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Converter lower section replacement
My 2016 Midbath with the Parallax converter is finally ready for a replacement. The converter only outputs 14.6 volts now, never drops to 13.6 / 13.2 for the trickle charge. I have to flip the breaker off after the batteries charge up.
Anyhow, would like to keep the 75 amp charging capability for my eventual switch to lithium.
Has anyone tried the PowerMax converter replacement section?  Price is good on Amazon and reviews are mostly OK, but would like to see if any LDer is using this unit.
2016 Mid Bath
Re: Converter lower section replacement
Reply #1 –

Hi Karl (Airbusguy);   Progressive dynamics used to have a 75Amp version. The website seems to have been changed around. You might want to call them to see what they recommend.
   The Progressive Dynamics 55A version has two fans that goes on and off as needed with temperature.  
    PD4575 75 Amp Lithium Converter Upgrade-PD4575CSV    This has a '45' part number instead of the '46' number I'm used to.
    The PowerMax is about $110 less expensive, but nowhere does it mention Lithium.  Lithium batteries have their own charging profile, depending on current flow instead of voltage rise like Lead acid batteries.  The PD4655L  or 'VL'  has a changeable position jumper to convert from lead acid  to a LiFePO4 profile.
     With the amount of solar I have, I've never had to depend on the converter (yet) for charging the Li batteries.
     RonB

   edit: price of $200 with Amazon for the 75 Amp:   Amazon.com: Powermax PM4 75A MBA 110V AC to 12V DC 75 Amp Power Converter...

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB
Re: Converter lower section replacement
Reply #2 –
Here is a link to a prior thread with some good insights into the converter-charger replacement project.   Hope it helps. And, remember the search function is your friend.

- Warren

Upgrade of Converter
Warren
2019 MB “Dream Catcher”
Jeep Wrangler JL
Re: Converter lower section replacement
Reply #3 –
Whatever the performance, the higher output current models tend to have a noisy fan that runs frequently. This will be particularly true with LFP batteries which can accept a high current until nearly fully charged. Our 55 A PD model has a quieter fan than some other brands, which rarely came on with our previous flooded-cell batteries. With the LFP ones we have now, it does come on more, so it's good that it is quieter. Mostly we leave the converter off since the solar keeps up with normal use, thanks to the accelerated charging you get with LFP's.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Converter lower section replacement
Reply #4 –
Our PD9270 produces up to 65 amps of battery charging .It is over15 years old and work fine with lithium batteries and was on Battleborn”s approved list.

North Cascade NP
Larry
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: Converter lower section replacement
Reply #5 –
I would check with Parallax as we had the same symptoms and it was the fan causing the problem that was easily replaced.  Todd can provide you with contact information.
Ross Taylor
2017 MB
 
Re: Converter lower section replacement
Reply #6 –
Thanks for the replies.  I would rather stick with Progressive dynamics with their good track record. Wonder why they discontinued the higher amperage version of their lower section replacement unit.  Would rather not try the obviously chinese made units to save a few bucks and have a fire or such.
I did a mod to my Parallax unit and replaced the fan with a nearly silent model, and added a 2nd exhaust fan that turns on only when the unit heat sink starts getting too warm.  Worked good for 18 months or more, then the Temp Assure unit started acting up, never letting the voltage go above 13.8.  Now it makes no difference, plugged into the circuit board or not, I get 14.6 V continuously.
So I'm done with parallax products, moving on to Progressives dynamics at some point.  Might just get the 55 amp converter kit from bestconverters.com.  Their tech guy recommended the boondocker BD1275PC if I really need the 75 amp charging.
Thanks again for all the advise.
2016 Mid Bath