Iota Engineering-Bad Experience

[storch]

Just wanted to post my experience with IOTA. I recently purchased an older RV with a Magnatek converter that liked to get very hot and tended to cook the coach batteries without fully charging (never got over 13v).

I read glowing reviews and comments on the IOTA converters so decided to go with them and purchase an American made DLS55 with the intelligent charging module. From day one the converter would blow the shore power gfci in my home.

After much reading on the web about troubles with GFCI and newer integrated power converters I became not only confused but angry. The consensus appears to be to stay away from GFCI outlets. Silly me, but if newer converters are GFCI incompatible, then it should be clearly stated on the product literature. Moreover, having to run a new non-GFCI circuit to my garage is an absurd workaround. Lowering safety and spending more money is a bad trade off for a more efficient battery charger.

I contacted IOTA and after 3 days, was email an RMA with return instructions and an interesting disclaimer which stated that any product returned but not found to be defective by IOTA would be scrapped and nothing further would be done.

Very interesting policy. I wish they made this clear on the outside of the box.

Nevertheless, I returned the converter, at my shipping expense of $19.00.

One month later, (3 weeks in their possession), nothing. No email response. Tried calling the only "tech" but only get his voicemail. Left a message yesterday, still no reply. Today I was told that no processing has begun on my item?!

In the meantime, to avoid having to cancel two RV trips this past month, I purchased Progressive Dynamics 9200 series converter, slightly lower rated at 45 amps. Works perfectly, not a single GFCI issue while plugged in at home or anywhere else. And it was $50 cheaper, also made in the U.S.

I emailed IOTA's president (since customer service can't help) still waiting for a reply.
Just wondering if they decided to "scrap" my new converter?

For the record, Iota's Return Policy is quoted below:

Defective Stock
Prior to returning defective material, the RMA Request Form must be submitted to and approved by IOTA Engineering. IOTA Engineering will issue specific instructions as to the disposition or return of defective material. Material returned as defective but found to be in good working order will receive no credit and will be scrapped unless other arrangements have been made, in writing, by the customer with IOTA Engineering prior to the return of product. The customer may contact IOTA Engineering Technical Support for troubleshooting assistance by calling 1-800-866-4682.

Just my 2 cents.

Storch
93 Fleetwood Pace Arrow (now with fully charged batteries)

[TXiceman]

I have put IOTA converters intwo RVs and never had an issue with anything. The one that I did put in a progressive Dynamics created so much RFI that I could not use the shortwave radio. PD's approach to the problem was to build a Faraday cage around the thing. It was yanked and replaced with an IOTA.

Ken

[Dr4Film]

Personally, I would stay FAR FAR away from ANYTHING that is made by IOTA or has the IOTA name on it.

Their transfer switches were fire hazards and they knew it. So they stopped making them but there are lots of RV's with the POS still inside.

I think they took that route versus being taken to court.

As far as I am concerned, anything that IOTA makes is ONLY good for Boat Anchors if you tie enough of them together.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

[RustyJC]

I've had Progressive Dynamics converters in all our 5th wheels since 2000. Never a problem. I highly recommend them.

Rusty

[Santara]

why would u be on a gfi either 30 or 50 amp plug in neither gfi???

[storch]

Originally Posted by Santara

why would u be on a gfi either 30 or 50 amp plug in neither gfi???

To keep the batteries topped off when rv is in my driveway between trips, or to run the fridge a day or so before a trip to get it cold, or to have 110 power while working on the rv, e.g. Cleaning, vacuuming, prepping for a trip.

Most newer home these days must have gfci outlets on exterior and garage locations to comply with building codes.

[storch]

Update: iota called and "found" my converter. It was "repaired" and just shipped.
I'll swap it with the PD 9200 and see if it works as it is supposed to. If so, looks like I'll have a spare/backup converter.
Storch.
93 pace arrow 34'

[Ed-Sommers]

As with so many venting post's, this one was event specific, and proof that stuff happens but our emotions take over before realism.

The Ford vs Chev argument, whatever the product, will never end.

Ed