Intellipower 9100 vs 9200

[Safari64]

I’m shopping for an Intellipower 60 amp converter and the Charge Wizard.
Tired of boiling battery.

Does anyone have knowledge of the new Intellipower 9200 series with integrated Charge Wizard? Is it any better or worse than the PD9160A for Airstream use?

Looking for best prices on brand new unit, without scam like deals.
Any ideas?

Thanks, Safari64

[Zeppelinium]

I think they are identical, but the versions with the integrated charge controller are a bit cheaper than the 9100 and separate controller. Plus, the controller isn't out there on a wire that can get damaged.

On the other hand, the external controller can be placed where you can see it and know what mode the charger is in. It's a trade-off!

[Safari64]

Thanks Zepplinium,
I'm undecided if I want the wizard visible or just working.
And I wonder if the internal wizard is asking for trouble later.
I’m thinking on wiring in 2” amp and volt meters to monitor battery state anyway and don’t need extra gadgets showing. Dead battery while boondocking really bites.

Your icon makes me curious....do you fly 117s? I used to fix them in a former life...nice aeroplane.

Thanks, Safari64

[AYRSTRM2]

BTW, unless you've done a lot of electrical mods, read, added a lot of 12vdc stuff, you really only need the 45 amp unit. Don't know what the price difference is, but that's a little overkill. Some will disagree with me, but that's my take, after adding up all of the current loads in the coach. Actually 45 is well over what a 22 footer of our era draws; 45 amps has a cushion built in. I just was too close to 30 amps to go with it. (Mine's an Iota)

John

[Silvertwinkie]

I've got either a 45 or 55 amp unit currently. I added a sub and the stereo eats power like you and I breath air.

I am eventually going to upgrade to a 75 amp WFCO 3-stage charger based on Lew's recommendation. With our 25' and all the extras on the system, plus the fact that the current one cooks the batteries, seems like a fairly easy swap out and not too costly.

[Zeppelinium]

Holy Cow! You guys got a tether to Grand Coulee?!

My take is that 30 amps is plenty. If I need more for a few minutes or even an hour, the batteries can take up the slack. But I'm not running 1000 Watt inverters, just DC--lights and fans. Happy dry camper...

[ArtStream]

Just my 2 cents:

I have the 9100 with external wizard. I like the fact that I can mount the wizard where I can see it and from the cryptic blinks I know what's going on.

Fast blinks are good

Michael

[Creampuff]

Originally Posted by Safari64

Looking for best prices on brand new unit, without scam like deals.
Any ideas?

Thanks, Safari64

Buy from Steve at Vintagetrailersupply.com. He has factory recons. at a great price. I bought one, and as he explained- they are tested twice, not once- thus less likely to fail. He also guarantees everything he sells.

[Safari64]

Thanks for the input. I'm running pretty much stock 1964 with the addition of a 1000w inverter.

I pretty much live in 1964, although I will acknowledge electronics have progressed. Not sure sometimes mankind has.

The internal Wizard could become an internal failure. I'm also tired of cooking my battery.

Thanks, Safari64

[markdoane]

I don't understand how anyone could pass up on the charge wizard!

What a wonderful piece of engineering.

Not only does it have a delightful blinking feature, but it will light your way through the darkness on the blackest night.

And that cute little man with his pointy hat! Holding the glowing green orb of battery healthfulness.

I don't know why on earth they would do away with such a useful feature.

[FOB]

I purchased the 9260 from Vintage Trailers last week. After looking around for a few days they had the best price. Size (60 amp) as I understand it should be determined on how much 12v load you will have while trying to recharge batteries and battery bank size. Additionally, The inteli power web site recommends a 60 amp or larger charger if you are charging multiple batteries. I'll be posting a question on optima batteries before the evening is out so to be honest, I'm learning along the way and hope I'm accurate with the info that I'm passing.

[Safari64]

If the "Wizard Orb" is going to light up my life with green glow even on the darkest nights..that's a good reason to get the 9260 internal charge wizard.

I don't need or want extraneous night lights.

I found either 9160 with external charge wizard or 9260 internal, brand new for $165 delivered.

Still deciding which to go with.

What's the boost button do?

Safari64

[Pick]

Amazing things happen in the boost mode . Your battery is charged with 14.4 volts of raw DC electrical power. Normal is 13.6 volts, and float is 13.2 volts.

I wonder if "float" can be adjusted up to 13.5 volts, if you have an AGM type battery?

[peegreen]

My understanding is the boost feature de-sulfates the battery which will extend its life and provide a better charge.

[markdoane]

Originally Posted by Safari64

If the "Wizard Orb" is going to light up my life with green glow even on the darkest nights..that's a good reason to get the 9260 internal charge wizard.
Safari64

I suppose you could make a cape for the green orb out of a piece of black electrical tape.

On the other hand, I know that you can order two different charge wizards for the 9100, depending on whether you have wet cells or AGM batteries. I don't know if the 9200 has a selector switch.

Also, having the push button on the charge wizard lets you manually over-ride the charge program. This is a good thing if you know what you are doing. It could be a bad thing if you don't.

[wacnstac]

Do these Intellipower units fit in the same box that the Univolt resides in a 1979 Vintage 31' International? How much disassembly of the Goucho is required for the swap?