Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Topic: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated (Read 884 times) previous topic - next topic

Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

August 05, 2020, 09:46:31 am

I am going to change out my original Magnetek 75 Amp "stupid" Converter Charger to a multi stage Converter Charger and would very much appreciate any recommendations. I am looking at:

Progressive Dynamics PD9270V Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/Charger with Charge Wizard - 70 Amp

Amazon.com: Progressive Dynamics PD9270V Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/C...

WFCO WF9875 Deck Mount 75 Amps Converter Charger

https://www.amazon.com/58f8026f-0658-47d0-9752-f6fa2c69b2e2/qualify?ref_=us_lt35_ilm_na&pd_rd_w=rxFdj&pf_rd_p=66bb825a-6a4a-4f9c-934b-2d649645de16&pf_rd_r=F74SHNKCZ04VY00DF0W1&pd_rd_r=ab31ecbd-b732-40a9-a9d9-539ddc892217&pd_rd_wg=3wpVk

Iota DLS-75/IQ4 12 Volt 75 AMP 4 Stage Automatic Smart Battery Charger/POWE.

Amazon.com: Progressive Dynamics PD9270V Inteli-Power 9200 Series Converter/C...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #1 – August 05, 2020, 10:30:40 am

Craig,

I like the Iota but go with just the DLS-75 and not the IQ4. If you have the standard version you can change charge modules to match the batteries that you have. So in the future if you want to upgrade to lifepo4 batteries you can change out the change control module. With the IQ4 you are stuck with what you have.

The Progressive Dynamics is a good unit also.
You will have several opinions on each of these.
Kind of like boxers or briefs.

Mike

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #2 – August 05, 2020, 10:32:58 am

Your links seem to not be working as you expected
They all look similar, check warranty and any mounting restrictions (on a wall, on a ceiling for example). Make sure it will fit in the space available.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #3 – August 05, 2020, 10:48:32 am

Quote from: Pamela & Mike – August 05, 2020, 10:30:40 am

Craig,

I like the Iota but go with just the DLS-75 and not the IQ4. If you have the standard version you can change charge modules to match the batteries that you have. So in the future if you want to upgrade to lifepo4 batteries you can change out the change control module. With the IQ4 you are stuck with what you have.

The Progressive Dynamics is a good unit also.
You will have several opinions on each of these.
Kind of like boxers or briefs.

Mike

Ok so this one
Iota DLS-75
Amazon.com: IOTA DLS-75 RV Trailer Camper Electrical Dls Series Converter...

with the separate

IOTA Engineering IQ4 Smart Charger Module

Amazon.com: IOTA Engineering IQ4 Smart Charger: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #4 – August 05, 2020, 10:52:40 am

Hey Roger,
They are all very similar. Looking for recommendations...Loud? Poor Quality? ect that would steer me in one direction or the other. I will check into the warranty Thanks for the suggestion!

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #5 – August 05, 2020, 10:53:33 am

I've used both WFCO and Progressive Dynamics products and they both worked well.

P

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #6 – August 05, 2020, 11:22:19 am

Craig:

Don't know if you mentioned if you still have the OEM stock inverter? A lot of owners of older coaches including myself upgraded to a sine wave inverter/charger combo to replace both items - something maybe to consider before you upgrade just the charger...

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #7 – August 05, 2020, 12:54:50 pm

Agree with Peter. We started out with a modified sine wave inverter and a separate converter/charger - both OEM from the factory. The charger was a "dumb" battery killer, so when we were forced to replace both house batteries we also upgraded to a "smarter" converter/charger. Then, about a year later, we installed a residential fridge which required a better inverter, so we elected to again upgrade to a combo inverter/charger.

In retrospect, we could have saved some cash by moving straight to the inverter/charger. But, of course, every owner's situation is different.

We only suggest carefully considering your future upgrade plans before deciding what will work best for you.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #8 – August 05, 2020, 01:48:31 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – August 05, 2020, 12:54:50 pm

In retrospect, we could have saved some cash by moving straight to the inverter/charger. But, of course, every owner's situation is different.

Something to be said for both ways. With a combination inverter/charger, if either part goes down, you are out of action until a replacement can be installed.

Our charger had been replaced by the PO 15 years ago and while it worked fine on the conventional batteries, it also works fine on the AGMs. Since we only use it while at home, a failure on a trip would not be a big deal as the solar takes care of the charging needs.

As far as inverters go, I watched several inverter disasters on YouTube so with the purchase of the new sine wave inverter, I installed our Trace pulse inverter right next to it with it's own supply switch and the ability to quickly plug into the same circuits as the sine wave or operate independently at the same time on a separate circuit. They are both power misers.

Sort of the twin engine airplane idea.

Pierce

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #9 – August 05, 2020, 01:57:01 pm

Quote from: CRDavis – August 05, 2020, 10:52:40 am

Hey Roger,
They are all very similar. Looking for recommendations...Loud? Poor Quality? ect that would steer me in one direction or the other. I will check into the warranty Thanks for the suggestion!

