Forum Discussion

mgirardo's avatar
mgirardo
Explorer
Aug 02, 2014

IOTA vs Progressive Dynamics

It would appear that my Iota DLS 45 Series M has died. We are almost 4 weeks into a 6 week trip. 2 weeks ago I replaced the house battery because it wouldn't take a charge from the Iota or my standard battery charger. Everything seemed to work fine after replacing the batter. The Iota's fan would run intermittently and the battery was staying charged.

Yesterday morning the battery had dropped a little voltage. I noticed the Iota's fan hadn't been running and checked the battery. It was around 11.5 volts. Checked the breaker, it was fine. I connected my charger and it charged full in few hours with a 10amp charge.

I'm not in a hurry to replace it since I do have a charger with me. I know both Iota and Progressive Dynamics make a good product, but I am disappointed that my current charger/converter barely made it 5 years. I am a little hesitant to buy another Iota. I know Progressive Dynamics are talked about highly here.

So, if you were to replace your converter/charger what would you go with? I think 45 AMPs is sufficient. I have a single Group 29 battery. I have no intention of going with a second battery. If we dry camp it is rarely for more than a quick overnight stop at Wal-Mart or spending the day at the beach or the lake.

Thanks in advanced,

-Michael
Seeking Advice
  • mgirardo's avatar
    mgirardo
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2014
    I appreciate the feedback. I am not going to replace it while on this trip. We've had a few issues with the camper this trip and I need a break. I am leaning towards the PD9200 series. I know Iota makes a decent product, but I don't want to get burnt again.

    Thanks for the feedback.

    -Michael
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 03, 2014
    john&bet wrote:
    The factory installed IOTA 55amp in my '05 Montana is still serving me well. OEM Deka battery failed just this year after being plugged in 24/7 spring,summer,fall,winter since new.


    Kind of supports what I said. From all I have read the IOTA With IQ-4 is as good as the Progressive Dyanmics with the wizard (The built in ones like the 9200)

    The dongle (or the wizard which doubles as a dongle on the 9100) gives one additional feature (manual override) the Iq-4 has not

    But my OEM interestates (this too is an '05) were just replaced this spring. Same as your Dekas.. Says a lot about both converters. All good.
  • mowermech's avatar
    mowermech
    Explorer
    Aug 03, 2014
    I just installed a PD 9260 to replace a PD 9155 that apparently failed.
    The new one has been in service about a week. DW currently has the coach in Termopolis, WY, in a full hookup park.
    We'll see...
  • john_bet's avatar
    john_bet
    Explorer II
    Aug 03, 2014
    The factory installed IOTA 55amp in my '05 Montana is still serving me well. OEM Deka battery failed just this year after being plugged in 24/7 spring,summer,fall,winter since new.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2014
    JEBar wrote:
    the factory installed Progressive Dynamics that came in our camper back in '05 has served us well

    Jim


    In my case the phrase is "Is Serving"...

    Someone once said every company, no matter how good, makes the occasional lemon, and every one no matter how bad, the occasional gold nugget..

    From all I have read IOTA has a good rep.. And so does Progressive Dynamics.

    PD's wizard MAY give you one additional feature.

    As I understand it the PDI 9200, by it self, is supposed to be equal to the IOTA's with IQ4.. BUT.. if you add the dongle you have the option of manual override of the mode so you can force it into bulk or float modes.

    This, might be a benefit if you know how to use it.

    The 9100 with OPTIONAL wizard = 9200 with dongle. Might be cheaper that way (or not) but that is what I have.
  • time2roll's avatar
    time2roll
    Nomad
    Aug 02, 2014
    With a single battery I would go with 30 amp IOTA with built in IQ controller.
  • JEBar's avatar
    JEBar
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2014
    the factory installed Progressive Dynamics that came in our camper back in '05 has served us well

    Jim
  • 4x4Bob's avatar
    4x4Bob
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2014
    I just had to replace the Iota in my Jayco Eagle. The one in my unit was a combined fuse panel/converter unit. It did not have 4 level charging.

    The Progressive Dynamics PD4045 that I replaced it with has a charge wizard with 4 stages to charge the battery.

    Bob

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