Replacing Converter

[er78mph]

Hello and thanks to all in advance,

I found out that the stock converters are slow chargers and could possible damage the batteries so I want to replace mine. I was looking at one on Amazon and will put the specs of both the old and the new down below. My current set up seems like is an entire panel, could I just wire the new converter in? The process seems straight forward but I've done to many DIY's to know better. I was looking at tenders but for a few more bucks I could get a converter. Seems more practical. Thanks

Current Converter
Parallax
7355, 55 Amp DC, All in one converter charger, main and 5, NO TC

New
Powermax 110 Volt to 12 Volt DC Power Supply Converter Charger for Rv Pm3-55 (55 Amp)

[Bobbo]

CharlesinGA wrote:
Progressive Dynamics PD4355 would be a direct replacement for what you have. Disconnect battery ground, unplug shore power, turn off generator, open front panel, remove screws and fully remove front panel, remove some wires (mark first) and some screws, slide out old converter, slide in new. Replacing the fuse panel with the new one is a little work, and if you are picky and want to do a neat job you may end up rerouting a wire or two for a better routing and fit, but it comes with a new housing for the converter, so the swap is quite easy. Just went thru this a couple of months ago.

http://www.bestconverter.com/4600-series-Upgrade-Kits_c_133.html

BestcConverter is a family operation and if you have an issue, they will talk to you evenings, weekends, whenever you need help.

Charles

I did this replacement, PD4655 for a Parallax 7345, in 2011. Still well pleased with the result.

At the same time, I upgraded the 8g wires going from the converter to the battery with 4g wires. That was to reduce the voltage drop.

Note that in the quote above, the PD4355 is a typo. It is the PD4655.

[tenbear]

Good advice. I replaced my Parallax with the PD9260. Very reliable and much faster charging.

[CharlesinGA]

Forgot to add that the Progressive Dynamics converter is a multi-stage unit that charges at a higher voltage when the batteries are low, and as they peak the converter drops back to a more reasonable voltage for topping the batteries. It also has a desulfator mode that happens only ever 21 hrs or something like that. It has an indicator LED that flashes to show what mode it is in, and a push button to force it into certain modes, and the new 12v fuse panel has two more fuses, plus fuses for protection from reverse current, plus warning LEDs to show when a fuse is blown.

Charles

[CharlesinGA]

Progressive Dynamics PD4355 would be a direct replacement for what you have. Disconnect battery ground, unplug shore power, turn off generator, open front panel, remove screws and fully remove front panel, remove some wires (mark first) and some screws, slide out old converter, slide in new. Replacing the fuse panel with the new one is a little work, and if you are picky and want to do a neat job you may end up rerouting a wire or two for a better routing and fit, but it comes with a new housing for the converter, so the swap is quite easy. Just went thru this a couple of months ago.

http://www.bestconverter.com/4600-series-Upgrade-Kits_c_133.html

BestcConverter is a family operation and if you have an issue, they will talk to you evenings, weekends, whenever you need help.

Charles

[time2roll]

Don't get Boondocker for generator charging. Get Progressive Dynamics or IOTA.

Boondocker drops out of boost at about 70% charge then you are back to the trickle charge. Boondocker is fine if you are plugged in with lots of time.

[tvman44]

Look into Progressive.

[Dutch_12078]

Best Converter does carry the Powermax line, and currently lists the newer PM4 series instead of the PM3 you found on Amazon. I have a Powermax PM4-45, and I've been very pleased with the performance.

[RoyB]

However..... Don't let Randy talk you into a WFCO product...

[bob213]

X2 What TucsonJim said. Randy(Best Converters) may not have the "very" cheapest price but he will walk you thru any problems. Great customer service.

[TucsonJim]

Please do yourself a favor and call the guys I'm linking to below. They can give you great answers and you won't be relying on opinions in an internet forum.

Best Converters

Jim