Converter replacement (from parallax 7100)

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Dean_Reynolds

Active member
Joined
May 3, 2019
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31
Hey friends, I am working on a 2011 24 ft Gulf breeze Trailer.

ShorePower is no longer charging my batteries. After talking to Parallax, And following a wiring diagram from them. It looks like I need to replace either the whole converter (Or just the lower half?)

I have heard people talk about converter replacements that have a stage step down from full charge, to a trickle charge, to no charge based on the level of the batteries. Anybody know if the parallax 7100 does this?

Also, any recommendations for a new converter??

Thanks so much in advance!

Dean
 
The answer is yes. Pretty much all modern converters have 3 or 4 stage charging. According to etrailer.com the Parallax includes the following:
*Automatic multistage charging switches modes as the battery charges and helps extend battery life
*Boost mode charges at the full rated load for a quicker recharge time
*Normal mode provides controlled voltage to ensure a full charge
*Storage mode maintains a lower voltage to compensate for self-discharge which reduces battery stress
*Equalization mode activates to prevent stratification and sulfate buildup during extended storage cycles

https://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Progressive-Dynamics/PD4655V.html?feed=npn&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhZT9BRDmARIsAN2E-J3V1l4hYXUeL94AX9-8buACPpL4RSTqggFcSlbwI5l3Ds3zvzXohfAaAlNIEALw_wcB
 
You only need to replace the lower unit, not the whole power center with the AC breakers, etc.  This greatly simplifies the operation as you don't have to mess with all of the AC wires, just the DC circuits going to the replacement fusepanel.

The 7100 converter you're replacing is only a single stage charger, it does not vary the charging voltage during different parts of the charging cycle.  The PD 4655 replacement converter section suggested above includes the Charge Wizard controller, which makes it into a multistage charger.
 
Progressive Dynamicd 4600 series. Match the last two digits to the last 2 of the Parallex as  close as you can

(THis assumes a parallex 7300 series where the converter is in back of the breaker/fuse panel)

It uses the same breaker fuse panel. Only the electronics get replaced.

IF your converter is independent of the breaker/fuse panel a 9200 series is the answer
In  15 years I've not found a better converter. Found a few as good but none better


Option 2: Upgrade by adding an Inverter/Charger like the Xantrex Freedom series (though I'm not all that in love with the hookups on that line)
 
Caution: The info that IBTripping provided is for the PD 4655 replacement unit, not the Parallax 7100.

Parallax says the 7155 replacement module has 3-stage charging but few details. They also say that the 7155 is no longer in production and the preferred replacement is now the 8355.
https://parallaxpower.com/product/7155-converter-replacement/

Personally, I like the PD unit better than the Parallax and PD has a solid track record for quality units.
 
Gary RV_Wizard said:
Caution: The info that IBTripping provided is for the PD 4655 replacement unit, not the Parallax 7100.
Click to expand...

Thanks for clarifying. My google search skills aren't as good as I thought.
 
https://www.progressivedyn.com/pd4600-converter/

https://www.progressivedyn.com/wp-content/uploads/Support/manuals/PD4600-110197F-owners-manual.pdf

http://www.bestconverter.com/4600-series-Upgrade-Kits_c_133.html

Read thru the above links. Determine what amperage unit you have now. This is a four screw, five wire conversion, plus the new 12v fuse panel, which is well worth the effort to replace. It is much better quality and has a couple of more fuse positions in it. It also has a button that via a short cable connects to the new converter to control the charge wizard. You do not need the remote unit they sell, this does the same thing and its rare you need to force the converter into a certain mode.

Biggest thing is the routing of the 12 volt wires that connect to the battery and converter are slightly different and require rebending some of those #8 or #6 wires. The other thing is that you can damage the fuse panel tightening those large wires unless you use an open end wrench to carefully hold the terminal blocks while you tighten the screws.

I've done two of these on Parallax panels. Always buy from Best Converter, they are helpful and will treat you right.

Charles

 
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