Need input on ordering the right converter!

6

6cuda6

Active member
Jul 1, 2019
945
163
43
59
Ontario, Canada
Ok so as per the last thread its pretty much a given that one state of my converter is pooched....now to order a replacement.

Appon visual confirmation, it is as i suspected.....this converter has 5 glass automotive type fuses built into it, what would be the best thing to do
here as i noticed most new converters do not has this.

Would the best way be to simply install the new style inverter than wire in a fuse block? Ive yet to see a new converter with a fuse bank.

Also on this coach the shore power plug goes to the 120vac breaker box, then to the converter, then to the coach....is this correct? (Sorry it a
Hughes Coach so the GM wiring schematics dont match and im yet to find schems)
--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
> Ok so as per the last thread its pretty much a given that one state of my converter is pooched....now to order a replacement.
>
> Appon visual confirmation, it is as i suspected.....this converter has 5 glass automotive type fuses built into it, what would be the best thing
> to do here as i noticed most new converters do not has this.
>
> Would the best way be to simply install the new style converter than wire in a fuse block? Ive yet to see a new converter with a fuse bank.
>
> Also on this coach the shore power plug goes to the 120vac breaker box, then to the converter, then to the coach....is this correct? (Sorry it a
> Hughes Coach so the GM wiring schematics dont match and im yet to find schems)

Rich,

What you have is called a power center. The converter should be on a separate AC circuit and if you are lucky, it is plugged in and can be easily
removed.

Several companies can supply a complete replacement that even contain circuits for the 120V side. These are very nice packages. The only supplier
that I am personally familiar with is Progressive Dynamics . You can either do a complete rip-out and replace, or just fit in
a new converter as a unit. They have both 45 & 60 amp. Unless the converter is close to the house bank, don't bother with the 60 because it will
never get there. Even if the house bank is a 4D or a pair of GC2s, unless the copper is there, it will be a lost cause. Stay with the 45.

If you go the PD converter way, get the 92XX version with a pendant. You will be able to see what the unit is doing and even change it if you want to
(a rare event).

Matt
--
Matt & Mary Colie - '73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan
OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Twixt A2 and Detroit
 
I have a few Xantrex Freedom HF1800 Watt inverter/chargers (charge up to 40 watts).
They are the truck version of the one in the link below (different connectors for the AC lines).
http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/inverter-chargers/freedom-hf-newgen.aspx

They were either removed from trucks that were being disassembled, or overstock.
I bought new displays for each unit and have the data cables on order.
I will also include the AC connectors for your wiring.

I will sell them for $150USD each plus shipping.
I have tested them and if one fails within 60 days, I will either refund your money or replace the unit.

They are not True Sine Wave, but a modified sine wave, they will trip the breaker if you or your spouse likes to use a hairdryer or curling iron. 8o

--
1973 GMC 26' Glacier - Unknown Mileage - Has a new switch pitch transmission with Powerdrive
 
In Germany I have a victron energy Multiplus which is a combined charger inverter. Very happy with it, as many campgrounds in Europe provide a limit of what you can pull in amperage wise, and the Multiplus can source shore power plus battery power to always be able to run the AC.

In the US I have the 9245, but my caretaker isn't keeping the coach plugged in all the time, or so I think, so my house battery needs replacement every two years.
--
Regards

P O Schmidt
 
I'd rather have the 12V fuse panel separate from the 12V converter. You can remove/ service/ replace the converter and still be fully functional off
the house bank charged by the Deloctron
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
I have had no issues with my IOTA converter with the optional external smart module. I think they are best dollar value.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
> I have a few Xantrex Freedom HF1800 Watt inverter/chargers (charge up to 40 watts).
> They are the truck version of the one in the link below (different connectors for the AC lines).
> http://www.xantrex.com/power-products/inverter-chargers/freedom-hf-newgen.aspx
>
> They were either removed from trucks that were being disassembled, or overstock.
> I bought new displays for each unit and have the data cables on order.
> I will also include the AC connectors for your wiring.
>
> I will sell them for $150USD each plus shipping.
> I have tested them and if one fails within 60 days, I will either refund your money or replace the unit.
>
> They are not True Sine Wave, but a modified sine wave, they will trip the breaker if you or your spouse likes to use a hairdryer or curling iron.
> 8o

Interesting unit...PM with questions sent.

--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
> I'd rather have the 12V fuse panel separate from the 12V converter. You can remove/ service/ replace the converter and still be fully functional
> off the house bank charged by the Deloctron

I think im going this route as i dont want to mess up the door etc to install the new style units.

--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
I have a Progressive Dynamics converter, new in the box that I'm never going to use. I think it's the 9245 and if interested I'll find out what I paid
and what I'd like to get for it.
--
1978 Eleganza II
 
> I have a Progressive Dynamics converter, new in the box that I'm never going to use. I think it's the 9245 and if interested I'll find out what I
> paid and what I'd like to get for it.

