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08-27-2023, 04:26 PM
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#1
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Site Team
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,928
M.O.C. #19755
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Converter failure
Always something else; looks like my converter has failed. I finished installing my 12VDC refrigerator yesterday, and let it run overnight. The refrigerator works great, but after about 20 hours my batteries were at 66%. That’s not right since I am plugged into shore power and batteries were at 100% when I started the refrigerator. Victron battery monitor shows a 10A discharge. I killed everything and the battery monitor now shows a 1.5A charge; not much with the batteries at 66%. So, either the converter is bad or the BMS is not letting the batteries take a charge (unlikely). I pulled the RV out of the shop to bring solar on-line and now get a 25A charge, so BMS is ok. After about four hours batteries are up to 90%.
I have no idea how long this converter has been bad. When outside (camping or driving) my solar will keep the batteries at 100%. When parked inside my shop, there is very little DC draw (until I installed the DC refrigerator) so the minuscule 1.5A the converter is putting out acts as a trickle charger and keeps the batteries topped.
This converter is about 2.5 years old (warranty is 2 years); I purchased it new when I switched to lithium batteries. It is a Progressive Dynamics PD4575K18L (which they apparently don’t make anymore) and should be capable of putting out 75A. Any ideas on bringing this converter back to life, or is it just junk?
If I have to replace it, I don’t think I want to buy another Progressive Dynamics. Any suggestions on what’s out there in the way of a hybrid converter/inverter? I would want 3000W pure sine wave. Victron would be nice since it would work with my Victron solar controller and battery monitor but it looks like their stuff is large, maybe for houses.
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Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
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08-27-2023, 06:20 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 4,712
M.O.C. #12947
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I would give them a call tomorrow and tell them what is happening. They may be able to resolve your problem. Their products are usually quite reliable and their tech support and service are also very good. https://www.progressivedyn.com/contact/
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Bob & Becky
2012 3402RL
2012 Chevy 2500HD D/A CC 4WD
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08-27-2023, 08:04 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,952
M.O.C. #20477
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Scott,
I have been happy with our GoPower 3000 I/C. It is almost 5 years old now and does a great job both as an inverter and a charger. It is a hybrid model meaning it has an integrated transfer switch and will augment shore power or a genny when needed.
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Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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08-28-2023, 05:42 AM
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#4
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Apr 2022
Location: Wauchula
Posts: 85
M.O.C. #30834
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1. Look at the large amp fuses that protect the converter. Mine are in the fuse panel.
2. I have TWO Victron inverter/charger/auto transfer switch boxes (Multiplus 3000). I mounted them on the wall in the front storage compartment. They complement the BMV and solar chargers very well. I turned off my converter
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Fulltimer Domicile: Florida SKP Resort, Wauchula, Florida
2016 Montana 3611 RL Legacy - 2000w Solar, Victron whole house power, 1200ah Chins LiFePO4, RV Armor roof, Verizon 5G Home Internet
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08-28-2023, 05:46 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Jacksonville
Posts: 2,149
M.O.C. #25165
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Scott, you might check all of your connections from converter to battery. It's possible a loose connection could result in little charge getting through. Just a thought.
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Robert & Diana McNeal
2019 Montana Legacy 3791RD 20th Anniversary Edition
2014 F350 4x4 6.7L SRW
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08-28-2023, 06:08 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,714
M.O.C. #24086
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If you still have the original FLA converter, maybe put it back in for now until you decide which way to go for a new one. I still have my original PD4575K18LS8 (non lithium ready) converter installed with my lithium batteries. I've had this setup for 4 years. No problem.
If I was upgrading I would go for the Victron Multiplus ii. Yes it's pricy, but it will integrate with your other Victron components.
https://www.victronenergy.com/invert...s/multiplus-ii
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Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
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08-30-2023, 09:08 PM
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#7
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Site Team
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Colorado Rockies
Posts: 1,928
M.O.C. #19755
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Found the problem. After going down the bad converter rabbit hole, I found a bad connector on the OEM battery disconnect switch. The whole thing along with it's cables has been removed and replaced with a cable directly from the battery compartment to the converter. Never used it anyway.
One of these days, I'll probably get the Victron Multiplus II, but it doesn't have to be today. I think I want a box that includes a transfer switch.
__________________
Scott & Alta
2017 Montana 3160RL, Legacy, Onan 5.5Kw, Solar
2022 F-450 Lariat Ultimate
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08-31-2023, 06:57 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: McKinney
Posts: 7,186
M.O.C. #6433
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It's the simple things like that that often lead us off on a wild goose chase. Glad you found the problem and it was something so easy (and inexpensive) to correct.
__________________
Bill & Patricia
Riley, our Golden
2007 3075RL (recently sold, currently without)
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09-08-2023, 05:48 AM
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#9
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New Member
Join Date: Sep 2023
Location: Smallwood
Posts: 4
M.O.C. #33310
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And Thank RMcNeal for good advice
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