn itself off if the batteries are low.
This is not a battery or charger fault but the way CC installed the inverter in the Magnas up to 2001-2. The inverter is suppose to have at least a foot of space to exhaust the heat on the left side as you look at the charger, CC installed it right next to the wall of the air cleaner so it overheats on any bulk charging situation with any type battery. Opening the door will usually allow enough cool air to prevent the dreaded E-03 code. On the newer Magnas with the Hurricane furnace they moved the inverter to the right & I don't believe they have this problem. A lot of Prevosts have this overheating problem also.

Terry

99 Magna 5703