Converter upgrade suggestions? ('92 25' Excella)

[Doug C]

The original 50-amp converter in our 1992, 25' Excella is very loud. I'd like to replace it with a quiet, high-quality unit. Any suggestions about the units available or the installation process would be greatly appreciated.

[polarlyse]

I did it 2x now on two different trailers. First was the IOTA 55w, 3stage. I was pleased with it got it and the advice from Best Convertors. Second was a different one also from Best Convertors. I'm happy with that one also, just a different one. Google them or find them here on this forum somewhere. They will steer you right. Not too expensive and an easy DIY job.

[Alumaholic]

I have purchased and installed converters on three Airstreams.
The Iota DLS-55 is the best one yet.
Quiet, efficient, easy to install; it has a very smart charger that operates equally well with shore power and generator power.
Hope this helps.

[Skatiero]

Love our quiet, reliable intellipower! We have an 89 excella.

[dznf0g]

I have the Iota DLS 55 w/IQ4 and am very pleased after 2 years. Best Converter.com gives great advice. Call and talk to Randy, he may have new updated product info.

[Alumaholic]

Originally Posted by Skatiero

Love our quiet, reliable intellipower! We have an 89 excella.

I have installed and used these in two Airstreams. They are good too.

Back to the Iota DLS-55, dzf0g is correct to mention "with IQ-4."
The IQ-4 provides the smarter charging. I don't know if they can be purchased without IQ-4, but it would be a serious oversight.

[dznf0g]

They are available with IQ4 internal.....OR a base DLS-55 w/o IQ4 and an external IQ4 module can be added....SOOOOOOO you need to be aware that you do want IQ4, IMO.

[switz]

Why would a user not select one of the larger models made by Iota? Bigger units could charge batteries quicker?

[Bob4x4]

Originally Posted by switz

Why would a user not select one of the larger models made by Iota? Bigger units could charge batteries quicker?

If using the origional wiring a larger convertor could put out more than the wiring can safely handle

[idroba]

Originally Posted by switz

Why would a user not select one of the larger models made by Iota? Bigger units could charge batteries quicker?

Batteries can only accept a certain charge rate and even though a converter/charger has a larger amp rating, the battery (s) may not be able to use it, and in fact there will be any advantage from a larger converter/charger. BTW, even the charge a battery can take will taper off rapidly as it charges.

I find a 45 to 60 amp converter/charger works well for most AS products.

[switz]

Talked with folks at bestconverter.com today and they stated they have sold very few Iota converter units over the last two years. They are supporting the Power Max Boondocker four stage units with 3 year warranty. They also recommended surge protection on the system.

They said their unit is plug and play with the OEM unit, and the model most appropriate would be the 60 amp model that replaced the 55 amp model.

Anyone have experience with this brand and model?

[sandlapper]

I need to replace mine also, the hum has gotten steadily louder.

[switz]

Ended up ordering the Ultra III upgrade kit from Best Converter for the OEM Parallax 7355 converter to make it a triple stage charger and all DC circuits will be filtered and have clean power. Once installed into the original enclosure, the original look of the enclosure will be the same.

I also ordered the Trimetric current flow measuring device and the portable 30 Amp surge protractor.

[daveswenson]

Originally Posted by switz

Ended up ordering the Ultra III upgrade kit from Best Converter for the OEM Parallax 7355 converter to make it a triple stage charger and all DC circuits will be filtered and have clean power. Once installed into the original enclosure, the original look of the enclosure will be the same.

I also ordered the Trimetric current flow measuring device and the portable 30 Amp surge protractor.

I'm probably going to go with the Boondocker. Randy said it would only require some minor mods to make it fit in the 7355 enclosure.

I'd like to do the Trimetric monitor as well. Where do you plan to mount it?

Dave

[dkrukosky]

Originally Posted by daveswenson

I'm probably going to go with the Boondocker. Randy said it would only require some minor mods to make it fit in the 7355 enclosure.

I'd like to do the Trimetric monitor as well. Where do you plan to mount it?

Dave

Did you go with the Boondocker I am trying to decide what converter to get for my trailer. so I would love to know how you made out?

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by polarlyse

I did it 2x now on two different trailers. First was the IOTA 55w, 3stage. I was pleased with it got it and the advice from Best Convertors. Second was a different one also from Best Convertors. I'm happy with that one also, just a different one. Google them or find them here on this forum somewhere. They will steer you right. Not too expensive and an easy DIY job.

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

I have purchased and installed converters on three Airstreams.
The Iota DLS-55 is the best one yet.
Quiet, efficient, easy to install; it has a very smart charger that operates equally well with shore power and generator power.
Hope this helps.

Originally Posted by dznf0g

I have the Iota DLS 55 w/IQ4 and am very pleased after 2 years. Best Converter.com gives great advice. Call and talk to Randy, he may have new updated product info.

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

I have installed and used these in two Airstreams. They are good too.

Back to the Iota DLS-55, dzf0g is correct to mention "with IQ-4."
The IQ-4 provides the smarter charging. I don't know if they can be purchased without IQ-4, but it would be a serious oversight.

Originally Posted by dznf0g

They are available with IQ4 internal.....OR a base DLS-55 w/o IQ4 and an external IQ4 module can be added....SOOOOOOO you need to be aware that you do want IQ4, IMO.

Can only speak to what I have experience with...

P-lax...battery burner.

Xantrex replacement, failed out-of-the-box.

IOTA 55a DLS IQ4 has been an excellant choice for us.

Bob

[tkowalyk]

I need a new convertor - replying to subscribe to this thread.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by tkowalyk

I need a new convertor - replying to subscribe to this thread.

You don't have to reply to subscribe to a thread. If you're reading a thread you want to subscribe to, just look for the "Thread Tools" pull-down menu right above the topmost post, and select "Subscribe to Thread."

[daveswenson]

Originally Posted by dkrukosky

Did you go with the Boondocker I am trying to decide what converter to get for my trailer. so I would love to know how you made out?

I did get the Boondocker. This one.
55 Amp 4-Stage Main Board Replacement

The install wasn't too tough although I got to install it twice. I took the old Parallax out by removing the screws securing the box and pulling it out. Used 3M double side tape to secure the new unit to the floor. No big deal, right? But when I went to install the door on the front and crack a beer I found that the door is secured to the enclosure that I had removed with the P-lax converter. So I got to take the Boondocker back out. Then I had to get the P-lax converter out of it's enclosure box by drilling out the welds and using a little brute force, destroying the old converter. Then I remounted the new unit in the box and reinstalled. Now I have expertise I hope I never have to use again.

I checked charge voltages and they were right where I wanted them. I haven't had the trailer out yet to really check it out, but I'm pretty confident that Randy at BestConverter.com didn't steer me wrong.

[cwf]

Here..





Be careful about tools,,,,close proximity to rivets on Converter can make impressive sparks