dakonthemountain
Crestline, California
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Joined: 04/13/2004
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Ok, so all this talk about overcharging/boiling batteries, etc. has given me cause for concern because I still have the old Magnetek 6332 single stage converter in my Weekender. It works perfectly, but since I now have my new wizbang Diehard size 31 PM1 AGM battery and intend on putting a second one in next month, I've started getting worried about wrecking them with the old converter overcharging them, as I leave it plugged in/on all the time. I did a little research and found that Best Converters has this: http://www.bestconverter.com/45-Amp-Converter-Replacement-Kit_p_46.html I realize the installation is simple, but my question (Randy was not in at Best when I called) is about the cooling fan. Does the new section have it's own fan or does it utilize the one currently in my old 6332? I have not taken it apart yet so I am unsure of where the cooling fan is. Has anyone actually done the replacement? How do you like it?
Thanks in advance!
Dak
1995 Weekender model 910 extended cabover
Calvin, the 1996 creampuff Chev Silverado 3500 extended cab dually
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JoeChiOhki
Sauvie Island, OR
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From the looks of the pictures, the replacement unit is made by WFCO.
Personally, I'd pass and simply get a PD unit that will fit in the space of the old converter module or a PowerMax Boondocker (Which I believe is safe for AGMs).
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donn0128
Pronounced Ore-gun
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The newest Progressive Dynamics come with the charge wizard already installed. So they become sort of a "smart" charger.
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JoeChiOhki
Sauvie Island, OR
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Oh, and I forgot, if you want a guide on the doing of what I suggest, simply look up old Netboy's projects.
He may have gone to the Dark Side via a Thor Motorhome, but he still has the original end-all of Camper projects that we all aspire to.
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dakonthemountain
Crestline, California
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Joined: 04/13/2004
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Joe, I also looked at the PD and the PowerMax Boondocker. It seems that upgrading what I've already got with something that is made for it would be a fine choice to obtain the 3 stage capability... price not being a part of the equation. I'm open to suggestions, as I've not upgraded a converter before and only know that I want a quality 3 stage to protect my batteries. The upgrade is 45amps and I see the PowerMax is also. The main things I see different is the upgrade has a boost of 14.4 and a new fuse block with filters. The PowerMax has a boost of 14.6, but no new fuse block. So I would still have to replace the fuseblock anyway. Just wanting to know why you would say to pass on the upgrade, other than the price?.. The PDs seem to all be just single stage with a charge wizard upgrade you pay extra for, so I would pass on PD
Thanks!
Dak
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dakonthemountain
Crestline, California
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I remember Netboy! What a great wealth of knowledge! :-)
Dak
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dakonthemountain
Crestline, California
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donn0128 wrote:The newest Progressive Dynamics come with the charge wizard already installed. So they become sort of a "smart" charger.
I didn't see that at Best's website..
Dak
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JoeChiOhki
Sauvie Island, OR
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dakonthemountain wrote:Joe, I also looked at the PD and the PowerMax Boondocker. It seems that upgrading what I've already got with something that is made for it would be a fine choice to obtain the 3 stage capability... price not being a part of the equation. I'm open to suggestions, as I've not upgraded a converter before and only know that I want a quality 3 stage to protect my batteries. The upgrade is 45amps and I see the PowerMax is also. The main things I see different is the upgrade has a boost of 14.4 and a new fuse block with filters. The PowerMax has a boost of 14.6, but no new fuse block. So I would still have to replace the fuseblock anyway. Just wanting to know why you would say to pass on the upgrade, other than the price?.. The PDs seem to all be just single stage with a charge wizard upgrade you pay extra for, so I would pass on PD
Thanks!
Dak
Dak, you don't need the new fuse block unless your existing one is falling apart.
You simply trace and tap the existing wires that originally fed the panel.
Here's all ya need to know for swapping the Magnajunk guts out.
Rick's Magnetek to Inteli-Power converter project
Don't damage your new battery with a garbage converter. I made the WFCO mistake once.
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smkettner
Southern California
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dakonthemountain wrote:donn0128 wrote:The newest Progressive Dynamics come with the charge wizard already installed. So they become sort of a "smart" charger.
I didn't see that at Best's website..
Dak ALL 92xx series have the built in wizard. You still need the pendent to manually switch between modes. I would try to go without the pendent. Add later only if needed.
http://www.bestconverter.com/9200-Series-Deck-Mount_c_84.html
PD also has a kit to replace Magnetek 6300
http://www.bestconverter.com/4600-series-Upgrade-Kits_c_133.html
Also consider IOTA. A 30a or 45a with IQ controller will be a little better at charging and floating the AGM battery due to the slightly higher voltages. Compare yourself to the battery charging specs.
http://www.bestconverter.com/-DLS-Series-12-Volt_c_144.html
I would stay away from the WFCO kit.
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pasusan
PA
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Joined: 05/13/2009
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I replaced my old Magnetek converter with the Progressive Dynamics 4645 a couple of years ago and it's been working great. It does come with a new smarter fan that I never hear (unlike the old one). I leave the camper plugged in 24/7 and the battery water doesn't boil away (unlike the old one).
Here's a link
Easy to do - good luck!
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