PM me your asking price so i know what your thinking if i decide to venture done that road.

Thanks

--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
If you plan to upgrade to Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, you will need a different converter/charger. According to an article in the FMCA mag,
Progressive Dynamics is making one for Lithium batteries

--
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles,
Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
 
> If you plan to upgrade to Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, you will need a different converter/charger. According to an article in the FMCA mag,
> Progressive Dynamics is making one for Lithium batteries

I play with Lithium high output batteries almost dayly in the vehicles we build....until the on road industry catches up with the radio control
industry in terms of size to output ill just be watching on the sidelines.....but thanks for the heads up!
--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
I have had no issues with my IOTA converter with the optional external smart
module. I think they are best dollar value.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
 
Sir: I'll try to add to your confusion. Your coach was not outfitted by GM and was called a transmode. Most early transmodes that I have seen had
buzz boxes (converters) that had glass fuses inside a panel for the different 12 volt circuits in the coach. In the GM out fitted coaches the buzz
box did not have internal glass fuses but instead had an external fuse strip for the different (usually 8) 12volt circuits. I have had very good
results out of changing to a 45 amp Progressive Dynamics converter/charger and adding a later automotive type fuse strip. The PD is a smart charger
and can be left plugged up all the time without harm to batteries and is available with a charge wizard pendant for $10 for manual control of the 4
different phases of charging. I called PD and at the time they had factory remanufactured units with new warranty for $100. They also have
distribution panels. The pic is of a GM outfitted coach for reference.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/member-galleries/p66564-e6f9ea87-a803-4da0-ad3d-d925eef16fd2.html

https://www.progressivedyn.com/

> > If you plan to upgrade to Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries, you will need a different converter/charger. According to an article in the FMCA
> > mag, Progressive Dynamics is making one for Lithium batteries
>
> I play with Lithium high output batteries almost dayly in the vehicles we build....until the on road industry catches up with the radio control
> industry in terms of size to output ill just be watching on the sidelines.....but thanks for the heads up!

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
Dang im getting a headache reading all the info on converter/chargers and inverter/chargers, makes, models etc.....this would be such a "no brainer"
if they hadnt put in a converter with fused circuits built into it and just followed GM's lead and kept them seperate :(

Im also not sure if having a unit with a fan inside the cabinet without a fresh air source is a good idea....if i need to go the fresh air route i may
as well rip it all out, put in a power center (with seperable converter for replacement) as i have to window the cabinet door anyways and i can still
hide it all.....

What to do....

--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
That would be your choice of course. Our Crestmont Transmode has the power center under the kitchen sink. I have never heard of a heat issue with
the fan inside the cabinet.

http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/crestmont/p35378-new-converter.html

> Dang im getting a headache reading all the info on converter/chargers and inverter/chargers, makes, models etc.....this would be such a "no
> brainer" if they hadnt put in a converter with fused circuits built into it and just followed GM's lead and kept them seperate :(
>
> Im also not sure if having a unit with a fan inside the cabinet without a fresh air source is a good idea....if i need to go the fresh air route i
> may as well rip it all out, put in a power center (with seperable converter for replacement) as i have to window the cabinet door anyways and i can
> still hide it all.....
>
> What to do....

--
C. Boyd
76 Crestmont
East Tennessee
 
I second Matt's recommendation. Whatever brand you choose, the must have feature it should have is staged charging or multi-staged charging. With
the variable voltage level charging you can more quickly charge your battery(s) to about the 80% level and then the charger reduces the charging
voltage level to finish off the charge. After that it switches to maintenance or storage mode and keeps the batteries topped off without over
charging and destroying them.

I have a Progressive Dynamics PD9245 that has this feature. I leave it plugged in all of the time it is not on the road. My first set of house
batteries lasted 10 years and would have lasted longer except I accidentally broke a post trying to disconnect a cable to clean it. Look at page
three here for more information:

https://www.progressivedyn.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/109821F-english.pdf

There are other brands that work similar to this one, but I am not familiar with them. So I do not recommend them.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
Mine also has been inside a cabinet and running almost continuously for about 15 years.
--
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
 
> Just to add to the fun:
> https://www.progressivedyn.com/rv/power-centers/inteli-power-4000-series/
>
> That one is an all in one, it replaces both your AC breaker box and your DC fuse panel along with your converter.
> I run the 4500 and have been very happy with it.

Can you send me a pic of how you have your mounted? Is it behind the cabinet door? In front exposed to the world etc?

--
Rich Mondor,

Brockville, ON

77 Hughes 2600
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Applied GMC
GMCMI Fall 2026 Rally

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back