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Topic: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade? (Read 542 times) previous topic - next topic
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Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
If you have, or were updating your converter which would you install? I am considering either a Progressive Dynamics PD4645 which is a multi-stage charger, or the Parallax 45RU with the TempAssure module 4400TAU, which is a single state charger with temperature compensation. Parallax believes the temperature compensation is critical and other sources say that multi-stage charging is vital for battery health. We use our LD for shorter trips and don't spend extended time plugged in to shore power. We live in the Southwest and have high air temps when camping in desert in the Summer. We have the standard, two Trojan T105 house batteries and a 100W single solar panel with a Blue Sky 3000i solar charger/controller in our 2005 MB.
2005 MB
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #1 –
Larry replaced the original Parallax converter in my 2003 with this multi-stage converter from PD:

4600 Series Upgrade or Replacement Power Converters

It matches well with AGMs and a Blue Sky 3000i charger.

Joan
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #2 –
I am planning on a Progressive Dynamics PD 4655 conversion for a B&M Magnatech 6336 with 6 Ga wiring to the Battery.
The boost for a faster recharge with the generator, Equalization to combat Sulphation, float to minimize boil off, and Amperage to support 12 VDC Tank Heaters.
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #3 –
We left the 7345 and added a Xantrex Truecharge2 40 on the generator side of the transfer switch. If you don't stay plugged in much there is no reason to replace the 7345. Just turn it off and let the Xantrex charge the battery with the generator. It will charge to 14.4 volts and you can manually get it to go higher. In an RB it fits perfectly on the front of a dinette seat as it has a low profile shape. Generator charging is hardly worth it above 90% charge. We use solar for that.

We would seriously consider a Backwoods Solar 15.4 volt dumb charger if we were doing it over. The Xantrex is a "smart charger" and quits when complete. The modified Iota charger from Backwoods Solar has to be turned off manually. You need a battery monitor (Bogart or similar) more than you need an upgraded converter.

Just an opinion.
Harry 2006 RB (Xantrex) and 2003 Roadtrek (Modified Iota)

Harry 2006RB
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #4 –
Quote from: bparsons  - 
If you have, or were updating your converter which would you install? I am considering either a Progressive Dynamics PD4645 which is a multi-stage charger, or the Parallax 45RU with the TempAssure module 4400TAU, which is a single state charger with temperature compensation
A single - stage charger is a compromise that will take much longer to charge the batteries and risks overcharging compared to the PD4645. Presumably the temperature compensation will help prevent the latter, but this is not an issue with the PD model, which in storage mode maintains 13.2V, low enough to be safe at any temperature.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
A single - stage charger is a compromise that will take much longer to charge the batteries and risks overcharging compared to the PD4645. Presumably the temperature compensation will help prevent the latter, but this is not an issue with the PD model, which in storage mode maintains 13.2V, low enough to be safe at any temperature.

Steve

I installed a 4645 back in 09. We also have the HPV 22B solar controller and I have found that if I have the HPV switched to shore power when plugged in it seldom lets the voltage to the batteries drop below 13.6 so I just switch it off. The only reason I ever left it on to begin with was because I had been told by the folks at AM Solar that I should.

Jim
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #6 –
Quote from: rodneyhelfrich  - 
I am planning on a Progressive Dynamics PD 4655 conversion for a B&M Magnatech 6336 with 6 Ga wiring to the Battery.
The boost for a faster recharge with the generator, Equalization to combat Sulphation, float to minimize boil off, and Amperage to support 12 VDC Tank Heaters.
If you re going to upgrade the wiring, go for a bigger converter. The stock wiring can handle the 55-amp converter.

If doing so, the hidden circuit breaker(s) need to to be changed out to a higher rated breaker or fuse, to match the new converter's output.
I have used a 70-amp converter for ten years years with our issues, beyond upgrading the wiring and fuses.
Progressive Dynamics PD9270C
New converter | Flickr
It is the biggest converter that fits in the stock position. It recharges the coach battery in half the time or less, compared to the stock converter. Great for boondocking, where you want to minimized the generator run time.

