converter/chargers - RV-Dreams Community Forum

jt · RV-Dreams Family Member

converter/chargers

Howard · Host

Hey JT,

Progressive Dynamics has a good reputation as far as converters. They have a few different models. Some models have a "built in" Charge Wizard which provides four-stage charging, while some models have the Charge Wizard as an option. In my opinion, I wouldn't have a converter without three-stage or four-stage charging.

I assume you are looking at the Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power 4600 Series which comes in 35, 45, & 55 amp models all with the "built in" Charge Wizard. That series is specifically designed to replace other brands of converters including the WFCO (there is a chart at the bottom of the page linked to above with a replacement "cross list"). If your WFCO model matches up on the chart, I wouldn't hesitate to make that switch. If you are looking at the PD9100 Series (which includes the PD9130 30-amp model), the Charge Wizard is an option rather than built in.

Now, if you need information about the more technical aspects, I'm probably not the guy to answer those questions. :)

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Howard wrote:
Hey JT,
In my opinion, I wouldn't have a converter without three-stage or four-stage charging.
Now, if you need information about the more technical aspects, I'm probably not the guy to answer those questions. :)

JT

I am sort of a “technical guy” and if I may comment, this is extremely important. Use of a “charger” or “converter” that does not employ 3 or 4 stage charging will “cook” your batteries. Or at the other end of the spectrum, not fully charge them.

While the charge voltage on these units cannot be adjusted to match specific types of batteries, they will do a quite acceptable job for most RVers who use standard “wet cell” batteries. No worries.

Bill

azrving · RV-Dreams Family Member

JT

I am sort of a “technical guy” and if I may comment, this is extremely important. Use of a “charger” or “converter” that does not employ 3 or 4 stage charging will “cook” your batteries. Or at the other end of the spectrum, not fully charge them.

While the charge voltage on these units cannot be adjusted to match specific types of batteries, they will do a quite acceptable job for most RVers who use standard “wet cell” batteries. No worries.

Bill

We have the Progressive Converter and I purchased the charge wizard from Dyer's RV (Dewey, AZ) when I decided to add an additional battery. I know it's hard to believe but the original battery and the one I added 8 years ago are still working great. The charge wizard made a huge difference; I check the water level once a year and run a load test to make sure each battery is still with in specs. Last year the original battery was at the bottom of scale (Good but marginal) but it did make it through another camping season. As I stated on your other post, "we leave our TT plugged in 24/7 and have never had any issues with the battery or converter."

http://www.progressivedyn.com/prod_details/charge_wizard_9105.html

http://progressivedyn.com/power_converters_9100.html

http://www.dyersonline.com/