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opnspaces's avatar
opnspaces
Navigator III
Jan 17, 2018

Anybody have experienvce with Bondocker brand chargers

I think my OEM IOTA in my Jayco is starting to fail and I'd like to replace it. At any rate it's not a three stage as Jayco in it's infinite wisdom had the IQ4 port omitted from the original charger for them. So in short I decided it's time to upgrade my original charger to a new three or four stage charger.

I see on Bestconverters.com they push the Boondockers brand of charger although they do offer the progressive Dynamics as well. From my years on this board I know that the Progressive Dynamics is recommended often but a search finds only three obscure references to Boondocker.

So I figured I'd ask here about peoples experiences or thoughts on the Boondocker over the progressive Dynamics?

FWIW I run 2 Costco brand 6 volts and was thinking about going with a 45a changer so my Honda eu2000i can power it. I also hope to add about 275w of solar in the future if that makes any difference.

Thanks

19 Replies

  • My first PD failed after the warranty was up. I replace it with a larger PD.
    My present TT had WFCO. It never switched modes.
    13.6 all the time. That was too much in the summer in Phoenix.
    I replaced it with the Boondocker.
    I like it. It does all the modes as it should.
    I will say that it is not as refined as the PDs. The boondocker makes it obvious when it changes modes. It pauses charging briefly as it shifts to the next mode. The lights will dim just for a second. The PDs don't do that.
    I have grown accustomed to this quirk. It lets me know that it is working as it should.
  • Also its a matter of what type of upgrade you want to do. That is if your converter is really bad or not..

    To get something to fit in the space is the issue. Most of the guys here replace their units with a stand alone and mounted it closer to the batts..

    So that's your choice on what you want to do..
  • i have the power max adjustable 70amp model, and i have seen it do 76 amps on start up

    i have it set for 14.8v
    because NO shore power, generator only
  • Since you are charging on generator power consider staying with IOTA.

    Powermax Boondocker will cut down to trickle charge 13.6 volts at 70% to 80% charge level. But then maybe that is OK and let the solar finish the rest. When the Honda drops to idle just turn it off.
  • I replaced the failing Magnetek converter in our coach with a Boondocker PM4b a few years ago, and have been very satisfied with the performance.
  • If yours is pre 2005 with the two leads on back you may find an IQ3 to make it a smart charger..


    https://www.ebay.com/itm/IOTA-Engineering-IQ3-Smart-Controller/281927385644?epid=1056997027&hash=item41a42e822c:g:VlwAAOSw5dNWs8eP&vxp=mtr


    To raise the charging voltage to 14.2 volts on the early
    IOTA chargers without the plug-in control jack, just place a jumper wire
    on these two screw terminals. This is recommended for use with a
    generator to reduce the generator running time. It should NOT
    be considered a permanent modification as long term charging
    of a 12 volt battery at 14.2 volts can cause over-charging.
    The IQ3 Smart Charge Control also uses these two screw terminals
    and one of the power output lugs. They have instructions on the control
    as to which wire goes where.
    The IQ3 smart controller has been out of production since late 2005 and
    the factory no longer has them




  • opnspaces wrote:
    I think my OEM IOTA in my Jayco is starting to fail and I'd like to replace it. At any rate it's not a three stage as Jayco in it's infinite wisdom had the IQ4 port omitted from the original charger for them. So in short I decided it's time to upgrade my original charger to a new three or four stage charger.

    I see on Bestconverters.com they push the Boondockers brand of charger although they do offer the progressive Dynamics as well. From my years on this board I know that the Progressive Dynamics is recommended often but a search finds only three obscure references to Boondocker.

    So I figured I'd ask here about peoples experiences or thoughts on the Boondocker over the progressive Dynamics?

    FWIW I run 2 Costco brand 6 volts and was thinking about going with a 45a changer so my Honda eu2000i can power it. I also hope to add about 275w of solar in the future if that makes any difference.

    Thanks




    The iota can be modified as a 4 stage. Just call iota and they will tell you..

    But have you searched on it for the plug in jack?

    From iota

    If you are using an IOTA DLS Battery Charger that does not feature a Dual Voltage Jack, you can still attach an IQ4 Smart Charge Controller to your system...just contact IOTA's Customer Service Department for assistance.


    Why do you think the iota is going? Maybe its just your batterys shot/sulfated...

    The boon dockers are auto mode select... Id rather have the button. I can push it and make it go to 14.4...

    Plus I think I read the boondockers kick out too soon...


    https://www.iotaengineering.com/iq.htm
  • Boondockers are supplied by PowerMax. See the Boondocker link here

    http://powermaxconverters.com/

    For 6v batts you want the adjustable voltage version so you can meet your battery's specifications for charging and floating, and also to get the fast charging by being able to stay at the set absorption voltage for your entire "50-90"

    The Honda 2000 can run a 60 amper no sweat but might struggle with the 75 amper. Go for the 60 so not to waste gen time with only a 45.

    I have been using adjustable voltage PowerMax converters since 2011 and am a fan. In some scenarios, some campers might prefer the PD style with the Charge Wizard. Lots of PD fans on this forum. If you get one do make sure to get the version that does 14.8v which your 6s need.

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