Progress

[Dam Worker]

Well I have been busy this week both at work and at home. The Montana is wearing a new set of Sailun tires with new steel valve stems. Hope to sell the Trail Kings on CL. I spent $43.44 at Costco to remove the old tires and mount and balance the new tires, plus as a bonus they are filled with nitrogen. Also mounted my Progressive Industries EMS-HW50C. After talking with their help department I decided to mount mine before the Transfer Switch as the new Onan Marquis 5500 should have its own protective system. The biggest reason was wired this way would protect the Transfer Switch if I was hooked to a pedestal/power line that got hit with lightning. I still need to decide where to put my remote. Probably mount it by my thermostat or with the lighting switches. Last big job for our 3160 will be two new Trojan 6v batteries. I am still trying to decide if I want wet cell (cheaper) or go with the AGM (expensive). Need to do some more research as I have heard the AGM's are a little more finicky on charging. Need to do something before I go dry camping bit would like to get it done before next weekends camping trip.

Tom Marty

[TLightning]

Here's a link on AGMs:

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/a..._glass_mat_agm

[DQDick]

We have 6 AGM's but we also have a different charging system with our solar. Our original converter wouldn't charge AGM's properly, but it was a 2010. One would think they would have a compatible converter in the newer models, but I wouldn't bet on it.

[Dam Worker]

Thanks for the replies. I need to find the specs on the charger that came with mine and see if it is compatible with the AGM's. Art are you doing the 20% on the charging thing with your setup?

Tom Marty

[rohrmann]

I would suggest calling Progressive Dynamics at (269) 781-4241, Tell them you have their PD4590 converter and what you are planning on doing. It seems I remember at the 2014 fall rally the fellow from Progressive said something about doing a slight modification or part replacement if different type batteries were to be installed. I know the manual says for gel type batteries, there is a jumper that has to be installed, but don't know about AGM batteries. Best to give them a call, they are good to work with.

[mjammersc]

The 3160 has the PD 4575 version. Their manual lists the programming voltages. Compare those to the battery you are looking at.

[Dam Worker]

I have been looking at some of my owners manuals and I thought I read somewhere that it was rated as 75 ? charger.
I will have to reread and check online. Thanks for the info I appreciate it.

Tom Marty

[mjammersc]

Tom,
The 3160 power center is a 75A model (at least mine is). It is the PD 4575 model. Here is a link to the info page and owners manual.

http://www.progressivedyn.com/all_in_one_pd4500_1.html

http://www.progressivedyn.com/pdfs/110030%20English.pdf

[Dam Worker]

Mark you were spot on with what is in my 3160. PD4575K18L Power Converter System by Progressive Dynamics INC.
*Customer must supply options when ordering.

Inteli-Power 4500 Series models can recharge the battery to 90% in 3-6 hours
using our patented Charge Wizard technology:
BOOST Mode 14.4 Volts - Rapidly brings RV battery up to 90% of full charge.
NORMAL Mode 13.6 Volts - Safely completes the charge.
STORAGE Mode 13.2 Volts - Maintains charge with minimal gassing or water loss.
EQUALIZATION Mode 14.4 Volts - Every 21 hours for a period of 15 minutes prevents battery stratification
& sulfation - the leading cause of battery failure.

Now I will have to check the wet cells verse the AGM's on their charging requirements and try to make a good decision. Might need to go with more batteries than I had originally planned. Wanted to just go with two T 105 style batteries.

Thanks again for posting reply's and sharing your knowledge.

Tom Marty

[mjammersc]

Tom,

No problem. I was up to my elbows in the power center rewiring the AC circuits for my solar subpanel so I had to get pretty familiar with it. Make sure to check with the battery manufacturers recommended voltages. The PD 4575 is good as far as a power center goes but doesn't compare to the better solar charge controllers and inverter/chargers for adjustability and ability to match the battery charging specs.