Options for a new converter

[Clomok]

Looking for a new deck mount convertor for out TH. Stock it came with a single stage 55 amp, had a pd9135 w/charge wizard laying around so I've been running that, it however can't keep up with the trailer demands (heater on a cold day)

So basically needing advice on a new convertor, looking at a powermax pm4 75amp or equivalent

Battery bank is 4 l16's so higher equalization voltage is preferred


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[Scooter]

A recent post raved about Best Converter in Nampa, ID. Try a google search or call Randy @ 888-828-1893. I have no experience with them.

[Smitty77]

You say converter, but would a inverter/charger combo be OK?

We like the Magnum series. We also have X's 4 L16's (Lifelines), added 1200W of solar (MidNite Classic 150 controller.), and then added the Magnum MS2812, and assorted add on's. (AGS/Combiner/BMK Meter.). If doing it to day, we'd go with the hybrid Magnum, MSH3012 (I like what the hybrid brings to the party, as for as mixing the and augmenting power sources if ever needed.). And just to keep things all in the family, I'd probably now go with a PT-100 solar controller. (Have zero problems with the MidNite, I feel it is a great product. But, some benefits of having everything all Magnum.)

$.02!

Best of luck to you,
Smitty

[Clomok]

Originally Posted by Smitty77

You say converter, but would a inverter/charger combo be OK?

We like the Magnum series. We also have X's 4 L16's (Lifelines), added 1200W of solar (MidNite Classic 150 controller.), and then added the Magnum MS2812, and assorted add on's. (AGS/Combiner/BMK Meter.). If doing it to day, we'd go with the hybrid Magnum, MSH3012 (I like what the hybrid brings to the party, as for as mixing the and augmenting power sources if ever needed.). And just to keep things all in the family, I'd probably now go with a PT-100 solar controller. (Have zero problems with the MidNite, I feel it is a great product. But, some benefits of having everything all Magnum.)

$.02!

Best of luck to you,
Smitty

i would love to get a magnum hybrid and all their goodie, its on the top of my list. But just cant swing the cost, so on that note thinking of going with a iota DLS 90 or powermax PM4 75 or 100 either from best converter.

[twinboat]

If you upgrade the converter, make sure you upgrade the wiring and fuse or breaker between it and the battery bank.

The charts are saying 6 gauge or larger at a 5 ft run.

A light gauge wire will lose some of your output to heat and could over heat.

[Clomok]

Originally Posted by twinboat

If you upgrade the converter, make sure you upgrade the wiring and fuse or breaker between it and the battery bank.

The charts are saying 6 gauge or larger at a 5 ft run.

A light gauge wire will lose some of your output to heat and could over heat.

i'm using #6 @18" from the convertor to the batteries for now. I will swap to whatever the max size is for the convertor.with a breaker at 15 amps higher then the load

[wa8yxm]

Since you already have the Wizazard plug in I'd stay with the PD 9100 (Or you could got with the 9200 and keep the WIz plugged into the 9100)

Proper size depends on your batteries.. If you have a single pair of GC-2 the proper converter size is 70 amps (60 or 80 will do)
More than that.. Well I'm not sure there is a larger model than the 9280.

The math
Converter should be about 30% of the battery C/20 capacity

So for a Group 24, the C/20 is 73, so about 20 amps (two double that)
Group 27 or 29.. your 35 amp is a good choice for ONE 60 for 2 since they are about 100 amp hours (Blt less/more)

Group 31 is 130 amp hours so 35 amps is again good.

And that pair of GC-2 220 +/-10 so 66 amps per pair

NOTE: so long as it is enough to keep the furnace happy.. Smaller is generally better

Exception: Lifeline AGM.. Lifeline, and from the research I've done ONLY lifeline, recommends much higher charging rates.

[Clomok]

the only thing i don't like about the 91/9200 is the boost voltage. i have 4 Rolls L16's (800AH) with the furnace, internal lights and misc crap (not much draw) on i'm maxing the 9135. dont mind the mess, its a work in progress, 4/0 battery interconnects/ground, #6 from the converter

[F76Marion]

Clomok,

If the PD9135w/CW can't keep up, then a PD9260 should do, but if the 9135 can't keep up with the load, I think you should look at your power use. With the pendant, you can set the PD9135 to boost at any time.

Frank

[Mkaye]

looking at replacing the WFCO 8955

options:
PowerMax PM4 55A mba CDN$201.30
Progressive Dynamics (PD4655V) 55 Amp Converter/Charger with Built-In Charge Wizard CDN$328.79

the PD unit is a lot more expensive, just wondering if is worth the difference?

mark

[Clomok]

Originally Posted by Mkaye

looking at replacing the WFCO 8955



options:

PowerMax PM4 55A mba CDN$201.30

Progressive Dynamics (PD4655V) 55 Amp Converter/Charger with Built-In Charge Wizard CDN$328.79



the PD unit is a lot more expensive, just wondering if is worth the difference?



mark

I’ve heard a lot of good things about the power max, and we sell a lot of the PD units with zero comebacks. Both are great converters. Personally id go with the power max because I like the charge voltages better (also because it’s a lot cheaper [emoji41])

[Searching_Ut]

I'll second the recommendation to contact Best Converter. I've had good service from them on several purchases.



My current rig came with the PD 9280, which I added a pendant to. So far it has kept up to anything I've thrown at it demand wise. Just from a battery charging perspective, you'll see it kick out 70 or so amps initially into my 4 gc batts if they are down a fair bit. It of course drops off and tapers down as they take the charge, taking about 16 hours to fully charge the batteries. With my setup though the converter is pretty much the secondary charging system with the solar doing most of the work, and the converter only maintaining the batteries, and running loads that aren't all that significant when we're on hookups.

[StephenW]

I installed a Power Max PM4 60 amp deck mount converter and am very satisfied with it. I'm pretty sure it is the same converter that is sold as "Boondocker", or at least the spec s look the same. 2 year warranty. I did an internet search by model # and found it on sale for $110 is with free shipping from a Tennessee RV parts dealer. Much less than Amazon or Ebay.