Hello, I am new to Open Roads Forum. I have owned a 99' Fleetwood Bounder since new. I am curious to know if other members have experienced charging problems with their Progressive Dynamics AC to DC Converter Charger. Since new, mine has never kept my coach batteries charged when hooked up to shore power. Progressive Dynamics replaced the original with a repaired unit and it also failed to keep the battery charged. I have bench tested the unit (hooked it up to a battery directly) and it still failed to recharge a known good battery. I have ordered a replacement charger (different brand) and plan to dispose of the original and replacement converters. By the way all my relays (aux and isolation relay) are working correctly. The coach batteries are good; going on my third set since 1999.

I put one in my rv a progressive unit no problems ,charges better than my old unit. two yrs back.

My other brand quit working and replaced with Progressive Dynamics converter and have had no problems in the 1 1/2 years I've had it. Went from watering every two weeks to monthly check and have only added water once in 18 mos.

My Progressive Dynamics Converter/charger puts out the required SMART MODE charging modes of 14.4VDC-13.6VDC-13.2VDC with the proper DC amps capacity when required to keep my deep cycle batteries properly charged. It is almost automatic and all I do is occasionally check battery water levels an keep tabs on my battery bank charge status.If you can measure the smart mode charging modes for your particular battery bank then your converter/charger is most likely operating ok. My PD9260C 60AMPS converter/charging setup has been functioning great for the past five years. Roy Ken

I will make two comments here.First a few questions:HOW are you measuring the charge on the batteries? And where are you measuring.Next, What kind of batteries (Flooded wet cell (GC-2) Maintenance free, AGM, other).Now:The charge wizard is programmed to charge FLOODED WET CELLS, the "Full" Voltages for other types are very slightly different, and depending on the type, it might not do the job as programmed.. NO, I do not know how to modify the program (Well, actually I know how.. but there are some details missing) but it can be done. Second.. There are several ways to measure the battey state of charge, ONE of them is very accurate (Hydrometer) the rest,,, Not so much. And even with Hydroometers. There are good ones and ... Not so good ones, and PURE JUNK ones.. I've seen/used all 3.

My coach batteries are two 6v wet cell hooked in series. I have measured the voltage at several locations. Directly on the terminal posts, at the terminal on the electrical control module (marked coach), as well as the output terminals of the converter. I have also measured the electrolyte with a hydrometer to determine the level of charge. I have the plug in wizard to monitor the battery voltage and switch to the various charge modes. I have also removed the converter and hooked it direct to a partially charged battery and measured the voltage at the converter with and without the battery load. Without the battery connected I get around 13.8 vdc with a digital meter. When I connect the battery, the voltage drops below 12 vdc. I can hook up a simple 12v automobile charger to the coach batteries and get favorable results (the batteries charge) The simple fact remains, the converter is most likely faulty; both the original and the replacement. I am pleased to know others are not experiencing the same problem with the Progressive Dynamic unit. I was probably unfortunate to get two bad ones in a row. My new converter will arrive in a few days and pass on the results. Thanks for all your comments.

Problem with Progressive Dynamic Converter | Good Sam Community

wildmanbaker
Explorer
Dec 21, 2013
Definitely safe travels! My experience with converters has been, that if they are left plugged into power full time, when not in use, they tend to die in 2 to 4 years. They apparently do not like to set for long periods at low battery usage. Other RVers have had the same experience.
wny_pat1
Explorer
Dec 21, 2013
Jimmymack - Safe travels!
jmmymack
Explorer
Dec 21, 2013
The first converter came with the Bounder new. The replacement was from PD. It was tagged "repaired". They sent it at no charge (within warranty).

We hardly used the MH for the first few years. First long trip was to Florida for our son John's mission to the ISS in Nov. 2002. The coach batteries would not charge and I finally hooked up an external charger and monitor the fluid level closely. We made a couple more trips to the NW a few years apart, otherwise the rig sits in our carport with just under 30K miles. Now that we are fully retired, we plan to begin using it more and look forward to everything working as it should. Reviews on the Power Max are good, especially when comparing the cost. Some will wonder why I put up with it not working correctly so long; I convinced myself it was the bad isolation relay that is not that easy to replace, so I kept putting it off. I replaced it but did not solve the shore power issue. However, it did solve the charging issue when receiving voltage from the chassis alternator. The main contacts would not conduct (open) when the solenoid energizes. That's my story, thanks for your comments. We will be off to Montana and Idaho in the Spring.
wny_pat1
Explorer
Dec 20, 2013
jmmymack wrote:
The PD Converters are probably just as good but I was unfortunate to get two bad ones in a row.
Did you get them from a store or on ebay? Just wondering if they were remanufactured by someone other than PD.
wildmanbaker
Explorer
Dec 20, 2013
bukzin, the 13.5 volts is with no load on the output of the converter, not connected to the batteries. Since the OP has replaced the converter, this is a mote point now.
jmmymack
Explorer
Dec 20, 2013
Replaced the PD Converter today with a new 55Amp. Power Max. with three stage charging. The loaded voltage is holding at 13.62 VDC. after a short time at the boost mode of 14.32. My coach and chassis batteries were almost fully charged using an external "smart" charger. I intend to watch my electrolyte level closely to make sure the new converter performs as advertised. The PD Converters are probably just as good but I was unfortunate to get two bad ones in a row.
bukzin
Explorer
Dec 15, 2013
wildmanbaker wrote:
There are 2 reverse polarity protection fuses on the hook-up end of the converter. Check to make sure they are not blown. If they are, something is not hooked-up incorrectly. With the battery disconnected and the charge wizard disconnected, the output voltage should be 13.5 volts DC. If not and the fuses are good, the converter is bad.

13.5 volts seems low.

Don't some of the battery mfg's (Trojan, etc) require 14.7 or so?

Do most of these better chargers have owner adjustable outputs
to raise the voltage?
RLS7201
Explorer II
Dec 12, 2013
Can we assume that you checked for 120 volts to the converter?
Check the 2 30 amp resettable circuit breakers in your Batter Control Center. Which by the way is from RV Custom products and not Intellitec. The reset buttons are on the end and very hard to see.

The positive wire from your converter goes to the 12 volt fuse panel, located next to your 120 circuit breakers. Then 2 smaller wires go from the fuse panel to the 2 30 amp breakers in you BCC. The 2 30 amp breakers are connected to your coach battery disconnect.
I suspect you'll find an open circuit some where along this path. Get out your voltage meter and look.

Richard
95 Bounder
jmmymack
Explorer
Dec 12, 2013
Bob, I was mistaken when I mentioned the coach batteries recharge when the aux power unit is running; they do not charge, although everything else in the 120 AC circuits work properly. FYI, I replaced the isolator relay because the contacts would not conduct when the Sol. energizes, which, according to the Intellitec troubleshooting chart, is usually the primary cause of the coach batteries not charging.
tomousecap
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
jhilley wrote:
You mention that it charges both sets of batteries with the generator running. That would still be using the Progressive Dynamics converter.

X2 - There is something goofy going on here!! There is a definate need for more critical testing of the situation.... :)

I have never had any problems with PD converters. Been using them for years. The story is either not quite correct or something else is going on.... :)

Is everything running OK on the 110 park hookup with ACs running for heavy loads?