Should I upgrade my old converter?

[moonlitcoyote]

So after reading a bunch of forum posts, I am still wondering... Would I have any reason to replace or upgrade my converter?

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

To answer your question correctly, open the converter cover and look for the label plate.  Need to know exactly what you have (mfg and model number; i.e.: Magnetec (Parallax) Model 7345) in order to answer your question properly.  I suspect you have a single stage converter.  While they work OK, they are known to boil the batteries dry becasue of the high float voltage (http://www.parallaxpower.com/7300/7300pwrcntr.pdf).  Modern day 3 stage converters not only charge faster but also help to protect/maintain the battery.

Dave

[moonlitcoyote]

Sorry it took so long to reply, I had to get set up to start fulltiming it while we build a house

I have a magnetek model 6345..

[DaveVA78Chieftain]

Magnetek was bought by Parallax (http://www.parallaxpower.com)

Here is the reference page for your converter http://www.parallaxpower.com/linear.htm
Here is the trchnical documents page: http://www.parallaxpower.com/LINEAR%20tech.htm

The 6345 is a linear style converter.  As far as basic design, they have a 12VDC converter section and a seperate optional 12VDC 10 amp linear charger section.  I suspect almost all rigs had the optional charger.  The problem is this charger is known to boil batteries dry.   There is an internal fan that fails causing the unit to overheat and shut down.  Oringinal fan is very expensive if it needs to be replaced unless you opt for a 110VAC Radio Shack muffin fan.  Dust and dirt collect in there so has to be cleaned periodically.

Linear converter design was all the rage in it's hey day (70's, 80's, and early 90's) however, the battery boiling dry and microcircuit technology resulted in the modern day 3 stage converter/chager design.  Most replace this older 6345 design with either a PD 4600 3 stage converter (http://www.progressivedyn.com/pd4600_converter_replacement.html).   Parrallax also has an upgrade (7345RU) but it is still a linear charger design using modern electronics.  The modern electronics is good but the linear design is what you really want to shy away from as the constant higher 13.8VDC output voltage applied in float mode when the battery is at 100% state of charge (SOC) is what results in excessive battery water evaporation.   Modern 3 stage converter/chargers use 13.2VDC.   Parallax disagrees with this assertion however 3 stage is now for all intents and purposes the defacto standard in the RV community and Battery mfg community.  Both kits provide new DC fuse boards that use modern.
If you are not in a position to upgrade at this point then make sure the converter and distribution sections are clean and dust free  (and that cooling fan works).  In all cases (new or old) take the time to make sure all wire connections are shiney and clean, free of corrosion.  This applies to the internal converter connections and all connections (screws or push on connectors) in the AC/DC distribution scetion.  Time and moisture have a habit of being unkind.  If a generator is insalled, some of the units were supplied with a ATS switch mounted on the rear of the unit.  If installed, make sure the wire nuts are tight and the connections clean.  The contactor relay in the ATS is the weak point.  Replacement ATS's are available from Parrallax and you can upgrade to one if desired.

So, you can keep what you have but you have to understand limitations and hard learned cautions to prevent battery damage when hooked upto shore power in storage.  Or, you can upgrade but if you do most RV'rs everywhere will side with 3 stage technology.

Dave