Battery Replacement Info Needed

I need to replace coach batteries.  I would like to put in AGMs, but I assume that I can not.  2013 2552 with a Parallax 55 amp converter.  From what I've been able to find out......It can't be upgraded and will not properly charge AGMs, so, it appears that my only choice is to go back in with the same batteries that it has in it or change out the converter.

I just want to make sure that I have this right.  Any opinions on this would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Marcia

I have AGM's in mine.  2017 2552 with the Parallax converter.  Where did you get the information that it would not charge properly?

Of course my Parallax might be different than yours, what model number do you have?

Also, Parallax makes an add on called the TempAssure:  http://www.parallaxpower.com/4400tau-replacement-upgrade-4400tau  This allows charging to a higher voltage than the standard converter.  As I understand it they restrict the voltage on the converter so as not to ruin the batteries, but with the TempAssure they can go higher because it monitors the battery temp and cuts out the converter (or steps it down) if they get too hot.

Check your model number and see if the TempAssure can be added.  I bought mine on Amazon for about $60.  Allows charging up to 14.3 I think.

Thanks, Jatrax, for your reply.

I have model 555.  It's too old for the Temp Assure, as per Parallax, and it's only a single stage charger.......Although Parallax said that wouldn't make any difference, it's my understanding that you really need a 3 stage charger to do it right with AGM's. 

Is that right?

Here is a link to the Trojan Battery AGM spec sheet:  http://www.trojanbattery.com/pdf/Trojan_QSG_AGM.pdf  It shows the voltages required for proper charging. 

I am certainly no expert but from what I read a 1 stage charger is not good for your batteries.  Here is a link about 3 stage chargers: http://all-about-lead-acid-batteries.capnfatz.com/all-about-lead-acid-batteries/lead-acid-battery-charging/three-stage-battery-charging/

I have a model 5300 Parallax converter which is listed as a 3 stage charger.  However, without the TempAssure it charges at a max of 13.7 which is OK for flooded batteries but not AGM.  With the TempAssure it can charge at a much higher rate (14.3 or 14.4). Note that Trojan wants 14.7 but I think the 14.4 I get is close enough.  Better than 13.7 anyway.

Parallax offers an upgrade to the 5355 model which can use the tempAssure.  http://www.parallaxpower.com/parallax-replacement-reference-guide

Or you can go with something from Best Converter: http://www.bestconverter.com/5355R-Lower-Replacement-Section-for-555_p_128.html

My suggestion is to call Best Converter and tell them what you have and what you want to do.  They come highly recommended and most likely can give an accurate answer on this.

OK, now I'm really confused!

 I talked to Randy at Best Converter and he said that I have a 50 amp converter instead of a 30 amp.  It's a Parallax series 500, model 555, 55 amp.  I thought this PC was a 30 amp not a 50 amp rig.

He also said that I could go ahead and put the AGMs in and upgrade the converter in a few weeks when I get back home and it wouldn't hurt the batteries.  Sam's club has the "Dexa"(sp?) AGM batteries, but they won't install them.  Trojan's would break the bank!  Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Marcia

50 amp converter instead of a 30 amp

Your converter is 50 amp, your PC is 30 amp.  Let me try to explain: the converter is capable of producing a maximum of 55 amps @ 12 volts +/- to charge the battery with.  However, your distribution panel and wiring are capable of 30 amps @ 120 volts.  But these are completely different things.

The battery charger in the converter can produce 55 amps 12 volt DC to charge the battery.  This power is used to charge the batteries and power the 12 volt systems in the rig (like the lights and water pump).

The shore power cord and distribution panel can support 30 amps 120 volt AC.  This power is used to run all of the 120 volt equipment (like the microwave and air conditioner) as well as power the converter itself.

Make sense?  If not ask and I'll try to be clearer.  Bottom line: all is good, despite both systems using "amps" they are completely different systems and there is no confusion.

I cannot help on the batteries.  I have the Trojan AGM's and I'm happy so far.  I think they meant "Deka" which is a brand widely sold.  However, make sure they are quoting you on true deep cycle batteries, not a marine/trolling battery which are significantly cheaper.  Deka makes both as do most brands.

Batteries are basically consumer items and price is a good indicator of quality.  The amount of lead in a battery is a good indicator of capacity.  So check the specifications carefully.  Get a set of specs from the Trojan 105's and use that to compare all others.

From a search on the internet I find the Deka deep cycle AGM model  8AGC2 to run $275 each and you need two.  The Trojan T 105 is $270 and you need two.  So if they were quoting you a cheaper price they were quoting you on something other than true deep cycle batteries.  The Trojan GC2 non-AGM is about $175 and you need two.