Problems with Boondocker 60 amp converter

I'm no expert on this topic, but I would try larger wires. I think at least AWG 6, maybe larger.

I don't think it's the batteries, they less than a year old from Costco. I can get the battery voltage to over 14.6 but that is only with solar. Like I said the converter from day one has only done 13.6 volts. I have been very polite and patient with Randy, I imagine he is probably a nice guy, but the whole re program the trimetric? That sounds very weird, and gives me the impression he is just BSning me around.

The wire run from batts to the converter is probably 3 feet since this is a truck camper, wires look to be about typical 10 gauge.

My feelings now are that the converter is shot, and I will see what he says about warranty.

If at 13.6 your batteries are bubbling, investigate the batteries. Wonder what they're going to name the next "Miracle Automatic No Touchee, Einstein, Warlock, special"?

It's a cost factor. A relatively hands off charger is pricey. In or to make it digestible to the consumer, they have to save money somewhere. I looked inside Boondockers to Progressive Dynamic units and almost gagged. Do a thermal scan of the circuit board sometime when the units are working hard.

The sole reason many of these companies do not go bankrupt from eating warranties is there are relatively few warranties because the owners do not put the converters to task. Think of a 120-amp alternator working at 30-amperes.

I am wondering what size wires and what the distance is from the converter to the batteries? Could be the voltage drop in the wires is preventing the converter from seeing the need for higher voltage?

Did it ever put out the higher voltage/amperage?

I'd make sure your batteries are not toast first, before blaming the Boondocker. Go get them recharged fully, and then take them in for load testing and specific gravity readings fully charged. You may have issues other than the Boondocker.

One thing for certain, a MegaWatt or a Meanwell power supply unit, with an external 500 ohm pot soldered on to control the voltage, will recharge, consistently, at any voltage you set it to. What it won't do is shut off if your batteries get old and short out. So you do need to stay on top of battery maintenance, off gassing, and preventing catastrophic battery failure yourself, when recharging with nothing more than a power supply unit. You are the safety, not the equipment. The liability is on you to know what you are doing using it in this application.

DieselBurps wrote:
I think I am going to call Randy (reluctantly) and ask for a warranty. Considering how rude he was on the phone I don't expect much.

I would suggest to be nice and swallow your pride a bit to see if you can get credit toward a PD9260 or IOTA with IQ controller instead of a Boondocker.

I am currently thinking about getting one of the voltage adjustable boon docker chargers to use as a stand alone battery charger. Anyway, the purpose of my post is to say that I have had some very positive experiences with Randy at BestConverter over the years, and I have never heard of any complaints about their customer service here on RV.NET. I am not questioning your experience with him.... just saying maybe another call and a fresh start may go better!
Hope you get your charging issues worked out.

MrWizard I have not tried that yet, I was thinking about picking up a Meanwell because I have been so frustrated with this boondocker converter I bought from Randy at Bestconverter.

The batteries are Costco 6 volts, but like I said since day one this thing has never done more than 13.6 volts.

I think I am going to call Randy (reluctantly) and ask for a warranty. Considering how rude he was on the phone I don't expect much.

have you tried those batteries, with an external battery charger ?
just to make sure the batteries can actually accept a higher charge rate