Converter kaput need to buy better one.

[agesilaus]

I'm fairly sure my converter is kaput. It will not charge my 6VX2 Batteries and I want to go to two banks of 6V batteries. I did work for our summer 7 week trip.

So how do you size a new converter. We have a 30amp system and want to do much more boondocking. Also I have 400W of solar panels not yet connected with a Victron controller.

Any brand recommendations? I think the current one is a Progressive.

[enblethen]

I would test the fuses, do not go by looks.
PD 9200 series is still my choice.

[DrewE]

I'd double-check the connections before assuming it's bad. If it is malfunctioning, giving Progresive Dynamics a call in regards to repair/service might be a fruitful exercise; they have better than average support, from what I understand.

One rather obvious thing to check is to make sure the outlet it's plugged into is receiving 120V power.

[agesilaus]

OK just an interim report: It is an Progressive Dynamics Intell-Power, 9200 I assume. Not sure yet what model it is, I'll have to unbox the boroscope I just got and figure out how to work it with my phone. It has 3 X 25 AMP fuses, all good.

Looks like this

Thanks to everyone for all the posts.

[ScottG]

Another vote for the 60A PDI with Charge Wizzard.

[enblethen]

OP:
Haven't seen a reply as to what converter you now have. I suggested the PD9245, but if you have a converter that is mounted below the breakers and fuse panel, I would have to rethink replacement.

[time2roll]

45 to 60 amps is fine. I would replace with same rating.

PD92xx or PD92xx-14.8

[LittleBill]

you can get the pd 60 amp version as well, sometimes these fit better then the 945 since they are slimmer

pd9260

[wa8yxm]

Best converters for common Lead Acid (GC-2 six volt pairs) batteries in my not very humble opinion is the Progressive Dynamics "Charge Wizard" controlled units

Stand along model lines 9200 with or without dongle (dongle is useful if you know how to use it) or 9100 WITH the charge wizard (What I have)

"Integrated" (Part of Power distribution panel) 4600 (electronically same as 9200 but different case)

Note even these will fail Eventually Mine lasted 12.5 years.

How big? for one pair of GC-2 60-70 amps (mine is 80) for 2 (or more) the biggest they make (80).> HOWEVER you may need to put in bigger wire for a bigger converter.

Option: I also have a Inverter/charger (2000 watt xantrex) and they do 80-100 amps (mine is 80 max my old one was 100) they too fail after years of service.

I have days when (Due to where they put the 9180) I use both. I prefer the Wizard's program to the Xantrex

[BFL13]

Ok, so whatever you find out, we have lots of ways to spend your money! Having that big gen gives you many options.

If the sun is shining while you do your gen recharge and you can set your charger volts to equal your solar controller volts, they will add their amps for an even faster recharge. It is handy if they are adjustable voltage so they can match their voltages.

[agesilaus]

A. Yes 2 X 6V in two parallel banks
B. I have a 1500W inverter not installed yet to go with the rest of the solar setup I have. Maybe I should look at an inverter charger tho.

BTW--I'll double check it in the morning I have a troubleshooting sheet.

[BFL13]

You have enough generator to run a 100 amp or even higher amp charger.

A. What do you mean by "two banks"? Is this just the usual 4 sixes in series/parallel you can charge all at once, or some other set- up that you can only do two at a time? If so, why?

B. If getting ready to do more off-grid, why not an inverter-charger? They come with up to 150 amp chargers in them, 120 amp is common. You can do that.

C. Many prefer separate charger and inverter (me too),so you can still get a 2000w inverter and a 100 or 120a charger. (Again I like the PowerMax versions of all those, but there are other choices.)

BTW, nobody questioned whether your converter is indeed toast. Are you sure, or should we get into whether it is toast or not?

[IAMICHABOD]

enblethen wrote:
What is the amperage of your existing converter? What size wire goes from the converter to the batteries?

A 45 amp would normally suffice! With larger wire you could go up.
PD 9245 would be my choice.

If you are looking at these I will suggest that you look at their new
9200 series Modified Deck Mount

These converter/chargers will deliver 14.8 volts during the boost phase of charging,much better for Trojan and others requiring a higher (14.8 VDC) boost or bulk voltage.

[agesilaus]

I'll get the make and model in the morning. I think the nameplate is on the back side of course. But I just bought a boroscope that should help there.

My generator is a Champion 3500/4000 that we only had to run once last summer on a hot afternoon in ND. But we only stayed 2 or 3 days in one spot, we will be doing long stays next summer when we go semi-fulltime.

[enblethen]

I should have asked for model of your converter and verify the make.