Power Converter Upgrade

[nhormell]

Hello,

I recently found this forum and it's already been quite a resource. Thanks for all of the help so far.

I'm looking to upgrade the power converter/charger in my 2004 Trailmanor 2720 QB camper and was hoping that someone might have some insight into possible good options regarding available brands/models.

The trailer currently has a Parallax 6332 power converter installed (32 amps, 6300 Q Series. I've attached some photos). It is in good working order, but I want to upgrade for three reasons:

1) Reliability. The currently installed converter is likely 15 years old and is bound to break down at some point. I'd rather replace it now and be good to go for a long time.
2) Capacity. I'm looking to increase power output as well as available DC branches to enable putting in pipe and tank heaters and upgrading the stereo.
3) Charging. I've read that the stock 6300 series converter is notoriously rough on batteries. I'd also like to reduce charging time.

With those goals in mind, here are the requirements for the new converter / charger:

1) It has to physically fit in the stock location. The stock converter is 12"W x 11.25"T x 7.25"D and the face plate is 14.25"W x 12"T. There may be some extra space behind the stock one, but probably not much more than a couple of inches. I won't know for sure until I remove it. The stock one has vents in front and a fan on the upper right side.
2) It needs to have a minimum of 55 amps DC output. Preferably in the 55-75 amps range.
3) It needs to have a minimum of 11 DC branches. At least 9 with a minimum of 15 amps capacity each and at least 2 with a minimum of 30 amps capacity each. Those are just minimums, more is better here.
4) DC power filtering.
5) A minimum of 3 AC branches. At least 2 branches of 20 amps capacity each, and 1 branch of at least 15 amps capacity. More would be better also.
6) Price. Although I don't have a hard cap to the budget, I'd like to spend no more than a few hundred dollars. There would have to be a big cost/benefit increase to spend more than that.

Some background: I bought this camper used about a year ago and primarily use it for remote backcountry camping or at event campsites like the Daytona 500 infield. Typically for 5-7 days at a time, all four seasons, and usually quite a long drive for me to get there. The Trailmanor is a great camper for this. Easy to tow and easy to set up with all of the amenities I need. I've got two Champion inverter generators, one 2,000 watt and one 4,000 watt that I can use depending on capacity/size/volume requirements for a trip. The trailer has two high capacity 12 volt AGM batteries installed that are a year old and are wired in parallel.

I plan on doing the install myself as I have an extensive background in electronics and all of the tools and test equipment necessary to complete the job. I'll also be replacing the battery cables at the same time and will inspect the rest of the cabling for any damage or wear.

Any recommendations or experience that you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Nate

[Kidkraz]

Nate, welcome to the forum. If I might suggest, join up. Its the best money you can spend.
There are several comments on upgrading. I would search in the electrical section and search using the words “ power converter”. You should find lots of good info and ideas on the upgrade.

[Bill]

You can also do a Google search on "Parallax converter upgrade". There are a lot up compatible systems out there, and a lot of upgrade information. You will be pleased.

Bill

[rickst29]

You want to be Lithium-Capable, because prices on those batteries have been falling really fast. Progressive Dynamics makes the best replacement converters sections Parallax (you can leave nearly all of the all of the DC distribution board wiring unchanged, and you can leave nearly all fo the AC wiring unchanged.

I own a PD-4655 "Wildkat", it's indestructible, fairly quiet, and actually puts out 64A continuous load without getting very warm. (My LiFePO4 battery likes to take in all that current.) But the "Wildkat" doesn't come with the metal cover which you need to have for Parallax replacement. Because of that missing part, you should get this one instead: http://www.bestconverter.com/PD-4655...nt-_p_676.html

Yeah, it costs $40 more than the alternatives. I was never pleased by my previous "PowerMax" upgrade, it actually wasn't very good. Pay the money, and DO include the "instant-boost-mode" pendant.

[Casey Freswick]

I have the same converter in my older TM as Nate. Was about to order the Wildcat you originally suggested, but it looks like I should get this one, http://www.bestconverter.com/PD-4655...nt-_p_676.html. I plan to upgrade to a lithium battery. Is that correct?

[Casey Freswick]

Off topic for this thread. But where do you get the map showing where you have traveled with you TM?

[rickst29]

Originally Posted by Casey Freswick

I have the same converter in my older TM as Nate. Was about to order the Wildcat you originally suggested, but it looks like I should get this one, http://www.bestconverter.com/PD-4655...nt-_p_676.html. I plan to upgrade to a lithium battery. Is that correct?

Yes, that is exactly the one I recommend as a Parallax replacement. Virtually the same as 'Wildkat', but perhaps a slightly newer design. (The 'Wildkat' is apparently a bit different, containing some programming or hardware changes added by it's maker, using the PD Board as it's "core". PD might currently incorporate most of those changes themselves, but that's a total SWAG on my part. )

Adding the "remote pendant" is handy, if you use a generator and want to force "boost mode" while the generator is running. It's not wireless or truly 'remote', it's attached into the main converter board by a cable. But it's easy to use, and it allows you to mount on the lower bathroom wall - so that you don't have to go digging into the converter box, and trying to playwith DP switches to accomplish that result.

[rickst29]

Originally Posted by Casey Freswick

Off topic for this thread. But where do you get the map showing where you have traveled with you TM?

This site will create a custom image for you to link into your signature: http://visitedstatesmap.com/