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Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
I'm considering upgrading our OEM converter to a PD 9245C.  I've taken some measurements and the new converter seems like it will fit into the space of the current converter.  Can anyone confirm that the PD 9245 will fit without any modification?

Secondly, the PD 9245C comes standard with a 3 prong plug.  I doubt that our current converter is connected with a 3 prong plug.  (I haven't pulled it to look).   So I'm asking for help from anyone who has already replaced their OEM converter.  How is the OEM converter connected to the house wiring?  So it seems my two (2) choices might be to add a female receptacle to the wiring coming to the 9245 converter or cut the 9245 plug and connect the wires.

Hoping to get some guidance.
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #1 –
Following on this one
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #2 –
Recently upgraded the original converter in our 2004FL to PD 4645. New unit was easy to install and works well.  Main reason  for upgrade was to install 2 12v lithium batteries that accept a higher voltage charge than the previous converter would provide.
Roger

2004 FL
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #3 –
You would cut the plug and hard-wire it to the converter breaker, neutral and ground busses, inside the breaker panel. Better yet, get the 4645 or 4655 for a much easier installation.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
You would cut the plug and hard-wire it to the converter breaker, neutral and ground busses, inside the breaker panel. Better yet, get the 4645 or 4655 for a much easier installation.

Steve

What makes those options an easier install? I need to see what my 2008 rig has. I’ve had the 4645 on my Amazon wishlist for awhile now.
Joe B.
2008 26ft  grey/white Rear Bath
Family of 5 hitting the open road as much as we can.
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #5 –
The PD 4645 fits into the same housing as the original Parallax 7345 making for an easy, clean installation.  Be sure to mark all the wires well as you remove them from the old converter

Roger
2004 FL
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #6 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
Better yet, get the 4645 or 4655 for a much easier installation.

Thank you Steve.  I found two (2) Youtube videos that show the installation of these converters (one with a control panel like the one on our LD).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKZ9KSX1rno

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrj7mGp-n7g

Thanks to this LD Neighborhood, I'm ready to to do this upgrade.  Hope this helps others who are considering an upgrade.
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #7 –
Hi Ed; I upgraded my rig, and then a friends rig with a Progressive Dynamics PD 4655 VL.  It is just the power supply portion, and wires into the distribution, load center that you have. The circuit breakers and framework stay the same. You may already have the upgraded fuse board, (distinguished by two green 30 Amp fuses centered at the top).  Just a couple of wires to connect.  Better circuitry, and the VL option allows you to change to LiFePO4 batteries in the future just by changing a jumper.  It has two variable speed fans that only run if it gets hot enough inside the housing.  I haven't heard mine come on yet. I have enough solar that the batteries are hardly ever discharged.
   a link: PD 4655VL 55 Amp Converter Upgrade, Optional Remote Pendant    I didn't bother with the remote. Access to my fuse panel allows me to change charge mode, which is all the remote pendant can do.  I guess that that remote is for installations where the converter is less accessible than in our Lazy Dazes.
    The new converter just has a black and a white wire that get screwed in. White to neutral, black to the output of the circuit breaker where the old converter's wire was attached, and green to the ground bus (bare copper wires). Then the battery wire, (red) and (black battery lead).  BestConverters.com has a series of still pictures for the change out.  Magnetek Upgrade   Good written directions also.
   What converter do you presently have?  If you have the Parallax 7345, it is very easy. No cutting of cords or installing sockets needed.   RonB 
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #8 –
Ron … you just gave me the best news of the day!   Thank you for taking the time to write such a complete reply.  I’m appreciative. 

Btw, we have the Parallax 7345.  This 45A converter has kept our house batteries (two 6V lead batteries) charged which makes me wonder if the 55A charger is overkill?   Any suggestions?
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #9 –
Hi Ed and Margie;  With upgrading to LED lighting, there isn't much need for continuous power supply capability, except for quick battery charging.  If you do change to Lithium batteries, they have a higher ability to accept high currents.  The 'overkill' is to be able to charge the batteries faster with the generator running, saving gasoline and generator time, if all you need is some power in to the house batteries. It is just $10 extra to go from 45 A to 55 A, and it fits in the same size box.  It is much better technology also. Surface mount IC construction, a true 4 stage charger with wet lead acid cells. Better precision of voltage regulation, and control of battery charging.   RonB 
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #10 –
We made the same conversion and went with the 55A model, much better with 4 step charging.  Don't remember how much more it cost but it is worth it.  We have not herd the fan come because we have 450W solar on the roof and I mostly leave the 12v charger breaker off.  I did turn it on the other day and later in the day when I turned it off I herd the fan stopping, We have not herd it running, its very quiet.  The old Magnetek we replaced was Loud!  We installed the PD4060KV in my son's tiniHouse and you can hear the fan in that unit but not as loud as the Magnetek.

