One thing leads to another...so why not the power supply?!

[StarckMad]

We've got a '74 Argossy 26' acquired earlier this year. I'm replacing all the plumbing with PEX and replacing fixtures in the bath. But before I cover it all up and call it finished ... There sits the humming power supply!
While it's still "more" accessible (for someone standing on there head) I think it should be replaced. It's the big blue box Magna Rek.
The real question is this: I've seen Power Dynamics referred to a number of times but also see: Powermax, Parallax, WFCO. Any opinions on these brands? My current supply is 45 watts. Should I consider moving up to 60? No current re wiring is planned.

[CBWELL]

I have used Progressive Dynamics PD9245 in both my 1976 Sovereign and now my 1994 Excella. They have worked flawlessly and are an easy instal. Good deals on Ebay! Now is the time to replace, if you have things apart. Really extends the life of your batteries, and will pay for itself in a couple of years. Chris

[idroba]

And 45 amps is fine, no need to go to 60. Especially if you convert to LED lighting, which I would highly recommend.

[switz]

However, if different batteries might be in the future, then the slight difference in price between 45 and 60 amp capacity would be wise. Also the 60 amp box would not generate as much internal heat as it would not be under a full load all the time.

[biyak269]

While you're at it you might consider installing AGV batteries rather than lead acid. You can put them anywhere, even inside the coach, and they don't discharge any appreciable amount and in my experience last far, far longer. For those to work and charge best you need a charger designed for them, widely available from marine sites.

[ijustlee]

When I replaced the Univolt in my Sovereign with a switching power supply years ago, I made a wood mount for the fuse panel from the Univolt so I could leave all the factory wiring and amp meter in place. Just recently I fried the 45 amp unit by abusing it with a generator so I replaced the first power supply with a 75 amp unit by Power Max that is supposed to have "smart charge" circuitry. Too early to tell how well it works out but the 45 amp unit would run it's cooling fan if I had more than 2 ceiling light fixtures on at one time, and my battery life was short. So far the Power Max seems to work well. Leland

[hradec]

What you have is a older single phase charger. If you do any camping which requires you to stay plugged in for two to five months you will boil you batteries dry and ruin them. With a newer three phase charger/converter once the batteries are fully charged the converter will go to a trickle charge mode or completely shut down until they require charging again. I would definitely change it out. Only my opinion.

[dcasr]

Originally Posted by switz

However, if different batteries might be in the future, then the slight difference in price between 45 and 60 amp capacity would be wise. Also the 60 amp box would not generate as much internal heat as it would not be under a full load all the time.

Say a little more about why the 60 amp capacity would be better if different batteries might be in the future.

+d

[TG Twinkie]

The Argosy only has room for 1 group 24 battery. I have the same trailer. The 9245 has worked for me over the last 5 years.


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[switz]

Our 300 amp-hour lithium iron phosphate battery is 11.25" x 14.5" and weighs 84 pounds. That is a small footprint with close to 250 amp-hours of power usable and weighs less than the two stock lead acid batteries. It will absorb all the charge power you can give it with a solar system or a programable inverter/charger.

So planning for the future when making equipment purchases today means those dollars would not have to be spent again for the same type of equipment.

[StarckMad]

Thanks for all your thoughts and opinions. At this point I'm going to go with the PD 9245. I view this as a basic redo of this trailer and a learning project. I think this will be sufficient. Thanks again!
Bill