Parallax Power Supply 7345

[Camping_Hoosier]

Hi folks

I have a 2006 Jayco Eagle and the original IOTA power supply has given up the ghost. I'm looking at replacing it this weekend with a Parallax 7345 that I'm ordering from Amazon.com.

I see that they have the 7355 (55 amp) for $10 more. Is there any advantage for me to go ahead and get the 55 amp over the 45 amp?

Thanx

[tenbear]

Another thought, if you go to a 55 amp converter check to make sure the wiring is adequate to handle 55 amps. If you do much off the grid camping you might want to increase the wire size anyway to take full advantage of the faster charging ability of the 3 or 4 stage converter.

I replaced my Parallax 7345 with a PD and changed the wire between the battery and converter to #4 AWG.

[mlts22]

The price I've paid for a replacement battery set due to a single stage converter would have netted me a nice five-stage converter with pendant.

One of the first things someone should do with their rig is to check what type of converter it uses, and if it is a single stage, chuck it and get something decent, preferably one with the "charge wizard" (i.e. desulfating) functionality.

[time2roll]

Get a way better converter for the same money.
Parallax is pretty much obsolete.

Stay with IOTA is fine but get the DLS with IQ controller.
45 amp is good with one or two batteries. The original IOTA probably did not have the IQ controller. The new 45a IOTA will charge way faster than 55a parallax and reduce water usage if plugged in continuous.

http://www.bestconverter.com/DLS-45-45-Amp-Power-Converter-wIQ4_p_336.html
Or find it on amazon / ebay etc. Although if you buy through bestconverter.com they will provide superior warranty service and technical help as needed.

[ScottG]

Buying a 73XX is a waste of money. Replace it with a PDI and get the best of all worlds for close to the same money.

[Bobbo]

My MH came with a Magnatek/Parallax 7345 just like the one you are buying. After about 3 years, while it was still fully functional and not giving any problems, I replaced it with a PD4655V and gave it away.

[Canadian_Rainbi]

Yep! Good advice above. Get a three stage charger. The money you save on a single stage charger will soon disappear into new batteries.

[rvten]

http://www.bestconverter.com/

I bought a replacement fir my converter from here.
Got a Progressive Dynamics converter.
Easy swap about an hours work only. Direct replacement .

[tenbear]

The Parallax 7345 is a single stage converter. It supplies a constant 13.8 volts. At that voltage it charges batteries very slowly and once charged it boils the water in the battery.

It is much better to replace your old converter with a PD 4600 converter. It will charge your battery much faster and then when charged it provides a voltage of 13.2 volts that keeps the battery charged without boiling it. It also provides desulfication of the battery.

As far as the 45 vs 55 A it depends on how many batteries you have. If you have 2 or more the 55A will charge the batteries a little faster.