Problems with Boondocker 60 amp converter

I thought the Iota seeks 14.8v and only holds it for 15 minutes before dropping voltage and charge rate.

I liked the PD9245 for its ability to allow one to choose the charge voltage by pressing a button.

I personally prefer more manual, hands on approach and use an adjustable voltage 40 amp power supply. I hold absorption voltage until amps taper to a certain level, and then reduce voltage to the proper float voltage for the battery at its temperature.

It would be great if there was an affordable automatic plug in charger which could accomplish this, but all the 200$ or less RV converters have various strategies in how they seek to top up a battery.

I would not like a converter which does not allow one to choose a stage/voltage. An automatic converter which does not seek mid to high 14's with depleted batteries is a failure, unless one never/almost never unplugs from the grid.

If expecting a fast charge from a generator...

I strongly recommend Progressive Dynamics with Wizard or IOTA with IQ controller. Both of these models hold absorption voltage at 14.2 to 14.4 volts for an extended period. Both also reduce voltage if plugged in continuously. Additionally both will periodically boost charge the battery when floating.

Boondocker does not hold voltage above 13.6 volts after the bulk charge. Absorption is at 13.6 volts and very slow as you charge from about 75% to 100%. I recommend to avoid the 'boondocker' for charging with a generator.

"Like others have said, if you can't post anything civilized, worthwhile, or helpful, don't post at all"

Gosh, I hate to see you go R.J.

OTHERS?
Got frogs in your pockets?

I never mentioned your name until you screamed in QUOTES. Ooooooo go outside and unplug if you can pry it out of the corroded-together socket then after a week living on batteries, if they last, you'd be closer to being experienced.

The Trimetric 2025 type is independent of battery charging. You can't change the voltage display. Can't change the amp display unless it's programmed for the wrong shunt. There are settable parameters that can effect the SOC and some other displays.

So I don't understand Randy's comment.

Like others have said, if you can't post anything civilized, worthwhile, or helpful, don't post at all.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Recommendations should NOT come from sources that have extensive (darned near exclusive) knowledge of Power Pole Princess living, battery management. Off-grid for boondocking? Yes. Trailer park living experience? Like asking a gynecologist for advice about heart arrhythmia.....sheesh.

Recommendations should NOT come from sources that have extensive (darned near exclusive) knowledge of Power Pole Princess living, battery management. Off-grid for boondocking? Yes. Trailer park living experience? Like asking a gynecologist for advice about heart arrhythmia.....sheesh.

Just ignore the chart posted in the previous,... does not even show a 3 ft one way run.
A 3 ft run chart actually shows 12 ga to be more than adequate for 65 amps, but your 10 is just perfect.
I would recommend a PD 9260, w/ the Pendant Control that lets you manually choose which of the 3 stages you want to charge at, letting you force the bulk charge rate of 14.4 any time you want, for faster charging. Some times the Pendant comes w/ the converter, sometimes it is $12 extra.
I myself charge w/ a 1000w Honda, which is limited to the PD 9245,...which still charges quite fast.

DieselBurps wrote:
RJsfishin what would you recommend? I will be charging with a 2000 watt Yamaha genny.

RJsfishin wrote:
The wire charts and calulators show 10 ga to be far more than adequate for 60 amps on a 3 ft run. I'd get a different converter, and notice I said converter, not no power supply.

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

10 gauge is 30 amp rated, in AC. a 3 foot run in DC is run both ways, and considered a 6 foot run. I'd want something rated at least 75 amps or better, with a 1% or less loss, for 6 ft run, so as to not fool the charger with resistance to the battery and thinking the battery is over 80% SOC. I'd run 4 gauge to play it safe, so it's a non issue.

Wire gauge chart rated to only 3% loss.

RJsfishin what would you recommend? I will be charging with a 2000 watt Yamaha genny.

The wire charts and calulators show 10 ga to be far more than adequate for 60 amps on a 3 ft run. I'd get a different converter, and notice I said converter, not no power supply.

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