Zig

[Richard J]

Evening All, Any recommendations for replacing a Zig 7 or are there any repairs that can be done ?

Thanks

[Derek Uzzell]

The Zig X-7 is an old-tech 'caravan' battery-charger with an output voltage of 13.8 and a msximum output amperage of 12.5

 

https://12voltsdc.webs.com/Zig%20X7.pdf

 

For repair, try here

 

http://www.apuljackengineering.co.uk/

 

but (unless there are compelling reasons to stay with the Zig) you'd probably be better replacing it with a modern unit that will charge a leisure-battery more efficiently and effectively.

 

It would be helpful to have details of your motorhome - make, exact model, build-year - without this information it's not easy to advise on a replacement. Also the capacity and type of leisure-battery you have and how you normally use your motorhome (ie. usually/always on a campsite and connected to a 230V mains power-supply, or generally not connected to a 230V supply).

 

https://forums.outandaboutlive.co.uk/forums/Motorhomes/Motorhome-Matters/IDENTIFYING-YOUR-MOTORHOME/54713/

 

This article

 

https://classicmotorhomeowner.com/best-replacement-battery-charger-for-our-old-motorhome/

 

mentions a Victron Blue Smart IP65 Battery Charger 12V, and a 15A version should cost £130-£140. As should be evident from this Victron document, this charger is a pretty sophisticated piece of kit

 

https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Folder-A5-Blue-Smart-IP65-Charger-230V_EN_web.pdf

 

A new 15A-16A charger designed for permanent installation in a motorhome and made by a manufacturer with a good reputation should be expected to cost at least £120. Lower output chargers (say 10A) are available more cheaply, but they will also charge more slowly. Plenty of choice (example here)

 

https://www.thebatteryshop.co.uk/numax-12v-10a-leisure-battery-charger-960-p.asp

 

Over the years there’s been a good deal of online discussion about replacing the Zig X-7 charger

 

https://tinyurl.com/4rcasy53

 

with it sometimes being asked what can be fitted without making any connection modifications whatsoever. The ZIG X-70 charger can still be bought new (advert here)

 

https://www.rainbow-conversions.co.uk/charging-distribution/zig-x70-leisure-battery-charger-309-p.html

 

and the reviews on that advert confirm that the X-70 is a direct replacement wiring-wise. It’s still an unsophisticated ‘caravan’ device though, and its specification (‘fixed’ 13.8V and 12.5A) no better than that of an X-7. Also not cheap...