Vanner charger/conditioner

[Lin]

I know the Vanner equalizers are beloved, but I was wondering about the quality of their chargers.  I know someone selling a 24v model 34-50, 50 amp charger/conditioner.  They have not been in production for at least 8 years.  Tech support says it is a 3 stage charger that goes down to 2 amps when the batteries are up.  I was thinking of changing out the large shop charger that is currently installed since this could be left on continually rather than needing to be turned on and off as required.  Does this sound like a safe option?

[Gerry H]

Lin: Has anything come from your 24 volt converter quest? I have been wondering if such a thing existed or if one had to use 2-12 volt units. I am planning a 24 volt house system and am looking at what's available out there to charge it from 120vac. Gerry

[bevans6]

I use this charger to maintain my 24v start battery bank, two 8D's.  It works very well.
http://www.absolutebattery.com/24v5.htm

They have higher current versions as well.

Brian

[Kenny]

The 2 amps still being supplied when the batteries are up may be a problem. Best to use a 3 stage charger that goes to near nothing once the batteries are up. I've got Iota brand charger, model DLS-27-40/IQ4 which has Bulk, Absorption and Float stages along with weekly equalization. All fully automatic. Plug it in and forget about it. It's rated at 40amps charging and plugs into a 20amp house duplex. 
Kenny

[bevans6]

is the Iota a 24 volt unit?

Answering own question, yes it is!  Looks a very nice unit.  I have an Iota 12v converter for my house system that works very well.

http://www.iotaengineering.com/dls2740.htm

Brian

[dougyes]

MCI uses the Vanner charger on conversion coaches. They work well.

[Gerry H]

Kenny: Thanks for your info about the 24v IOTA. I found on the web some info about their smaller models 15 amp and 25 amp which with an IQ4 controller seems about right for my application. Thanks I learned something good today! Gerry H

[Kenny]

Gerry, Glad I could help. This board is a wealth of information and I thank everyone for their input. I don't post much cause I usally spend time searching first and most times I find the answer. I think though for understanding the latest technology, a new post is the best way.
Kenny

[Lin]

Gerry, sorry I did not notice the post was active.  I was interested in the Vanner 34-50 charger since is was available and cheap.  Although its maintenance charge function only goes down to 2 amps, the voltage drops to something like 26 volts, so Vanner claims it will not overcharge the battery.  This is a discontinued model.  There are newer ones like the Iota, that are probably better.