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Old 11-10-2014, 06:20 PM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Colorado
Posts: 3
THOR #1286
"Smart" convertor on Sprinter?

Hello, all. New to this RV but not to RVing. I am trading my 10-year old Holiday Rambler "C" for a 2015 Thor Siesta Sprinter 24 ST.

My question--after having to yearly replace the coach battery on my old RV, the tech told me the the convertor on that model was a "Dumb" convertor that simply overcharged the battery. He had me disconnect the coach batteries every fall and hook up a "smart" battery charger. That worked great, but what a pain!

Now I understand that there is such a thing as a "smart" 4-stage convertor. If you leave the RV plugged in to shore power all winter, it will not overcharge the battery.

Could someone tell me if my new Thor Sprinter might have this? Can i have the dealer install one before I pick it up if it does not?

Thanks! This RV looks very, very nice! (Picking it up in January sometime)

Jim

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Old 11-10-2014, 06:59 PM   #2
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Tiffin Open Road 32SA
State: Colorado
Posts: 238
THOR #1147
Thor uses a common converter in a lot of their coaches - a WFCO™ 8955. I can't say for sure it's what they use in the Sprinters, but it's what came in our Axis.

It is a 3-stage converter that *should* treat the batteries well. I did a lot of research trying to find out if I could leave the coach plugged in all winter. Unfortunately I found a lot of negative information on the WFCO on various forums. The main complaints seem to be that it won't go into "bulk" mode to fully charge depleted batteries and issues boiling batteries in "float" mode.

We're first-time RV owners with no direct experience so based on what I was able to find I'll be leaving the bus unplugged this winter. I may upgrade to a Progressive Dynamics PD4655V next year depending on how our WFCO performs. The PD is a smart, 4-stage unit with a very good reputation as far as I can tell.

Regards,

Randy

Randy
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Old 11-10-2014, 07:24 PM   #3
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
State: Colorado
Posts: 3
THOR #1286
Thanks, Randy!

You can always do what I've done the last few years. The batteries still work well.

I don't plug the RV into shore power. I bought a "smart" battery charger from Griot's garage. I hooked this to the coach batteries. It seems to keep them charged without overcharging. In the spring I just disconnect the alligator clips from the batteries. You don't seem to have to actually disconnect the batteries from the RV. Hope this helps!

Jim
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Old 11-10-2014, 09:14 PM   #4
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: 2016 Newmar
State: Indiana
Posts: 323
THOR #1075
I left mine plugged in all winter. I used to use a timer and let it charge an hour a day when I had the Airstream Interstate. There were always gremlins that used power even when things were turned off.
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Old 11-10-2014, 10:09 PM   #5
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State: Colorado
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THOR #1286
The timer is a great idea! Hadn't thought of that.

Thanks,
Jim
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Old 11-14-2014, 03:54 AM   #6
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2015 Thor Siesta 24ST
State: California
Posts: 5
THOR #1143
Quote:
Originally Posted by jimbob67 View Post
Jim
Hi, Jim.

End of June 2014, we bought exactly what you planning to buy: 2015 Thor Sprinter Siesta ST. This is our second one Sprinter RV.
I can give you a lot of good advises how to avoid mistakes during process of buying this RV.
Contact me.

Alex
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