Installing a 4-stage converter/charger in your new Airstream

[PharmGeek]

Mine is done - I think - I indeed up using 3m double sided tape to secure it to the floor - these can be removed as well by pulling a tab and stretching them

I still need to get out there and see how it will hold but it looks like it will do the job fine and was much easier to secure than screwing down at 4 corners which seemed near impossible


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[tkowalyk]

Originally Posted by PharmGeek

Mine is done - I think - I indeed up using 3m double sided tape to secure it to the floor - these can be removed as well by pulling a tab and stretching them

I still need to get out there and see how it will hold but it looks like it will do the job fine and was much easier to secure than screwing down at 4 corners which seemed near impossible


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Did you install a 4 stage converter / charger?

Never mind I found the thread.


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[PharmGeek]

Originally Posted by tkowalyk

Did you install a 4 stage converter / charger?

Never mind I found the thread.


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Yes - a powermax boondocker to replace my parallax
555 unit




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[rgwatkin]

Randy,
On your Lexan bracket, first I assume you used Lexan for the insulative properties? Second, did you heat and bend the Lexan yourself or did you have someone do that for you?

Rich

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by rgwatkin

Randy,
On your Lexan bracket, first I assume you used Lexan for the insulative properties? Second, did you heat and bend the Lexan yourself or did you have someone do that for you?

Rich

Hi Rich,
Actually that was Msmoto that did that installation on her 555 and she chose to use Lexan to mount the fuse board to. There is nothing wrong with that and I think I mentioned above or on one of the other threads they you can also use a piece of sheet metal bent in an L shape. Some have even used a piece of wood or even mounted it direct to the side of the converter.

[Msmoto]

Re: Lexan bending. Heated with a Wagner HT3500 heat gun set at 950 degrees using a flare tip, both sides while Lexan is held in wooden vice jaws. It is important to heat slowly moving the gun all the time. If heated too fast it will bubble, not what one wants. I estimate it takes about a minute to heat switching back and forth on each side, the the Lexan can be seen to become "blurry" and it bends easily. Remove all heat, hold in place until cool....maybe 30 seconds.


Ms Tommie Lauer
Greensboro, NC
2015 Serenity 30 RB / 2008 Dodge Cummins 4 X 4
WBCCI #4165 AIR #31871

[TheCabin]

Has anyone replaced the entire Parallax system with something else that is better? Since the 7300 series as an example causes all these problems and many are moving to a Progressive Dynamics converter, as an example, what would be the pros/cons of switching to something like the Inteli-Power Mighty Mini Power Center from that company? I just saw that one after a google search not knowing if it is necessarily better. The wire feed to the existing distribution box appears to have some slack so it should be just like replacing the circuit box in a house, just priced higher.

[68 Overlander]

That would actually be better if you want a whole new panel but it will be smaller and you will need to do some cabinetry work. There are units that have the same cut-out that you have that are 3 or 4 stage that would be a better option.

[rmkrum]

Power max makes a replacement. It's 4 stage. Check the www.bestcoverters.com website mentioned elsewhere in this thread


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[rmkrum]

Typo: should be www.best inverter.com


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[rmkrum]

I hate my phone. Try
www.Bestconverter.com


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[dsaxon22]

First, wanted to thank those who have done this converter exchange and posted their experience / install.. A few observations I made during my install.

The Powercenter in the 27FB models are several inches off the floor compared to some of the other install posts. That said, when the Parallax is removed the floor space is limited due to duct work and other wiring, i.e., not enough room to screw to the floor. After much thought about how to create a deck to mount the PM4B-60 Boondocker, I opted to gut the Parallax and use it’s casing for the new converter.

See the attached for a picture of the gutted Parallax. I drilled holes on the fan side to allow good ventilation and increased the size of the hole on the other end to push warm air out. On the rear bottom edge I created 2 slots where the Boondocker tabs can slide through allowing it to rest next to the rear edge of the “box”.


From the additional photos attached you can see how the Boondocker fits inside the existing casing, including the use of the original metal plate where the fuse block was mounted. It really is a perfect fit.

From the final install pic.. Not much of a difference from the OEM look.. Converter is working perfectly.


The only parts I needed for this … 16 inches of red and white 6 gauge wire and a ground wire. A drill, and a rotozip type tool was used for the cuts in the original Parallax box..

[Msmoto]

I just love to see good work! Well done.

[68 Overlander]

Outstanding work!

[Moflash]

Originally Posted by TheCabin

Has anyone replaced the entire Parallax system with something else that is better? Since the 7300 series as an example causes all these problems and many are moving to a Progressive Dynamics converter, as an example, what would be the pros/cons of switching to something like the Inteli-Power Mighty Mini Power Center from that company? I just saw that one after a google search not knowing if it is necessarily better. The wire feed to the existing distribution box appears to have some slack so it should be just like replacing the circuit box in a house, just priced higher.

This is the 3 stage that I installed in 20 mins and it works great.One of the best upgrades that I have done.

Magnetek/Parallax 6300/7300 Upgrade Kit

[PharmGeek]

That's great

I just made two rails to elevate mine from the floor and used 3m double sided tape that is the kind you can remove if needed

I'll see how it all holds but I think it'll do the job




Used a bit of flashing to mount the fuse panel


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[Msmoto]

Great to see so many very nice installations..... This must be related to another thread as to "Why an Airstream?" We seem to love our trailers and subsequently do good things for them.


Ms Tommie Lauer
Greensboro, NC
2015 Serenity 30 RB / 2008 Dodge Cummins 4 X 4
WBCCI #4165 AIR #31871

[rgwatkin]

So, I have a 2012 28ft FC with a Paralax 7300 installed. After three years my Lifeline AGM batteries are a little tired and I want to replace them but not until I replace the converter. My current converter is rated for 55amps as installed from the factory. After reading this thread I have a couple of questions. 1) Is there anything technically wrong with the Magnatech/Paralax upgrate? It appears to be an easy install without getting into a large reconfiguration project. 2) who/where do you buy the upgrade kit? 3) I did read here that someone installed a Powermax PM4-60 4 stage but did have to make some modifications. Is the advantage of the 4 stage so great over the three stage?

[idroba]

Originally Posted by rgwatkin

So, Is the advantage of the 4 stage so great over the three stage?

Not that I see, it is just a different counting system. 4 is bigger than 3 so it must be better, right? But you can re count the PD 3 stage and call it a 4 stage if you are in the advertising department

[Moflash]

Just call Randy a Best Converters he is the go to guy for Airstreams converter recommendations.


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