I have a 75 amp one like the Progressive Dynamics model that I use to charge a set of 6 8D Batteries. Part of a backup system at home. The fan rarely comes on. Works well. Moving to a more modern inverter/charger is another option to consider.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #10 – August 05, 2020, 02:24:12 pm

Wow a lot to think about. I currently have next to no solar so the inverter hadn't entered into my thought process. Maybe I'm missing something but I do not believe that I have an inverter as a component in my OEM system. I have a Converter 110 to 12volt a shore power connection 110 feeding 110 and a Genset 110 feeding 110.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #11 – August 05, 2020, 02:37:43 pm

That is correct. Though there was an option for an inverter, most 1993 U240's have ONLY a converter-- the one you located.

No right or wrong answers here. How you plan to use the coach will help lead you toward the best choice for YOU.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #12 – August 05, 2020, 02:47:56 pm

Craig,

That is the one the that I am using except for being the 90 amp. I like the idea of having an independent inverter and converter. This way if one dies it is a simple matter of replacing just that unit. It is just a personal thing what works for each one of us.

Mike

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #13 – August 05, 2020, 02:59:57 pm

Quote from: CRDavis – August 05, 2020, 02:24:12 pm

I currently have next to no solar so the inverter hadn't entered into my thought process.

Inverter and solar are two different systems. They don't necessarily have any connection, although a well designed power system can integrate both power sources so they cooperate to always provide the power you require.

The simplest way to power your coach (when not driving) is to plug into shore power. While plugged in, 110V devices are powered directly and your batteries are recharged by some type of onboard 110V battery charger or converter/charger.

When you camp or park in places that do not provide shore power hookup, then you must fall back on your generator to provide 110V power.

A (optional) inverter would allow you to power 110V devices from 12V batteries. Think of it as a alternative to running your generator.

A (optional) solar system allows you to recharge your batteries using sunlight. This is also a nice alternative to running your generator.

You need to figure out how you plan to use your coach, and what type power system will best support that type of usage.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #14 – August 05, 2020, 03:22:15 pm

Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie – August 05, 2020, 02:59:57 pm

A (optional) inverter would allow you to power 110V devices from 12V batteries. Think of it as a alternative to running your generator.

Craig, welcome to the fascinating hobby of coach modification...

Yes, an inverter is very desirable for a number of reasons and gives you the option to do things without the generator noise or odor when you are camping without shore power (a.k.a dry camping or boondocking).

Most campgrounds outlaw generator use after say 10 pm and before 8 am. If you want a cup of coffee at 6, or your DW needs to dry her hair - you're good to go.

You may find this to be worth considering.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #15 – August 05, 2020, 03:29:15 pm

I love my Victron multiplus inverter charger. Wouldn't use anything else. I have the large victron mppt controller so in a pinch could charge by solar only. Also have a optima plug in charger but that would struggle to maintain 600 AH of lithiums.
I like Pierce's idea too.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #16 – August 05, 2020, 06:03:09 pm

This is the retirees version of how fast you want to go.

We installed a PD 9260 in our previous rig and it gave us good service for 9 years, 4 of them spent boondocking.

Our current home came with a PD 9160 as a previously installed upgrade. We're adding another, a PD9260 for the chassis battery alone as a belt and suspenders thing.

So. How fast do you want to go kid? How much do you have to spend.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #17 – August 06, 2020, 06:26:00 pm

Thank you all for the insight and advise!!!
I definitely started down the rabbit hole on this one and am digging myself out using the want vs need algorithm.
House battery bank was and is nonexistent when we purchased the coach. (Old 12volt Interstate sitting loose in the Battery Bay)
Need new Batteries
Need Converter to preserve the new batteries
Want The Best Batteries maint Free 200 to 400 Amp hours
Want Solar Capacity and an Inverter to go with it...Run Silent Run Deep

My priority is to get the interior put back together and I will upgrade my power profile later down the line. I think I will go with a unit similar to what Old Toolmaker has along with 4 golf cart batteries from Costco as a battery bank for now. You all have put together some very cool systems and I feel very fortunate that you took the time to share what you did and are doing with me.

Thanks
Craig

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #18 – August 06, 2020, 07:37:19 pm

You might consider L-16 6 volt batteries. I put a couple in my Greyhound conversion and they worked great. Bought the pulse inverter new in 1989 to go with the L-16s and it's my backup now in the U300.
L-16 Battery - Deep Cycle Battery Store

Pierce

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #19 – August 06, 2020, 09:20:02 pm

Actually, with the U240, weight IS a consideration. Don't overload the rear axle.

Re: Converter Charger Recommendations would be Appreciated

Reply #20 – August 08, 2020, 10:46:43 am

Why money now only to upgrade later? IF weight is a concern, and it is on all of these puppies, go lithium. Forget about converters, use a inverter charger. Buy quality. I have suck internet here, so cant quote actual numbers for you, but there is a considerable difference between them in weight. And cycles. Yea its a hotly contested debate. If your ready to kick the bucket, makes no sense, but if you think you will be doing this for the next 10 years, even if its a different coach, makes sense. My personal feeling is lead acid tech is dead. Let the golf carts continue to use it. AGM or Gel, while still lead acid tech, is a step up, but still older tech. Lithium is now. But will be superseded soon by other tech, which we will let others hash out before buying into it, if ever.
The one thing with lithium of course is money. If you don't have it, then wait till you do. But if you can swing it, go for it.
Don't think you will be sorry.

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