Upgrade Converter to replace OEM

[m.hony]

Originally Posted by m.hony

The PD-4655 sounds like it might be just what I need to upgrade to 2 Group 27 AGM batteries-


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The model number sounds cool- like an old GM PD 4106 bus...

[glenrms]

Thanks, but unfortunately, I now have another Chinese made product in my AS. (was my original Parallox converter Made in China?). My next replacement will be a PD for sure. I took the JC factory tour last summer and saw a lot of cardboard boxes on the factory floor that said "Made in China". That concerned me but I couldn't read what was in the boxes. So, I wonder, what percentage of the final product is made in China?

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by glenrms

Thanks, but unfortunately, I now have another Chinese made product in my AS. (was my original Parallox converter Made in China?). My next replacement will be a PD for sure. I took the JC factory tour last summer and saw a lot of cardboard boxes on the factory floor that said "Made in China". That concerned me but I couldn't read what was in the boxes. So, I wonder, what percentage of the final product is made in China?

I know what you mean. It's disappointing to think you could have installed a Made in the USA product. In this case the PD series would have been a more straightforward installation than the item you purchased. However, the individual components - capacitors, diodes, maybe the fans, etc. - are likely made in Asia. The sheet metal box and some components of the PD product might be made in the United States.

When I was w*rking (four letter word!) in the electronic industry I would try to use components made in the United States if possible. However, it really is a global marketplace and components come from all around the world. I found it interesting that some of my design engineering counterparts in China would sometimes find themselves purchasing components from the United States because nobody in Asia had taken time to develop a particular product yet. It didn't happen often but it was surprising to see that the U.S. remains a leader in some fields of electronics.

[grizbear]

I have changed to the PD 4655 and can't say anything bad about it, works very well. At $218.00 its a bargain. Plug in the camper hit the use button and forget it I do unplug if we have thunderstorms just to be safe. I also installed 2 6volt golf cart batteries that added about 45 amp hrs. Good camping Rand

[m.hony]

Someone also said my original/stock converter would charge AGM batteries-
Hmm...


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[Gsmblue]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Someone also said my original/stock converter would charge AGM batteries-
Hmm...


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It will. The issue is as a single stage charger it will only supply a constant charging voltage/current. This will not optimally charge your batteries (wet or AGM) as it only supplies "bulk charge', no absorption or float charging.

In fact the stock charger can damage your batteries as it never turns off..

This is a fun read:

FAQ | What are the 3 Stages of Smart Chargers?

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by lewster

The choice should be obvious. Progressive Dynamics is an American company that makes all of their product in the USA. They make full replacement slide-in converters (PD-4655) along with deck mount units (PD-9260) of various amperage outputs.

While the Powermax units probably work as advertised and Randy is a friend, I would still keep the folks in Michigan building their made in USA products!!!

Don't complain when the few dollars that you save buying Chinese while American products are available sink another US company!!!

Lew Farber

I appreciate the US vs. China made information for Progressive Dynamics vs. PowerMax. I try to "buy American" when possible.

Since my still under warranty stock Parallax 5355 converter for the 50 amp dual A/C service in my 2016 Classic died about 10 days ago during our last trip, I am wondering about upgrading to a multi-stage charger instead of just getting a warranty replacement.

It seems that BestConverter indicates that the PD4655 is not a drop in replacement for the 50-amp service 5355 (they say it works only for 30-amp service 7000 series models), but they don't say why. Since the converter just connects to a single circuit breaker on one side of the dual 50 amp service, I can't understand why it would not work electrically. Do you know? Is it a size thing?

The PD4655 would seem like the easiest replacement if it would work in the 5355. If the PD4655 really is a no-go, BestConverter shows photos from an older Parallax 555 to PowerMax Boondocker deck mount upgrade. This thread shows an even cleaner upgrade to a deck mount Boondocker: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...ll-152255.html.

It would seem like something similar could be done to mount the PD9260 in the space formerly occupied by the 5355 converter section. Have you heard of anyone successfully doing that?

[HowieE]

Get something that will work. Progressive makes 3 different series.
http://www.progressivedyn.com/pd4600...placement.html

[SilverGate]

Joe,

In case you did not see my response to your question posed in your thread, "Factory Solar Questions...", I provided a link as to which converters are optimized to charge AGM batteries (especially LifeLine).

Bill

[SilverGate]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

...

It would seem like something similar could be done to mount the PD9260 in the space formerly occupied by the 5355 converter section. Have you heard of anyone successfully doing that?

How I mounted my new converter in the space formerly occupied by the OEM converter section:

Parallax Converter Replacement with Xantrex

[SilverGate]

Originally Posted by m.hony

Someone also said my original/stock converter would charge AGM batteries-
Hmm...

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"The power converter built into your Airstream isn’t optimized for charging AGM batteries. Often it will undercharge them, particularly in cold weather."

This and additional information is in Outside Interests Product Review: "Secrets of Power: The Xantrex Truecharge2"

[switz]

We switched to the Magnum MS-2812 in the Classic to handle the 600 amp hour lithium battery under the sofa. We currently have 800 watts of solar on the roof and may add another panel or two iff there is space.

In the 23D we switched to the hybrid Magnum MSH-3012 that can draw additional starting power from the 300 amp-hour lithium battery to help the 2,000 watt Honda generator start and run the air conditioner.

Lots of options out there.

[Bgibbs]

I renently replaced my Parallax with a Boondocker. It was a neat and easy install. See my post in the Electrics/Inverters, converters forum. Complete with pictures.