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graysailor · 07-04-2013, 04:51 PM

I have only had my AS for a few months and upgraded to the 4600. A much better charger. I also did so because I added in two more batteries so now I have 4 AGM's.

KJRitchie · 07-05-2013, 01:23 PM

Where did you put the extra two batteries?

Kelvin

LRPorter · 08-03-2013, 10:24 AM

I called a converter distributor regarding up dating the o/e and learned that the 3 stage converters are a waste of money. I do not have any knowlege of converters or inverters just what I was told.

**DKB_SATX** · 08-03-2013, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LRPorter

I called a converter distributor regarding up dating the o/e and learned that the 3 stage converters are a waste of money. I do not have any knowlege of converters or inverters just what I was told.

Interesting. Personally I think replacing batteries every year or two is a bigger waste of money, and since one pair of Group 24s from Costco costs about the same as a Powermax Boondocker smart charger, I'll stick with the smarter chargers.

If I had to guess, I'd guess that the "converter distributor" either doesn't have an RV, or doesn't have it plugged in much so it doesn't matter to him. To be a bit more cynical, I wonder if most of the converters he has in inventory are single-stage.

I would trust Lewster's opinion more, since I know he both has an RV of his own and works on many RVs as his livelihood. Lewster recommends multistage chargers, if I remember correctly.

graysailor · 08-05-2013, 10:33 AM

Somebody is giving somebody the wrong scoop. Three stage (3) chargers are the only way to go. They should be standard equipment.

Jim Flower · 08-05-2013, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

Where did you put the extra two batteries?

Kelvin

Although my layout is different than yours, my extra 2 batteries (group 24 AGMs) are located under the settee at the front. Not perfect since it increases the tw but it works. Minimizes the cable runs. Jim

Skater · 08-06-2013, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LRPorter

I called a converter distributor regarding up dating the o/e and learned that the 3 stage converters are a waste of money. I do not have any knowlege of converters or inverters just what I was told.

I'm going to disagree, too - I killed a deep cycle battery pretty quickly with a standard single-stage converter; after replacing the converter and the battery, my new battery was still in great shape 5 years later.

To be fair, if you're going to monitor charging time carefully, you can get good life out of a battery with a single-stage charger. But you have to be pretty careful...

Bigskyrider8 · 05-06-2014, 06:20 PM

If you upgrade the converter, will this effect the warranty? I purchased a new Progressive Dynamics four stage 55 amp, but the install is on hold until I now if it could harm my warranty since the coach is only three months old.

switz · 05-07-2014, 01:16 AM

Obviously the warranty on the original converter is gone when it is removed from the trailer, so the replacement has a warranty from the selling vendor. Replacing is a straight forward DIY job, but if one would feel better, a licensed electrician can do the job in a few hours.

There is an upgrade for the existing converter that puts in a new control board and a better 12Vdc fuse panel.

In our 25FB, I replaced my factory converter main board with the upgrade after I learned about the single versus multi stage converters and the impact upon the batteries. That was within a few months of purchase of the trailer. I also upgraded tires to the 15" Michelins to get away from the GYM tires.

After all, it is your trailer and, by law, the factory has to prove that your modification caused the warranty issue under discussion.

Bigskyrider8 · 05-07-2014, 09:32 AM

I agree Switz, thanks for the info.
I just received the Prog. Dynamics 4655 and though I could install it, my local (Big Sky RV) dealer said they install these on a regular basis and would do the job for $150. To allay any question of proper install I'm going to have them do the work.
I'm pretty well versed on battery care and I'm not happy with the factory unit.

**Rocinante** · 07-06-2014, 11:27 PM

Thanks to everyone who posted their experiences and pictures for the conversion from PLax 7355 to PD 4655. I could not have done it without your help and support. Here's a post of my experience doing the upgrade today: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ml#post1478980