Converter

[mclaned1]

I need a new converter. Mine has overheated and the fan is not working. I currently have WFCO 35 AMP WF-8835. I am looking to replace it with something better. Looking at the Progressive Dynamics PD9245C. There are a lot of different brands (PD, Iota, Powermax, ect). Looked at BestConverter.com and there are a lot of choices. Some boondocking charged with a 2000w generation, single group 27 deep cycle battery wet cell (going to switch to 6volt next year). About 15ft from converter to battery. No solar anytime soon. Must be a deck mount.
Which brand is the best?
Will a 45AMP converter work?
Is the remote pendent worth it?

Thank You

[RJsfishin]

Get the pendant for sure. The PDs don't always start up in bulk mode.
The pendant tells you what mode its in, and allows you to shift to any mode.

[Peg_Leg]

Excellent choice. Shop around, mine came with the pendent included. I use about 1/4 to 1/3 the water for the batteries.

[Salvo]

Less than a minute when using a PD.

smkettner wrote:

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
6 cells of discharged GC-220's will eat 80-amps charge rate so fast, It's make your head swim.

For how long? Full hour? Assuming 14.4 volts.

[BFL13]

You have to pick a time you are happy to run the generator each day while camping. Then you can pick a charger and battery set-up that will meet that time.

You might not have the choice of times. Some state and provincial parks have limited "generator hours" so that sets the time. Outside of those times you must have an inverter to run any 120v items you want like microwave, toaster, kettle, TV/DVD, etc. You can do a 50-90 on two 6s in about two hours with a 70 amp charger.

So let's say you have two 6s, which can take about 80amps charging at 50% SOC, and you have a 2000w generator. It turns out you will need a power-factor corrected 75 amper or above to run on the 2000w (1600VA) gen, so that means a 60 amp non- PF or a 75 PF converter.

Everybody makes a 60 amp non- PF so wide open there. A 75 or above means a PowerMax. However the time it takes to do a "50-90", which is all you do while off grid (the 90-100 takes too long to dom on generator), is only 10 or 15 minutes longer using a 60 amper instead of an 80 amper on two 6s.

[time2roll]

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
6 cells of discharged GC-220's will eat 80-amps charge rate so fast, It's make your head swim.

For how long? Full hour? Assuming 14.4 volts.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

6 cells of discharged GC-220's will eat 80-amps charge rate so fast, It's make your head swim.

[wa8yxm]

Rather than a whole converter case and all like the 9200 series Progressive Dynamics makes a line of converters designed to replace the electronics in your WFCO integrated converter/distribution panel. A few dollars cheaper and they work the same as the 9200. I highly recommend.

Google Randy best converters.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Haven't checked prices. How much more expensive is a 75-ap converter than a 45 amp? My formula goes like this...

How much more in gallons of generator gasoline is a 75 amp converter?

[time2roll]

Does the 8835 not go into boost mode (14.4v)? Or what are you looking to improve?

9245 is fine even with the 2x GC2. No need for the pendent unless you must have a blinky thing to fiddle with. Can be added later as needed.

If you get a 9260+ you should also plan on pulling #4 wire to the battery.

[MrWizard]

moved from technology

[RoyB]

The PD and IOTA series converters works like a charm going into SMART MODE when you want them too. I use the PD9260C here for three 12V batteries... Takes care of them automatically even though I continue to watch the fluid levels...

I went to the WFCO Power Distribution setup from the OEM ELIXIR 30AMP model single mode converter which was a big move for me since I had to re-wire all of the 120VAC and 12VDC circuits to circuit breakers and fuses. That part went great with the WF8900 series Power Distriution Panel unit. Then I found out the WF8945 converter would never go into BULK mode no matter what I tried so replaced just the converter part to a PD9260C. I was adding more batteries anyway and needed more available DC Current... So now I have the WFCO WF8900 series power distribution chassis with a PD9260C working with it...

Roy Ken

[Jpatrickc]

tenbear wrote:
I replaced my old Magnetek converter with a PD9260, and also replaced the #8 wire between the converter and battery with #4. Since you are planning to switch to 2 6v next year, I think you would be better off with more than a 45 Amp converter.

I agree with both suggestions. When you said it was 15 ft. to the battery I wondered if the wire was heavy enough.

[tenbear]

I replaced my old Magnetek converter with a PD9260, and also replaced the #8 wire between the converter and battery with #4. Since you are planning to switch to 2 6v next year, I think you would be better off with more than a 45 Amp converter.

[IAMICHABOD]

You have made a good choice with the Progressive Dynamics PD9245,it is a plug and play setup,very easy install.

I replaced my old WFCO with this one and haven't had a bit of trouble,the wizard is nice to have and it now comes standard. I did find that E Bay has the better price with free shipping.