My system is stock. (Parallax 7300 Series Electronic Converter/Charger, 45 Amp; model 7345). Includes the AC/DC distribution center.
I already have LifeLine AGMs, group 24). Yep, I know from other forum discussions that it isn’t good to have these with the Parallax charger that Winnebago uses. Parallax support claims it is fine, but ideally I should be using a 3 stage charger or better for longest battery life. When parked, I charge & condition the batteries with a CTEK (56-353) MULTI US 7002 12-Volt Battery Charger (8 stage) to make up for the Parallax limitations. If we’re honest, when driving, the charging of the AGMs also isn’t done with a multistage charger. It’s done with the alternator of the RV itself (single stage charging). The benefit of multistage comes in to play when parked.
Anyway… What I’m hoping to achieve is a budget conscious, reliable/viable solution for updating the stock charging system to achieve as follows:
*3 stage (or better) charging to better care for my AGM batteries
*Either wire and install a couple of new receptacles (labeled, different in color) that go to the inverter only, or consider a subpanel / transfer switch near the existing electrical distribution where I can activate the loads that I want to add (I.E. microwave, etc.) or allow those loads only to already be able to passthrough the inverter, thereby avoiding the complexity of added wiring. The Tripplite inverter/charger below for example already allows for 110v passthrough.
*Inverter (500 watts minimum) to support future upgrades of TV (presently is Jensen 12-volt model, most alternatives are 110v), laptop use, and use of a charger for medical equipment (IV pump). Desired would be 1000 watt or greater to support very brief microwave use (600 watt model) as needed when shore power is not available or we don’t want to start the generator at 7 AM or on day trips to disturb others.
I know that pure sine wave is the best option for electronics. My prior RV had a Tripplite inverter/charger much like the APS1250.
https://www.tripplite.com/1250w-powe...tlets~APS1250/ (3 stage charging, auto transfer, modified sine wave, about $400 on Amazon). It worked fine, including with electronics, although the fan ran 7x24 when active, even when not under load. There likely are comparable or better out there today.
With Winnebago’s decision to have the Parallax system that includes the charger and a full AC/DC distribution panel, I have a conundrum of options:
(1) upgrade the system with the likes of the Progressive Dynamics (PD4655V) 55 Amp Converter/Charger with Built-In Charge Wizard (4 stage) that is purpose built to swap out the existing charger and, thus continue to use it for its original purpose with upgraded electronics and install a dedicated, separate inverter; or (2) bypass the Parallax charge/12 volt supply completely, still using the distribution panel, and use an inverter that has an integrated charger for inverting, 12 volt appliance power and battery charging; or (3) continue to use the Parallax for running 12 volt items in the RV, but permanently install my CTek 8 stage charger for battery care/maintenance only (bypass the Parallax there, but still use it for 120 to 12v conversion for 12v appliance use) and install a separate dedicated inverter.
I know that some other View owners have gone with option 1. It seems to have the greatest appeal in terms of simplicity and keeping things fairly “stock”. Option 2 seems to align to how most modern RVs are configured today, but has some possible complexities with disabling use of the Parallax charge controller. Option 3 is certainly non-standard, but has the potential for best care of the batteries. I expect I would need to install a battery isolator so that the battery still can send power to the 12 volt circuits through the Parallax when there is no shore (or generator) power, but the battery is blocked from receiving a charge voltage from the Parallax.
I’m in early stages, so input is very much appreciated. I’ve downloaded the wiring diagrams from Winnebago, install guides from Parallax, etc.