Converter failure

[scottz]

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.

[rohrmann]

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/

[AZ Traveler]

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.

[Jay Merritt]

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

[RMcNeal]

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.

[Daryles]

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

[scottz]

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.

[BB_TX]

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.

[wrangell7777]

And Thank RMcNeal for good advice��