Community Forums

Garand1 · 04-19-2013, 06:47 PM

Hi everyone,
Well, I guess its time for me to make a decission.The camping season is about here & I need a new converter/charger for the ole Motorhome(96 bounder 32 foot). It originally had a Progressive Dynamics 9055 (to charge the 2 6v coach batteries and the 1 12v engine battery)that would intermitantly work or not. I have been looking at the 9245 & 9260 from Progressive Dynamics. We camp 5 or 6 weekends a year, where we are rarely plugged in. We have a 4000watt gen set on board, & I have an 800watt Harbor Freight portable generator we use at times(uses very little fuel). I can get either converter for similar prices($140 to $165 range). My thought is the smaller converter might be better as i do at times use the small generator. And, we dont camp full time or extended stays.

or maybe another suggestion?????

teddyu · 04-19-2013, 07:21 PM

My 2008 has a 9245. Seems to do the job rather well. JM2¢...

Gary RVRoamer · 04-20-2013, 08:47 AM

The 9260 will charge a little bit faster if the batteries are seriously low, but other than that there won't be much difference.

The 9260 will probably run ok on the 800 watt generator - you would rarely encounter its 1000 watt max draw (60 amp output). The charger doesn't ramp up to the full 60A except when the battery charge is really low, and then not for very long because the batteries won't accept a high charge rate for very long. The 9245, tho, would pretty much guarantee you couldn't exceed the 800 watt capacity.

Garand1 · 04-21-2013, 08:53 PM

I'm thinking the 9245 would be ok for my situation....like i said, its not really a cost issue......the difference is so small. With my infrequent use of the camper and my use of the small generator at times.....I think the 9245 fits better. Guess the only other question i have is, is there other brands i should look at?

94-Newmar · 04-22-2013, 04:19 AM

Progressive Dynamics 9245 in mine... can't go wrong with the 45 or 60 in my opinion.

vito.a · 04-22-2013, 01:35 PM

I just checked Amazon and they have the PD9260CV for $148.01. The reviews for this unit are very good.

JRMEDPHYS · 04-22-2013, 01:39 PM

It's all about how big your battery bank is and how fast you want them to recharge if you drive them down in the 50% range. Bigger bank = bigger charger. Faster charge = bigger charger...but as has been stated, there is a ceiling on the current beyond which your batteries will not take so you start to lose the merit of the higher current charge output of the 9260.

For reference, I have 2 Trojan T-105's and a PD9245 converter/charger that seems to keep up without a problem even at deep discharge. If I had 2 more T-105's, I *might* consider a bigger charger but haven't had a reason to expand my battery bank...yet.

Hope this helps.

**CLIFFTALL** · 04-22-2013, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vito.a

I just checked Amazon and they have the PD9260CV for $148.01. The reviews for this unit are very good.

Does that include the charge wizard ?
On edit. I looked it up and it doesn't. It's a $10 add on. I think it's worth having.

JRMEDPHYS · 04-22-2013, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Garand1

Guess the only other question i have is, is there other brands i should look at?

While I haven't heard anything *bad* about other brands I have *only* heard good things about Progressive Dynamics and I love mine.

(I have no conflict of interest with any brand)

Garand1 · 04-23-2013, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRMEDPHYS

It's all about how big your battery bank is and how fast you want them to recharge if you drive them down in the 50% range. Bigger bank = bigger charger. Faster charge = bigger charger...but as has been stated, there is a ceiling on the current beyond which your batteries will not take so you start to lose the merit of the higher current charge output of the 9260.

For reference, I have 2 Trojan T-105's and a PD9245 converter/charger that seems to keep up without a problem even at deep discharge. If I had 2 more T-105's, I *might* consider a bigger charger but haven't had a reason to expand my battery bank...yet.

Hope this helps.

Just a little more info........my coach batteries are 2 Excide GC110 6volt.

willisclarke · 04-23-2013, 07:31 PM

I just went through the exact same process for my 1998 Bounder 28T (see posts under "Power Converter Bad," on 12/20/2012). I ended up purchasing a PD9245C with Charging Wizard included from Amazon for $139. The Converter arrived on time, is installed, and is working beautifully (all batteries, coach and chassis at full charge and holding). After I ordered, I looked up eBay, and could have purchased an identical Charger (new), for $103. Go figure.
Willis