I am new to the forum and have spent some time researching the benefits of upgrading my Magnatek 6345 converter. I have been upgrading my 93 Four Winds class C for the last year and it has drained my pockets as expected.The question is: Is there really a benefit to upgrading my converter/charger since I do not charge when in storage, and I only use shore power or generator when taking 2-3 day trips with the family?While I find the charger in the 6345 quite anemic at only 4-6 amps/hr, I have managed thus far. My Four Winds only has one house battery which I recently replaced. The concern about boiling wouldn't seem to be a real issue with the infrequency and short duration (2-3 days) in which I charge. This decision comes down to whether or not to spend yet another $200+- dollars on something that isnt broken when there are other things I could spend it on on a 20 year old motorhome.Thanks in advance for your replies.

While you're wallet is healing, you can buy a 10 15 amp charger for $45 - $55 if you don't have one already. Go check out the garage sales.Bill

If I buy and use a charger as you mentioned, do I need to disconnect the charger on the converter? Any recommendations on a specific but not too expensive one?

You can buy a modern converter for a lot less than $200.Here is one from Amazon.You can just check your battery's water level often instead and add distilled water as needed. Start out checking it weekly until you find out how often it needs water.

Buying a new converter isn't critical but they charge batteries quicker, are quieter, filter all the power (nice for electronics), and are easy on the batteries which arguably justifies the upgrade. One of the best upgrades for the money in my book.

The Magnetek only charges the battery at a few amps when it is charging.. The cost of fuel to fully charge teh battery at that rate when boondocking will swiftly exceed the cost of a good 3state upgrade such as the Progressive Dynamics 4600 series. (This replaces the electroincs in the 6300 by the way)

Magnatek 6345 upgrade if i dont charge in storage?

Gjac
Explorer III
Aug 23, 2014
In your OP you said you did not want to spend $200+ for a new charger. I have the Magntek 950 and it will only charge at 5 amps. I bought a 40 amp B&D charger for $50 to use when I dry camp which is 95% of the time. This will bring a pair of 6v GC batteries up from 50% to 80%in about 2 hrs and has a equalize and desulphate mode in it also. The Magnatek is a simple durable ferrostat type charger and will last for a long time . I find the smart charger does not fully charge the batteries and several days of float charging with the Magnatek prior to camping will give me 2 more days of camping before batteries reach 50% SOC. After batteries are fully charged the Magnatek will float at 13.1 volts.
ujocka
Explorer
Aug 20, 2014
I ordered a PD4645 from Randy at bestconverter. I was leaning towards the Boondocker but I wanted the easiest install possible and Randy confirmed the PD was more of a direct replacement item. Plus I prefer to be able to check the light to see what the charger is doing. Thanks for all of your replies.
ksg5000
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
ujocka wrote:
Looks like I need the PD4645, as it will fit in the slot where the 6345 is. I was trying to keep it as economical as possible but Randy at best converter stated it is worth it to spend the extra money and upgrade the fuse panel.

When I upgraded I left the old Magnatek fuse/DC distribution panel in place - no big deal.
tenbear
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Another option would be the PD9260. It will fit in the same slot as the Magnetek and use the old fuse panel. It is capable of supplying 60A but your single battery probably won't accept that much current even at 14.4v. Of course, the battery won't see the full 14.4v due to the resistance of the wire between the converter and the battery. You may be able to find the PD9260 about the same price as the 9245.

Edit: Here is a link to instructions for replacing the Magnetek with the PD9260. Clicky
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 18, 2014
No not equivalent. The PMB reduces the boost voltage too soon and leaves you at 75% charged and trickle charging from that point. PD will hold boost voltage (14.4v) for 4 hours and you need maybe 3 to get 90%.

6345 will be 6 to 12+ hours to get 90% and 24 to 48 hours to get 100%.

If you add a second battery the PD will take 10% longer, the 6345 almost twice the time.
ujocka
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Looks like I need the PD4645, as it will fit in the slot where the 6345 is. I was trying to keep it as economical as possible but Randy at best converter stated it is worth it to spend the extra money and upgrade the fuse panel.

Any experiences with the PM Boondocker converters? He mentioned them as a more economical option and said they would fit in the slot as well. He said they performed equivalent to the PD models and had a 3 yr warranty.
tenbear
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
ujocka wrote:
Thanks for the replies. How quickly will a PD9245 charge the battery compared to the 6345? Does the fuse panel need to be changed with the PD9245? It doesn't appear that it is included in the purchase.

The PD9245 will charge the battery much faster than the Magnetek. The Magnetek sits at 13.8v and depending on your battery it will only accept 5-6 Amps, more or less. The PD charges in the bulk stage at 14.4v and the battery will accept much more, again depending on your battery. After 4 hours, or less, the charger switches to 13.8v and then later to 13.2v.

It does not include a fuse panel, and I believe it is not the same size as the Magnetek. You can mount it where you like, leave the Magnetek where it is, as a backup, and turn off the power to the Magnetek. The existing fuse panel will work just fine.

PD also makes a converter to replace the Magnetek. It is the 4600 series. That comes with a fuse panel. You probably won't find them as low priced as the 9200 series.

You may want to increase the size of the wire from the converter to the battery to improve the performance. I replaced the existing #8 wire with #4.
ujocka
Explorer
Aug 18, 2014
Thanks for the replies. How quickly will a PD9245 charge the battery compared to the 6345? Does the fuse panel need to be changed with the PD9245? It doesn't appear that it is included in the purchase.
time2roll
Nomad
Aug 18, 2014
If you are running a generator to charge the battery then yes it is worth replacing the 6345. No need to go larger than 40 amps if charging a single battery (or even 2). Progressive Dynamics is probably the best option.
ScottG
Nomad
Aug 18, 2014
If you keep the Magnetek, make sure the fan is still working and isn't worn out. It's often the first thing to fail and when it does, it takes out components that cause it to severely discharge the battery.

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Magnatek 6345 upgrade if i dont charge in storage?

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