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

24 Replies

wa8yxm
Explorer III
Dec 10, 2013
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.
RoyB
Explorer II
Dec 10, 2013
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
stickdog
Explorer
Dec 10, 2013
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.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
Dec 10, 2013
I put one in my rv a progressive unit no problems ,charges better than my old unit. two yrs back.

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Problem with Progressive Dynamic Converter

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