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Old 08-25-2016, 04:21 PM   #1
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Should I upgrade converter?

Have a 2004 AS International with Parallax converter charger Model 7355 "55 amp". Believe it to be a single stage. Thinking about upgrading to three stage. What does AS currently install? Or what brand is recommended? Appreciate suggestions.
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Old 08-25-2016, 04:47 PM   #2
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Have a 2004 AS International with Parallax converter charger Model 7355 "55 amp". Believe it to be a single stage. Thinking about upgrading to three stage. What does AS currently install? Or what brand is recommended? Appreciate suggestions.
I upgraded ours to the Progressive Dynamics PD-4655. I think that's what many use, but the Iota is another good brand. I made the change in about 30-45 minutes with simple tools. My Parallax was providing the needed 12 vdc but wasn't charging the batteries very well. I'm happy with the upgrade.
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Old 08-25-2016, 04:56 PM   #3
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I also installed the PD-4655 and did it myself. I am a novice when it comes to electrical things but am happy with the change.

I made the change to prolong the life of my batteries. I'm not sure what unit is used in new AS models but i think it is the Parallax that has been used for some time. Someone with a new model can chime in as my AS is. 2009 model.
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Old 08-25-2016, 04:58 PM   #4
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CAV
Did you look up the specs on your existing converter? They are probably available on line.
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Old 08-25-2016, 05:14 PM   #5
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These are the specs from the label on the converter.
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Old 08-25-2016, 05:16 PM   #6
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There should be something that tells whether it is a multi stage converter.
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Old 08-25-2016, 05:24 PM   #7
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My converter has been discontinued so I guess that's the definitive answer. Appreciate the suggestion of the PD 4600
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Old 08-25-2016, 06:44 PM   #8
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I had 3 stage PD convertor went belly in 3 yrs.up now have power max 3stage lot less money no prob. plus still going where PD went to recycle as junk.
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Old 08-26-2016, 11:02 AM   #9
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The PD 4655 is the unit I would use with any Parallax 7355 or the new 8355. Great 4 stage upgrade. Get the new remote for it, you'll love having the controls for the Charge Wizard on the outside so you can just glace at it and know exactly what mode the charger is in.
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Old 08-26-2016, 11:16 AM   #10
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CAV,

That is the same unit that was installed in our Classic, definitely a good idea to replace it.

We used the IOTA IQ4 55a from Best converter.

Bob


If your converter is under the front couch, it's a quick & easy change.
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Old 08-26-2016, 12:42 PM   #11
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Just installed a PD 4655 myself using the information/instructions provided on this forum. It is an easy install and gives you the peace of mind that you are not going to cook your batteries if you leave the trailer plugged in for awhile.
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Old 08-26-2016, 01:33 PM   #12
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I got new AGM batteries in March.
I have considered replacing the Parallax charger/converter with PD 4655 (or whatever model is for a 50 amp trailer).
I haven't done it yet.
My concern was that the original Parallax converter might not charge AGM batteries correctly, but so far, so good.
If I see a problem in the future I will upgrade the converter.
So far the wheels, tires, and batteries have been upgraded from OEM.
As things come up- skylights, converter- they will be upgraded, too.
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Old 08-26-2016, 01:45 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CAV View Post
Have a 2004 AS International with Parallax converter charger Model 7355 "55 amp". Believe it to be a single stage. Thinking about upgrading to three stage. What does AS currently install? Or what brand is recommended? Appreciate suggestions.
I believe I have the 7355 or a very similar model in mine. It's the original from 2010.

They are reliable, and despite what you may read, they are not any harder on batteries than most of the "3 stage" converters. They have two drawbacks:

1) They are not temperature compensated, and as a result, they will overcharge the batteries in hot weather, and undercharge them in cold weather. This is mainly a problem if you are leaving the trailer plugged in continuously during storage in a hot climate, or if you are full-timing in a hot climate, or have AGMs. In Minnesota we get plenty of hot weather, and I just add distilled water to the batteries twice during the summer. My batteries are still going strong after 6 years.

