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SeeTheUSA · 01-06-2014, 08:32 AM

I'm about to replace the factory-installed Schumacher converter (has wimpy single-stage continuous battery charging

) with a Progressive Dynamics PD4060 (it has 4-stage battery charging

).

The new PD4060 has it's own AC Breaker and DC Fuse boards (could not find a direct replacement for the oddball Schumacher device

), but the swap looks pretty simple . . . except for one part that confuses me.

The installation instructions talk about the connections for battery leads and the difference depending on whether there is an "External DC Disconnect." Are they talking about the switch provided by Winnebago that basically turns off the coach batteries (which operates a solenoid to open and close the coach battery circuit)? If so, I have one . . . or are they talking about something else?

Here's what the instructions say:

"For installations without an external DC disconnect switch connect battery POS (+) to the BATTERY POS + lug. The ALTERNATE BATTERY POS + lug is not used.

DC DISCONNECT: For installations incorporating an external DC disconnect switch, connect battery POS (+) and the BATTERY POS + lug to the same pole on the external disconnect switch. Remove the JUMPER. Connect the ALTERNATE BATTERY POS + to other pole on the external disconnect switch."

So, do you think I have what the instructions are referring to . . . an "external DC disconnect" or not?

2012 Navion iQ 24G.

Thanks.

John Hilley · 01-06-2014, 01:39 PM

Yes, I believe they do mean the Battery Disconnect Solenoid. I will take a look at the installation manual.

SeeTheUSA · 01-06-2014, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hilley

Yes, I believe they do mean the Battery Disconnect Solenoid. I will take a look at the installation manual.

John,

Here's a pic from the Installation Instructions (not sure if it has sufficient resolution to be helpful):

John Hilley · 01-06-2014, 06:19 PM

I looked at the on line version of the Installation Manual

Progressive Dynamics 4060 Converter

I would consult with Progressive Dynamics about the replacement of the existing converter. Are you replacing the complete 12 volt load center?

SeeTheUSA · 01-06-2014, 07:48 PM

Thanks John.

Yes, I'm replacing the whole unit. I talked to Progressive Dynamics and the PD4060 was recommended . . . the Schumacher converter is a bit of an unknown and there is no "direct replacement" made by PD. I could have used one of the "deck mount" converters, bypassing the existing converter portion and still use the A/C Breaker and DC Fuse panels, but I don't have a good place to mount it near the Schumacher unit. Need to get the whole thing out of there.

Moving all the wires to the PD4060 looks pretty straightforward, I just don't quite understand the "DC Disconnect" thing. I'll call them and get some tech support.

Again, thanks for looking.

John Hilley · 01-06-2014, 08:22 PM

They don't have a schematic diagram in the installation manual, so I can't tell what they are doing with the two battery connections. I am assuming they allow the converter to power the coach when the battery is disconnected. The question to ask them is, why are there two battery connections? I am sure it has to do with the 12 volt load center.

94-Newmar · 01-07-2014, 04:19 AM

Good discussion on this entire subject here:
Progressive Dynamics PD4045 - Page 2 - Fiberglass RV

SeeTheUSA · 01-07-2014, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 94-Newmar

Good discussion on this entire subject here:
Progressive Dynamics PD4045 - Page 2 - Fiberglass RV

Wow! Sure is . . . now I just need to go through it to understand it all. Thanks, seems to be just what I needed.

John Hilley · 01-07-2014, 08:24 AM

After reading the discussion on the other forum, it looks like as I suspected from the start, that the way to do it is to leave the jumper in place and just connect the batter positive and negative cables from the existing converter to the PD4060. That way the Battery Disconnect will function as originally intended. It would be nice if a schematic diagram was available.

SeeTheUSA · 01-07-2014, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Hilley

After reading the discussion on the other forum, it looks like as I suspected from the start, that the way to do it is to leave the jumper in place and just connect the batter positive and negative cables from the existing converter to the PD4060. That way the Battery Disconnect will function as originally intended. It would be nice if a schematic diagram was available.

That was my take, too, John. I'll proceed with that (when it warms up . . . back to the 60's by Friday

)

Thanks to all for the help.

SeeTheUSA · 01-13-2014, 10:09 AM

Spent a good part of the day yesterday removing the OEM Schumacher converter (single stage charging) and installing the Progressive Dynamics PD4060 converter (four stage charging) on our 2012 Navion iQ.

The easiest way to do it was to swap out the whole nine yards - converter and load center.

I had to alter the hole in the wood panel a bit to get the PD4060 to fit, pretty easy, then go through the task of getting the wires, AC breakers and 12 volt fuses all in the right place. When it was all said and done, it all is working fine! Nice upgrade.

Thanks to all who offered advice.