Necessary to upgrade Parallax 8355 on 2017 International?

[interstateflyer]

I'm wondering if it is necessary to upgrade the 8355 Parallax Converter/Charger in my 2017 Airstream in order to protect the batteries when plugged in to shore power.

I upgraded the Parallax on my 2014 International in order to have multi-stage performance to help preserve the 6Volt AGM batteries.

Parallax touts their TempAssure battery protection feature in the 8300 series but don't talk about a "multi-stage" feature.

[68 Overlander]

We've tried it and even sent one to Lifeline for testing when they first came out a few years ago in the deck mount configuration. Bottom line, they don't really get the batteries fully charged and certainly not in a timely matter. I think the 4655 with remote is a better option for the 8355.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by 68 Overlander

We've tried it and even sent one to Lifeline for testing when they first came out a few years ago in the deck mount configuration. Bottom line, they don't really get the batteries fully charged and certainly not in a timely matter. I think the 4655 with remote is a better option for the 8355.

Was it the 8355 that you tested?

What is the 4655 and does it replace the 8355?

[68 Overlander]

It was not the 8355 but it was a Parallax unit with the same TempAssure. They all use the same charge profile.
The PD 4600 series is a 4 stage Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power upgrade for all Magnetek and Parallax 6300/7300/8300 series units. In your case you have a 55 amp model so you would need a 4655.

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by 68 Overlander

It was not the 8355 but it was a Parallax unit with the same TempAssure. They all use the same charge profile.
The PD 4600 series is a 4 stage Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power upgrade for all Magnetek and Parallax 6300/7300/8300 series units. In your case you have a 55 amp model so you would need a 4655.

Great. Thanks Randy.

[perryg114]

This did it for me.

Perry

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[interstateflyer]

Originally Posted by perryg114

This did it for me.

Perry

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Not being very electrical savvy.......question.....how does the the 4 stage Progressive Dynamics PD 4600 functionally compare to the 3 stage Powermax Pm3-55?

[perryg114]

I expect it is a matter of semantics. As long as the lowest level is such that the battery is not being over charged then I don't see the difference. At some point, stages are not relevant. Without real test data there is no way to tell. There probably is no real data to compare the two and which one gives you better battery life. Probably the ones that measure battery temperature and regulate charging based on that are going to be the absolute best but even the 3 stage is better than my 35 yr old converter that was putting out mainly AC.

Perry

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

Not being very electrical savvy.......question.....how does the the 4 stage Progressive Dynamics PD 4600 functionally compare to the 3 stage Powermax Pm3-55?

First, the PM3 is being discontinued for RV service. Jayco might be the last OEM using them and not an any of their higher end units I'm aware of. We don't even fool with them anymore. When they came out the fan control was on the DC side so it would slowly discharge the batteries when not plugged into shore power. Not good.
With the Boondocker and Progressive Dynamics units, the fan control is always on the AC side and the boost voltage is higher and longer for full battery charging and subsequent maintenance. With the PD units, you also have control of the charge mode and status monitoring.
The 4th stage is called the desulfation or equalization stage but the former is more correct. It periodically raises the voltage to the max boost voltage for about 15 minutes to mix up the electrolyte and prevent stratification that leads to sulfation and premature battery failure. Does not affect AGM batteries in any way so that is not an issue when compared to deliberate equalization that some of the higher end inverter/chargers are capable of.
We've tested every single unit that has hit the market since 1999 and most made since the 60s and have a little to base our opinion on but by no means have all the answers.
Don't be afraid to ask questions being non electrical savvy. That's how we all keep learning

[Rgentum]

After acquiring our 2016 27, I replaced its Type 24 lead-acid batteries with Type 27 AGM batteries, and, at Randy's recommendation, replaced its stock converter with a 4655. The installation went flawlessly, thanks to Randy's installation instructions & videos, and the AGM/4655 combination has worked flawlessly so far, simply "No problems." Thanks, Randy.

