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Optima Yellow Top in Travel Trailer app

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Looking to borrow/rent cargo trailer

I just purchased an Optima Yellow Top for my Nomad Travel Trailer. I leave the trailer plugged in most of the time. This will be my third battery since I bought the trailer in 1999. I suspect I have ruined the previous two batteries (Interstate Deep Cycle brand) by overcharging. Any suggestions or information on whether my suspicions are correct. And will I see the same problem with an Optima? TIA



John



P. S. My trucks batteries just started to show signs of going south, so I ordered Red Tops as well ($$$$$, :eek: ). I got a pretty good deal at www.batteryweb.com
 
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The problem probably isn't the batteries but the power converter in your TT. Many (most) power converters installed in TT's are pretty "dumb" and will cook a battery by overcharging. We use the Progressive Dynamics IntelliPower 9155 (55 amp) converter with the Charge Wizard accessory and, despite the fact that our 5ver is plugged in to shore power while in storage, only have to add water to the battery about once per year. The Charge Wizard provides 4 voltage outputs - high demand, normal, float and desulfidation - depending on what it senses the demands are on the TT's 12VDC power system as well as battery's state of charge.



These are available through Camping World.



Rusty
 
I second what Rusty had to say. I've got 2 1/2 year old Interstate Deep Cycles in mine and it's plugged in all of the time it's not in use. With the Charge Wizard you don't cook the batteries.
 
Ken, the yellow top optima's not a true deepcycle like what we are used to, rather they are a starting battery with deep cycle capability. They were designed for huge stereo cars, cop cars and ambulances where a starting battery was needed that could withstand many discharge-charge cycles. Basically anything with huge accessorie loads needs a yellow. The blue top optima is their true deepcycle battery. EDIT: the red top is strictly a starting battery. Different batteries for different purposes.



Johnrv4 alerted me to a sale a the local farm and fleet store, I bought two red tops for my truck for $89 each. That is the cheapest I have ever seen them. The yellows were $109 in the same sale.
 
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Originally posted by claymike

How does the charge wizard hook up? I am on my third battery since 1999 also.



The Charge Wizard is an accessory that plugs into the Progressive Dynamics 9100-series power converters. It basically provides enhanced solid state "computer" control of the output voltage of the converter. The Charge Wizard has a cord and plug that looks like a RJ-11 phone plug - the 9100-series power converter has a matching socket on top. A screw locks the plug in place after installation.



Rusty
 
FWIW I believe the Blue top deep cycle and the yellow top are the same battery with different posts on them. I work for interstate but I do not know for sure on this info. They wiegh the exact same though I know that.



Hate to tell you but there is not an Optima one that has a very good reserve capacity. The reserve for ALL of the batteries they make is around 120 minutes +/- 5 minutes. A group 24 deep cycle has alot longer RC. I have had customers that were not happy with the deep cycle optimas when used in trolling motor apps due to short trolling time. I don't know of anyone that has put them in an RV yet. One reason is I sell %99 red tops to car stereo shops. I haven't sold a yellow in months. Just my . 02 :(

Clark
 
Golfcart???

My employer, (L. A. D. W. P. ), maintains battery banks throughout the system, (UPS), and has most of the batteries are made for them. The forman of the battery section is an avid RV'r and tells me that the only way to go is with 6 volt golfcart batteries due to their amp hours, more than deep cycle, as well as thier charge/discharge lasting capibilities. You hook them up in series to get 12 VDC. The plate thickness is the key to a battery lasting. Also some have oil in them, a layer on top of the acid, to minimize loss due to escaping gasses. I will be getting a pair for my TT.



Mike
 
My apologies if this is a dumb question but... why would you have a 55 amp converter if your coach is wired/designed for 30 amp service?

Gary
 
Originally posted by garyG

My apologies if this is a dumb question but... why would you have a 55 amp converter if your coach is wired/designed for 30 amp service?

Gary



1. We're wired for 50 amp service. That's 2 each 50 amp buses at 120VAC for a total ampacity of 100 amps. Gotta have 50 amp service to support the 2 A/C's, the washer/dryer, etc. , etc. Letting my wife option out the 5ver is as dangerous as turning me loose to option out the truck! ;)



2. The 55 amp output of the converter is 12VDC. It powers the 12VDC loads in the coach. It has nothing to do with the amperage rating of the shore power circuit (i. e. , 30 amp or 50 amp). If the converter were 100% efficient (which it isn't), it would take only 5. 5 amps at 120VAC to produce an output of 55 amps from the converter at 12VDC.



Rusty
 
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