  Karen~Liam
    98 ~ MB
      NinA
1998 ~ MB  WanderDaze
previously a 1984 Winnebago itaska- The Road Warrior, before that several VW Buses and before that a 1965 Chrysler Convertible Newport or our 1969 Chrysler La Barron with an ice box and a couple sleeping bags
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #11 –
A PD 9270C 70-amp converter will fit in the stock location, good for reducing generator run time when charging the battery.
I regularly see 65-amps output on the battery monitor, when charging a discharged battery. This converter is best used on systems with greater than the stock battery capacity, along with upgraded wiring and fusing.
Collection: Lazy Daze

Even larger chargers can be used with lithium batteries.

Larry
Dodging the smoke on the Eastern Sierra
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #12 –
"Dodging the smoke on the Eastern Sierra"

Don't miss out on a breakfast at Silver Lake Café!   :D   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #13 –
Our new PD Intel’s-Power 4655 converter arrived this afternoon.   I can’t decide to install it by myself or wait for Margee to return from a trip.  We’ve found after 50 years of marriage that 2 of us do a better job than just one of us.   Four hands, four eyes and two brains!   I don’t know but maybe I’ll wait … maybe 🤔!
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #14 –
Hi Ed;  Did you need the new fuse board?  I wasn't sure which fuse panel came with your Magnetek 7345.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #15 –
Quote from: RonB  - 
Hi Ed;  Did you need the new fuse board?  I wasn't sure which fuse panel came with your Magnetek 7345.  RonB
Hello Ron ... the new converter came with a new fuse board and clear instructions.  Tonight's homework is to study the instructions and repeatedly watch one of those videos that I mentioned above. 

Footnote:  Too bad for me you're not my neighbor, which is probably good news for you!  LOL
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #16 –
Hi Ed;  My ex brother in law and my sister in law lived in SW Fort worth near Benbrook. Is that close enough?  The problems I had is that Lazy Daze used large not very bendable wires for the battery cable. It had to be routed behind the fuse board, and also avoid one aluminum baffle that might have cut through the insulation. It was doable, but care was needed.  Good luck!   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #17 –
In an attempt to close out this topic, I need to admit that today we were not successful with the upgrade.  We spent many hours in a dark and hot LD trying to bend and connect wires that were thick as my small finger and sometimes not long enough.  And my lack of flexibility didn't help one bit.  I won't say I've given up, but for now I need to give this project a rest.  We reinstalled the old converter and everything works just fine.  We leave next week for a 3 week trip to Arkansas so I might wait and give it one more try sometime in November.  In the meantime, my fingers can heal!   I'm really tired.
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #18 –
Hi Ed; Sorry to hear you are having trouble.  I added a set/reset 60Amp breaker on the left side of the drawer under the refrigerator in my TK. I had to splice in some wire to change its routing. A royal pain. Bending the thick #4 red wire was difficult, to put in the new fuse panel. And there was a difficult aluminum divider that was in the way behind the fuse panel.  I attached all the wires to the fuse board with it not attached.  Then bent the board down until I could screw it in.  My friends toy hauler was much simpler because his wires were smaller. That isn't a good situation, but it does make it easier.  Wish I were there to do it for you.
   I also didn't like how the AC wires on the right had to go through the left hole, and the DC wires on the left had to go through the right hole. But give it another try when you are up to it.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #19 –
I’d like to close this topic with an update.  Despite having 10 thumbs but a very patient helper, we completed the upgrade.  As usual, it took me more time than I care to admit.

There’s a picture of an newly installed converter recently posted here that will help me with a suggestion.   I’d suggest that those 12V connections in the picture are the preferred locations.  The new #1 and #2 12V connections are somewhat covered by the lip of the breaker box housing.  The new 12V board is laid out differently than the older one.  So starting with the #3 connection gives easier access to the connections and fuses.

Unfortunately, I started with the #1 connection and I will need to change them.

That’s it for now. 
 
Re: Progressive Dynamics 9245C Upgrade
Reply #20 –
Hi Ed;  I'm glad that you completed that install.  I also didn't use the first two fuse positions.  They are listed as low current,  providing more filtered outputs for sensitive electronics. No actual description of how filtered though.  I could have cut away some housing, but my old fuse board only had nine fuses, and two were unused. The new board had (IIRC) twelve fuses. Minus the two that are hard to get to, ten leaves me three unused.  I did use one fuse to run wiring under (actually inside) the floor to put lighting inside my kitchen cabinets. (low power LED)
   It took me a week to do the install, but just a few hours a day. I extended the wiring going to the batteries by improving the type of circuit breaker and moving it to a more accessible location. I increased the breaker to 60A, because of the increased power capability (55Amps) of the new converter. A few trips to stores to buy suitable connectors and wire. Sales clerk looked at me oddly when I just wanted 3 feet of #4 THHN wire.   RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB