Converter choice

[Jer_Ger]

I'm looking to replace my converter so I can have one with a battery charger in it. I know nothing about them except that I've found a Progressive 9100 series that I can get the Wizard for AGM batteries. Is that going to be my only choice or do any of you recommend something better? Thanks in advance, Jerry

[Bobbo]

I, also, went with 4g wire and a PD4655. It was a drop-in replacement.

[tenbear]

Jer&Ger wrote:
Thanks guys, I think I'm going with the progressive 9200/60. That should take care of me for quite a while. Jerry

Good choice. You may consider increasing the size of the wire between the converter and the battery for best charging. I replaced my old #8 AWG wire with #4 when I replaced my Parallax with a PD9260.

[Jer_Ger]

Thanks guys, I think I'm going with the progressive 9200/60. That should take care of me for quite a while. Jerry

[Dakota98]

Jer&Ger wrote:
I'm looking to replace my converter so I can have one with a battery charger in it. I know nothing about them except that I've found a Progressive 9100 series that I can get the Wizard for AGM batteries. Is that going to be my only choice or do any of you recommend something better? Thanks in advance, Jerry

The main difference between the Progressive 9100 & 9200 series converters is the 9200 has a "built in Wizard" & the 9100 lists the Wizard as an option.

I believe any modern convertor on the market today with a charging system, built in or add-on is ok for AGM batteries. The reason being is none of them have a true "equalization" charge function, which apparently, some AGM manufacturers indicate in their instructions to avoid "equalization"

I agree & disagree with smkettner:
"this just is not true. PD and IOTA will charge every bit as good as a portable battery charger and usually better"

The difference being the PD and IOTA deliver 3-4 stage charging. A regular battery charger does not, but a portable "SMART CHARGER" does everything needed to maintain a Lead Acid deep cycle. Battery equalization charging takes place above 14.4 up to 16.0 volts & the Wizard delivers only 14.4 in either Boost or Equalization mode.

Lead acid batteries require an occasional "equalization" charge in order to reach full capacity & life expectancy. The very best & easiest way to accomplish that is with a good "SMART CHARGER". It takes all the guess work out of properly maintaining an RV Deep Cycle battery.

I camp off-grid always & have an old Magnetek Converter (junk). I have a Champion generator & charge my 2-6 volt batteries with my Smart Charger, not through the converter which delivers at most 13.2 volts, or about 5-amps at best.

[time2roll]

rjxj wrote:
if you want to be off grid most of the time you probably find that a converter wont do it all.

This just is not true. PD and IOTA will charge every bit as good as a portable battery charger and usually better.



To the OP,
AGM is not that different from a wet cell for charging profile. About 60 amp PD or IOTA will serve you well charging that Optima. You do need the wizard (PD) or IQ controller (IOTA) to have them function as you expect. Built-in or pendent is fine.

www.bestconverter.com

[Dakzuki]

As far as I know all the PD chargers are good with AGMs. I run one on my Lifeline AGMs.

BTW, when you go to replace your Optima there are AGMs out there that have much more capability for the same volume. If you are on a non AGM budget, a couple of 6 volt wet cell golf cart batteries will give you great service if you have room for them.

[Jer_Ger]

Thanks all. I mainly camp off grid & my main concern is that I have an Optima AGM battery that I was worried about being charged at the wrong voltage for it. The charge wizard with the 9100 series says it is made just for AGM batteries, the 9200 series doesn't say anything about AGM's. I just came across the IOTA DLS-55/IQ4 12 VOLT 55 AMP 4 STAGE AUTOMATIC SMART BATTERY CHARGER / POWER SUPPLY that says it will do AGM's too. Jerry

[tenbear]

All converters are also battery chargers, some are better chargers than others. Older converters such as the Magnetek/Parallax series are fixed voltage. Not high enough to charge very fast but high enough to boil the battery fluid.

Modern converters are 3 or 4 stage that start at a high voltage to charge the battery fast, then reduce the voltage to maintain the battery without boiling away the fluid.

The Progressive 9100 series is a modern converter and has been replaced with the 9200 series that has the wizard built in. It is one of the best.

[azrving]

How are you going to camp? They are converters first and battery chargers second. If you are plugged into shore power all the time most will work but if you want to be off grid most of the time you probably find that a converter wont do it all. Avoid WFCO unless you are truly dedicated to spending good money to promote world friendship. 🙂

[ScottG]

That would be an excellent choice.