The cold side of the problem will show up if you're trying to get the batteries to charge while the battery temperature is below around 50 degrees or so as might be the case when winter boondocking. I park my trailer in November and it stays there until March so I've never had a problem.

Most "3 stage" converters are not temperature compensated, or have a temperature probe only as an option.

2) A "3 stage" converter will charge deeply discharged batteries much more quickly while with the 7355 it's going to take 12 hours to get a reasonably complete charge. This doesn't matter to me, but it may matter to you if you are one of those people who runs a generator to charge batteries.

Broadly speaking, the 3 stage chargers out there haven't proven as reliable over the years as what you have now. Tradeoff you have to make yourself.
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Old 08-26-2016, 02:19 PM   #14
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Should I upgrade converter?

Replaced mine after it continued to boil my batteries dry.Called Randy at Best Converters and he had a direct fit 3 stage converter with float .30 -40 minute install time and no more hassle and it works great.Installed a set of Lifeline agm's and it all works great.By the way there is a big difference in quality between the old cheap Parallax and the new one.
$200 upgrade well with the money!


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Old 08-26-2016, 02:47 PM   #15
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Have a 2012 with the original 7355 converter and size 24 Interstate batteries. I leave the unit plugged in and "in use" (do not place the switch in Store mode) all the time. Batteries going strong and have only added a bit of distilled water to each battery on two occasions. For the lead acid batteries, I can't see how I could do any better.
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Old 08-26-2016, 04:01 PM   #16
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Contact Randy @ Bestconverter.com he's got most all the info & converters in stock you'd need... He'll give you the straight scoop... I've bought several from him...
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Old 09-05-2016, 12:01 PM   #17
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Does anyone know if the PD4655 Converter will charge AGM batteries? I just replaced the factory unit and the PD doesn't seem to change from the normal mode. Output is 13.8 V at the converter output and batteries. It has run for over 24 hours with no charge state change.
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Old 09-05-2016, 06:01 PM   #18
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Does anyone know if the PD4655 Converter will charge AGM batteries? I just replaced the factory unit and the PD doesn't seem to change from the normal mode. Output is 13.8 V at the converter output and batteries. It has run for over 24 hours with no charge state change.
It certainly will charge AGMs and I'm on my 11th year with a pair of group 27 Lifelines and a PD converter in a Lance TC. The normal mode is 13.6 give or take a 10th or so and the boost mode target is 14.4 VDC. It will not boost necessarily unless it determines your batteries are ready for a 4 hour boost. Usually after a drive to a new location and plugging back into shore power you will see boost but not always. You can always over ride and hit the boost button. Just make sure you have a way to know when you are fully charged and not let it sit there too long for the sake of it. Best to leave it in the automatic mode but there are times when over riding makes sense. Hopefully you have the remote so you can monitor it from the outside of the panel when you walk into your Airstream.
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Old 10-16-2017, 09:35 PM   #19
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Hijacking the thread for a similar question. We have a 2010 20ft FC, and the stock 7355 converter just crapped out. We could get a newer replacement model 8355 (a bit deeper dimensions in the lower converter section) on Amazon for $445CND. Or I could purchase a 55RU (upgraded) stock replacement lower for $370CND.

Anyone able to give the pros and cons of each? Considerations include living and playing north of 51 latitude, use both AGM and flooded cells as the need and conditions dictate, & stock solar charger and controller installed.
Thanks!
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Old 10-24-2017, 02:32 PM   #20
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I would say no to the upgrade. In my situation, there wouldn't be any value for the money spent.

For incrementally more money than an upgraded converter, I was able to install solar, which has its own 4-stage charge controller with temperature compensation. I park outside. So it alone is what manages the day to day charging and maintenance of the batts.

Therefore the original converter is only utilized when I go camping in a full hookup sites. In these situations, I use the trailer in the store position, which decouples the converter from the batts.

So the original converter-charger is largely used for its converter function and rarely as a battery charger anymore. Perhaps the only use case as a charger would now be boon docking in extended overcast conditions where I may use it with a generator.
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