Does shore power charge my batteries? - '80 Fiber Stream - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-28-2015, 10:10 AM   #1
KSM
Member
 
Name: kyle
Trailer: 1980 Fiber Stream
California
Posts: 47
Does shore power charge my batteries? - '80 Fiber Stream

Hi,
I recently bought a 1980 Fiberstream that was rebuilt, pretty much from the ground up, by the previous owner. When I first viewed the trailer, the guy gave me a quick explanation of the systems but when I picked it up I forgot to go over everything with him. I'm trying to gain a better understanding of the electrical system.
Trailer has 2 x 6v golf cart batteries in series. I don't see any charger or converter (or whatever I should be looking for). How can I figure out if shore power charges the batteries? Thanks.
KSM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2015, 10:15 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Steve L.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Casita Spirit Deluxe 2003 16 ft
Posts: 1,899
Registry
You could put a voltmeter to the batteries and then plug the trailer into an outlet. If the voltage goes from 12 something vDC (unplugged) to 13 or 14vDC something (plugged in), there's a charging system in there somewhere. If it doesn't change from unplugged to plugged I doubt there is a charger.
__________________
Without adult supervision...
Quando omni flunkus, moritati.
Also,
I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess.
Steve L. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2015, 10:20 AM   #3
KSM
Member
 
Name: kyle
Trailer: 1980 Fiber Stream
California
Posts: 47
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve L. View Post
You could put a voltmeter to the batteries and then plug the trailer into an outlet. If the voltage goes from 12 something vDC (unplugged) to 13 or 14vDC something (plugged in), there's a charging system in there somewhere. If it doesn't change from unplugged to plugged I doubt there is a charger.
Great suggestion Steve. Thanks.
KSM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2015, 11:46 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
Steve L.'s Avatar
 
Trailer: Casita Spirit Deluxe 2003 16 ft
Posts: 1,899
Registry
I suppose there might be a charger hidden in there somewhere but not hooked up, or with a blown fuse. This is sort of one of those logic excercises. We can prove you have a charger there but we can't prove there isn't a "dead" one there somewhere. It's sort of a half-good suggestion.
__________________
Without adult supervision...
Quando omni flunkus, moritati.
Also,
I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess.
Steve L. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 04:27 PM   #5
Member
 
Name: Juanita
Trailer: what
Mexico
Posts: 41
You could add a solar panel and charge the batteries without shore power involved, I did.
milliejohn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 04:58 PM   #6
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
If the p.o. rebuilt it "from the ground up", hopefully they installed a new power center such as my favorite, the Progressive Dynamisc PD-4045. But there are others, both newer and what might look (and smell) like surplus units from Noah's Ark.


Anyway, in modern power centers the battery charger is built into the power chassis along with all of the dc fuses, converter and circuit breakers for the AC power distribution. Look around for that box and tell us what you found. There is usually an exposed panel you can access without taking anything apart. If possible attach a pic.



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 05:42 PM   #7
KSM
Member
 
Name: kyle
Trailer: 1980 Fiber Stream
California
Posts: 47
Hi all,
I posted the original question back in May when I had first purchased the trailer and not really figured out the various systems. We've since had it out numerous times. It does have a converter/charger. It looks like it might be the original but functions fine. Also bought a 2000w inverter generator which we pack around although I'm starting to look at solar panels as well.
Thanks!
KSM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 06:40 PM   #8
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
What is the Brand and Model of the converter? You may want to update that before spending $$$ else where.



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 07:18 PM   #9
KSM
Member
 
Name: kyle
Trailer: 1980 Fiber Stream
California
Posts: 47
@Bob Miller it's a Progressive Dynamics and looks like model PD721Q01RNT
KSM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 07:42 PM   #10
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
Hi Kyle,
That number doesn't translate to a know PD item. Can you double check. The first 4 numbers after PD- are the most telling.


I'm trying to find a manual for it for your use.



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 08:57 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
Kyle
Your post and pc didn't come up, can you resubmit?



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 09:10 PM   #12
KSM
Member
 
Name: kyle
Trailer: 1980 Fiber Stream
California
Posts: 47
Trying this again...
KSM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-20-2015, 09:20 PM   #13
KSM
Member
 
Name: kyle
Trailer: 1980 Fiber Stream
California
Posts: 47
See the attached (I hope).
Attached Thumbnails
converter.jpg  
KSM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 03:33 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
Victor Benz's Avatar
 
Trailer: Fiber Stream 1982 16 ft
Posts: 362
Registry
Kyle;

That is the original Fiber Stream Progressive Dynamics system. It is not a smart charger, but should charge your batteries id properly wired. I replaced mine with a new smart charger Progressive Dynamics 4045 and have never looked back. I junked the old one.

Vic
Victor Benz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 04:51 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
Byron Kinnaman's Avatar
 
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
Registry
Sounds like you might need one of these....

http://www.amazon.com/Generator-Emer...ower+generator
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
Byron Kinnaman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 07-24-2015, 05:19 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
I'm with Victor. That's a 35 y.o. converter... it's time to think about updating and getting rid of problems, as well as adding smart-charging ability. You and your Fiberstream will be a lot happier.




In case you haven't noticed before, I also recommend and use the Progressive Dynamics PD-4045



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
fiber stream


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Question: Charge Controller to Batteries Huck Electrical | Charging, Systems, Solar and Generators 3 07-30-2014 02:49 PM
does power converter charge battery? ampline Electrical | Charging, Systems, Solar and Generators 15 08-11-2012 02:42 AM
76' Surfside - Does the battey charge when shore power is plugged in? dannis Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 2 05-26-2012 07:36 AM
How much does a 16' fiber stream weigh? Janine Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 4 08-31-2007 01:14 PM
What does my Fiber Stream Weigh? Frederick L. Simson General Chat 31 03-29-2006 08:23 PM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 12:20 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.