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: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #7 –
Larry,
I was going to go bigger but I read the fans run all the time when plugged in.
Did the PD9270C come with the new fuse board and metal mounting box to convert the Magnatech 6300?  Or did you buy every thing separately?
Rodney
1988 Mid Bath
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #8 –
This post is the follow up and update to my original question. I ended up installing a Progressive Dynamics PD4645 from Bestconverter.com. The new unit immediately made a significant humming/buzzing noise. After a couple days the noise did improve, but it still had a noticeable wine without a load on the system, and the fans did not seem to be working. Progressive sent me a replacement unit with a promise that noise would not be an issue. I opened the replacement unit and discovered that it had been modified with globs of silicon, poorly applied sealant and had broken components on the board. Randy at bestconverter.com said the unit had been customized by the factory specifically for me. I concluded that if these bandaid modifications were needed for it to work as advertised, it wasn't a product I was comfortable installing in my LD. I sent both units back to Progressive. I ordered a RU45 converter upgrade directly from Marty Redd at Parallax, with the TempAssure option. I ordered the 6345RU kit because it included the RU45 converter and the newer replacement fuse board. The new Parallax unit is smaller than the original 7345 unit. In my opinion, the fit, construction and finish of the Parallax product is superior to the PD4645 product and it works as advertised. That is a summary of my experience with this converter upgrade.
2005 MB
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #9 –
"Progressive sent me a replacement unit with a promise that noise would not be an issue. I opened the replacement unit and discovered that it had been modified with globs of silicon, poorly applied sealant and had broken components on the board. Randy at bestconverter.com said the unit had been customized by the factory specifically for me. I concluded that if these bandaid modifications were needed for it to work as advertised, it wasn't a product I was comfortable installing in my LD. I sent both units back to Progressive."
----
This is disturbing, and definitely contrary to my experience with with Best Converter and the Progressive Dynamics PD 4645 converter upgrade from the OEM Parallax in my 2003.  I certainly wouldn't be at all comfortable with what you described, either, but I'm bewildered by the statement that the unit sent to you had been "customized by the factory specifically" for you? Why would these "bandaids" be necessary? 

I'm probably missing something germane, but this report is the opposite of my own experience and everything I've heard about Best Converter, Randy, and PD products; perhaps you might provide additional information? Thank you.  :o

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #10 –
Quote from: rodneyhelfrich  - 
I was going to go bigger but I read the fans run all the time when plugged in.
Did the PD9270C come with the new fuse board and metal mounting box to convert the Magnatech 6300?  Or did you buy every thing separately?
Late réponse to this.
No, it didn't come with a new fuse board, it isn't necessary to change the board. 
Some converters come with a upgraded board that have LED burnt fuse indicators. A nice convenience but not an electrical upgrade.
In our LD,  a 70-amp, inline fuse was added, replacing the 30-amp converter fuses, located on the fuse board.
The wiring, between the fuse panel and the battery, was upsized at the same time to efficiently handle the extra amperage, reducing voltage drop to an acceptable level.

The fact that the stock board uses 30-fuses gives you an idea how little amperage the stock converter can produce.
In contrast, I regularly see 65-amps, from the PD9270C, when starting to charge the discharged battery.

The PD9270C's thermally-controlled, variable-speed fan only runs when producing large amounts of 12-VDC power, normally it is silent.
When the fan is running, it's speed is directly proportional to it's power output.
After 10 years of faultless operation, I'm pleased.

I hate noise and wouldn't put up with a fan that runs continuously .  Unless there was a change this year, new LDs converter fans are of this type, continuously running.

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: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #11 –
Quote from: JCT  - 
I'm probably missing something germane, but this report is the opposite of my own experience and everything I've heard about Best Converter, Randy, and PD products; perhaps you might provide additional information? Thank you.  :o
Over the last ten years, I have had only good experiences with Randy, at Best Converters.
There must be more to this story.

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: Parallax 7345 converter/charger upgrade?
Reply #12 –
There really isn't more to the story... this was just my experience with this equipment. I attached the pictures so you can see what was done in an effort to have the converter not make noise. The glob of silicon and added piece is on top of the where the fans plug into the board. It seems possible that the noise I was experiencing was a known issue that they couldn't just send a new replacement unit off the shelf.

About the the fan running referenced in post above, from the Parallax owners guide... "the fan runs continuously on 65 and 75 ampere DC models due to the higher DC amperage potential produced." Since the new LD models have 75 amp converters, the fan would run continuously, which I think would be annoying. This is not the case with the 45 amp converter I installed.
2005 MB