Progressive Dynamics 9100 vs. 9200

[bruceh]

I am looking at these and they seem quite similar. I see that the 9200 series has the built in charge wizard where with the 9100 it is a separate purchase.

How does one decide between the two? I am looking in the 60-70 amp range.

[wa8yxm]

The 9100 series is a "single stage" with an "expansion" port, you plug in the optional "Charge Wizard" and it becomes a 3 stage...

The 9200 is a 3 stage, the charge wizard (Which I think costs 30 bucks) is built in. Some folks like to be able to read the status indicator and/or manually set the mode, for them, there is an optional remote "dongle" for the 9200,

But basically 9100 + charge wizard = 9200 for most users,

I have the 9100 with wizard... The way it was installed they could as easily have used the 9200,, I have since moved the wizard to where I can see it because there are times when I wish to push the button.

My recommendation... 9200, With the 9200 the 'remote dongle" (which is a wired remote by the way) is 100% optional..

With the 9100, The Wizard, which is also "Optional" per PDI, is 100% mandatory.

[Rick Long]

Because of newer technology and components the 9200 also runs cooler therefor the fan seldom goes on making it quieter.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Since a 3-stage charger is highly recommended, you may as well get the 9200. As already noted, the 9100 is a single stage that is upgradeable to 3 stage via the Wizard, but if you are going t get a three stage anyway, why not go direct to the 9200?

[bruceh]

OK, I am convinced that the 9200 is the right choice.

Is there such a thing as too big? I currently have the 45 amp unit that came stock and am comtemplating a 70 or 80 amp unit. Are there any downsides to being too large? It seems clear that you would have a greater generator load from charging.

The wires from the converter to the battery are 6 gauge.

[Gary RVRoamer]

More amps requires bigger wires to the battery. And if the charge current passes through a battery charge management board such as the RV Custom Products board used on many Fleetwood and National RV coaches, you may find that the charge current is high enough to occasionally trip the built-in circuit breaker, which is often 50A. That would only happen f the battery was deeply discharged, though. Most of the time the charger won't be putting out anywhere near its max possible amps - that mostly happens only in bulk charge mode.

[bruceh]

According to the AWG chart, #6 AWG wire is good for 75 amps. Winnebago has a 55 amp circuit breaker in line with this. I guess that 70 and 80 amp converters are out and even 60 seems a little iffy unless I change the circuit breaker.