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mahaney's avatar
mahaney
Explorer
Apr 16, 2015

New power center

So, this isn't really an issue as much as an opinion question. I need to replace my converter/charger on my rig and am really thinking about just replacing the whole thing-A/C and D/C side at one time with either the Boondocker 4 stage power center or the Progressive Dynamics PD4060 60 Amp Inteli-Power Mighty Mini Power Center. What would be the draw back to replacing the entire system vs. just the converter on the bottom of the unit? Full disclosure, currently I have the 6300 series, 6325 model, Parallax/Magnatek center.
Has anyone done this, if so, would you do it again as I am sure there will be issues with re-wiring the new system into the old space and possibly having to come up with some creative ways to mount the system.

thanks
J

10 Replies

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  • mahaney's avatar
    mahaney
    Explorer
    Apr 19, 2015
    Follow up:
    Replaced converter/charger with boondock 4 stage today. Huge shoutout to Randy and his team at bestconverters.com. Talked to him on Thursday around lunch time, converter was sitting at front door yesterday (Saturday) afternoon.
    Install took about 3 hours but mostly because there was a good amount of modifications needed for unit to go into existing housing. Put meter on leads at battery after install reading 14.6 V. Didn't have a couple hours to let genny run to charge batteries, but not a difficult installation at all.
    I did have to call them for clarification on wiring the new board.

    J
  • mahaney's avatar
    mahaney
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2015
    I talked to a fellow from best converters this morning. His recommendation was to not change out the AC side since there are no issues with it. I went with the boondocker system and will only have to change out the converter/charger and the board on the DC side. Thanks for the input, I appreciate it!

    J
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2015
    What your battery needs or not should play a role in recharging or sustaining capacity.

    If you do not stress your breakers, have no history of tripping breakers and the distribution wiring and contacts are in good shape I would think that favors not doing a panel changeout.

    The bigger the difference between actual usage amperage and amperage recharging potential of a charger gives an idea of The Comfort Margain of the charger. Underworked chargers last a lot longer than a maxxed-out charger.
  • mahaney's avatar
    mahaney
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2015
    Thanks guys. The only reason I was thinking about replacing both is due to the fact that it is roughly $200 either way. With the unit being 30 years old, I figured I might as well do the whole thing at one whack.
    And yes, I was thinking about upgrading to a 60 amp center since I have been adding stuff. I might just stick with the 45 amp though.
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2015
    So, You want to replace the 6325, which is a 30 amp ( 25 continuous ) with a new converter that is 60 amp ?????
  • tenbear's avatar
    tenbear
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2015
    I replaced my Magnetek converter and didn't replace the power panel. I didn't see any reason to. Mine was the 7300 series however.

    If you have a problem with the power panel or think it is just too old, consider getting a kit that includes a converter and power panel.

    Here is a link to one source.
  • doughere's avatar
    doughere
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2015
    I disconnected but left the POS converter in my power center as an emergency spare. I mounted a PD9260 next to the battery compartment in the basement of my 5er wired to the battery with battery cables from local auto store.

    Doug
  • 64thunderbolt's avatar
    64thunderbolt
    Explorer II
    Apr 16, 2015
    D.E.Bishop wrote:
    I have an old PD power center and converter, when it started acting up, it was easier to just slap in a new converter and use the same distribution panels

    No cabinet work, no wire shanges. I wouldn't change the distribution panel unless there was a problem.


    That's what I did with my wfco. I replaced the conv with a 55a Boondocker 4 stage. Direct replacement. Problem solved.
  • D_E_Bishop's avatar
    D_E_Bishop
    Explorer
    Apr 16, 2015
    I have an old PD power center and converter, when it started acting up, it was easier to just slap in a new converter and use the same distribution panels

    No cabinet work, no wire shanges. I wouldn't change the distribution panel unless there was a problem.

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