Retro-fit Converters
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
Retro-fit Converters
So, I'm not happy with how my travel trailer OEM power converter maintains my batteries. I leave the TT on shore power 24/7 while we are at home, and I don't think my existing converter is properly maintaining the battery condition.
So I'm thinking about upgrading to an aftermarket power converter from Progressive Dynamics. This model:
RV Power Converter/Chargers
Any comments? Anyone have that particular unit?
So I'm thinking about upgrading to an aftermarket power converter from Progressive Dynamics. This model:
RV Power Converter/Chargers
Any comments? Anyone have that particular unit?
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Home Base Nebraska
They look like good units, one of the biggest things that you have to look at is the maximum voltage the the unit puts out and 13.6 is a good stopping point so the battery well not be overcharged. Some of the lower end chargers will let the battery regulate the voltage and that can be as high 14.4 volts, and at that voltage the battery will constantly charge and cook all the water out of them and destroy the battery. With that charger you can also use gel cell and AGM batteries without any harm from overcharging.
Denny
Denny
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
The 9200 includes the Charge Wizard which I think might be the best thing about it. Then the remote pendant lets you select boost mode whenever you want.
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Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Whittier, CA
A follow-up report.
I installed the converter last Friday. Even though the batteries had been sitting under a charge on the old converter for a couple of weeks, the new Progressive Dynamics converter went into boost mode immediately at 14.4 volts. It stayed on Boost for somewhere around 3 hours, and then went into Normal mode putting out 13.7 volts. It stayed on Normal mode for Friday night and most of Saturday and then went into Maintain mode. The remote pendant is great for identifying what mode, and therefore what voltage, the converter is using.
The new converter obviously sensed the batteries were not fully charged by the old converter.
I believe I burned out the old converter by cutting into the tow cable while plugged into shore power. That's another story and was a dumbo on my part.
I'll know more when we take the trailer out for a trip in a couple of weeks, but right now I'm very impressed with the Intelli-power unit. I also ordered a Voltminder and I'm going to add that into the circuit to more easily monitor voltage.
I installed the converter last Friday. Even though the batteries had been sitting under a charge on the old converter for a couple of weeks, the new Progressive Dynamics converter went into boost mode immediately at 14.4 volts. It stayed on Boost for somewhere around 3 hours, and then went into Normal mode putting out 13.7 volts. It stayed on Normal mode for Friday night and most of Saturday and then went into Maintain mode. The remote pendant is great for identifying what mode, and therefore what voltage, the converter is using.
The new converter obviously sensed the batteries were not fully charged by the old converter.
I believe I burned out the old converter by cutting into the tow cable while plugged into shore power. That's another story and was a dumbo on my part.
I'll know more when we take the trailer out for a trip in a couple of weeks, but right now I'm very impressed with the Intelli-power unit. I also ordered a Voltminder and I'm going to add that into the circuit to more easily monitor voltage.