[Ronman]

Great piece of information, Randy! I learned something new today!

[MelGoddard]

Can anybody tell em what a "Charge Wizard" is and what it does??

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by Rgentum

After acquiring our 2016 27, I replaced its Type 24 lead-acid batteries with Type 27 AGM batteries, and, at Randy's recommendation, replaced its stock converter with a 4655. The installation went flawlessly, thanks to Randy's installation instructions & videos, and the AGM/4655 combination has worked flawlessly so far, simply "No problems." Thanks, Randy.

I looked on Randy's site and couldn't find videos and couldn't come up with anythying on Youtube. Can you direct me to video instructions for upgrading to a PD4655, I'm buying a new to me 2014 FC 23 and will be ordering one of these from Randy for sure. Would like some due diligence on how to swap it out in advance so I can study up!

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by MelGoddard

Can anybody tell em what a "Charge Wizard" is and what it does??

http://http://progressivedyn.com/charge_wizard.html

[Rgentum]

For installation instructions & videos for installing a 8955 converter, go to:

http://www.bestconverter.com/Magnete...Kits_c_64.html

and click on Installation Photos

In my prior note, I said I had installed a 4655; in fact, it was a 8955.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by 68 Overlander

http://http://progressivedyn.com/charge_wizard.html

Very interesting. Thanx😊

[hensley2015]

Originally Posted by pcskier

I looked on Randy's site and couldn't find videos and couldn't come up with anythying on Youtube. Can you direct me to video instructions for upgrading to a PD4655, I'm buying a new to me 2014 FC 23 and will be ordering one of these from Randy for sure. Would like some due diligence on how to swap it out in advance so I can study up!

I also have a 2014 FC, completed the Converter upgrade w/the PD4655 series
unit after over charging the batteries which were probably shot before I even
bought the unit, as I purchased in 2015, & I keep the A.S. plunged to shore
power all the time as I have never used the A.S. EXCEPT to run a heater in the
winter or a fan in the summer to keep air moving & moisture down, carport
kept. Plans changed, so it sits under cover of the carport. Nice to walk in the
unit, flip the light switch, have a seat, etc, etc. The Converter upgrade is the
best money you can spend. What is your peace of mind worth to you?
BestConverter.com.
My A.S is for sale as it needs to be used as intended. As I stated, plans change.
Never used, never connected to water, tags still hang where they were placed
from factory, 2 replaced batteries, Converter upgrade, carport kept.
Never slept in, nothing used except lights. GREAT unit 270-765-6620
2014 Airstream Flying Cloud 27FB
$52,500.00, Michael

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by Rgentum

For installation instructions & videos for installing a 8955 converter, go to:

http://www.bestconverter.com/Magnete...Kits_c_64.html

and click on Installation Photos

In my prior note, I said I had installed a 4655; in fact, it was a 8955.

The photos are of the 8955 but the procedure is almost identical for the PD4655.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by interstateflyer

I'm wondering if it is necessary to upgrade the 8355 Parallax Converter/Charger in my 2017 Airstream in order to protect the batteries when plugged in to shore power.

I upgraded the Parallax on my 2014 International in order to have multi-stage performance to help preserve the 6Volt AGM batteries.

Parallax touts their TempAssure battery protection feature in the 8300 series but don't talk about a "multi-stage" feature.

I asked Andy at CanAm about swapping the converter and he said not to bother.
The converter on my FC (Parallax 7300) is putting out 13.3 volts which will not overcharge the battery.
My manual says to leave the switch in use when AC is on,
Presumeddly to absorb any voltage spikes.
In storage I have a timer.set for two hours a day to keep the batteries up.

[68 Overlander]

13.3 is never going to fully charge your batteries even if your Airstream meter shows full.
Parallax target voltage is 13.8 so I would confirm your readings. If accurate, its not high enough. If its actually 13.8, monitor them closely.
Andy is a good guy.