Does shore power charge my batteries? - '80 Fiber Stream

[KSM]

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.

[Steve L.]

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.

[KSM]

Originally Posted by Steve L.

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.

[Steve L.]

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.

[milliejohn]

You could add a solar panel and charge the batteries without shore power involved, I did.

[Bob Miller]

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.

[KSM]

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!

[Bob Miller]

What is the Brand and Model of the converter? You may want to update that before spending $$$ else where.

[KSM]

@Bob Miller it's a Progressive Dynamics and looks like model PD721Q01RNT

[Bob Miller]

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]

Kyle
Your post and pc didn't come up, can you resubmit?

[KSM]

Trying this again...

[KSM]

See the attached (I hope).

[Victor Benz]

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

[Byron Kinnaman]

Sounds like you might need one of these....

http://www.amazon.com/Generator-Emer...ower+generator

[Bob Miller]

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