Difference Between The Progressive Dynamics PD9160A And PD9260C Converter Chargers

Updated 07/31/2024 | Published 01/08/2022

Question:

What is the difference between these two converters.. I am replacing the stock one on a 2018 Reflection 303 Pd9260c Pd9160a Thanks

asked by: Brian O

Expert Reply:

The only difference between the Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power RV Converter and Battery Charger # PD9160A and the Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power RV Converter and Smart Battery Charger # PD9260C is the charging cycles. The # PD9160A only has one charging cycle at 13.4 amps, while the # PD9260C has a Charging Wizard with 4 charging cycles to help extend the life of your batteries.

The integrated Charge Wizard monitors your RV's batteries and automatically begins charging when needed. It has the following four stages:

Boost: This mode charges at the full rated load for a quicker recharge time. This is where most of the charging happens. It charges the battery up to 90% of the full capacity.

Normal: This mode provides controlled voltage to ensure a full charge. Once the battery begins to reach capacity, the normal state will kick in and reduce the voltage to safely complete the charge.

Storage: Once the battery reaches full charge and remains unused for 30 hours, this mode maintains a lower voltage to compensate for self-discharge. This reduces battery stress and minimizes gassing and water loss.

Equalization: This mode activates to prevent stratification and sulfate buildup during extended storage cycles. These two issues can damage a battery by causing the accumulation of acid at the bottom of the battery and hardened sulfate crystals on the battery plates. This mode is especially helpful when your battery is going unused during storage.

expert reply by: Kevin C

George

7/31/2024

Kevin I have in stalled a progressive converter with the wizard and pendent to keep an eye on the batteries charging. The converter is under our bench seat and I can not even hear it running like our old one . I was not hooked to sure power and the light was a solid green . Then hooked to power and the light would start to blink green . Is this all normal as well as being so quiet can not even hear the fan run . Just checking and I figure the pendent light is on so all is good . Is that correct? Thank You

Kevin C.

7/31/2024

@George What you're typically hearing is the fan running to cool the unit down. The newer converter unit doesn't run as hot and thus doesn't have to run the fan as much and likely has a much quieter fan than you're older unit. The pendant light has three patterns, which I've listed below. If you weren't hooked up to shore power then the unit light shouldn't have power. Were you hooked up to generator power? On: Boost Mode (14.4V) — Constantly monitors battery for voltage drop and quickly recharges battery or boosts power when needed. Fast Flash: Normal Mode (13.6V) — Continually monitors power usage, provides good charging capability and reduces water consumption. Very Slow Flash: Storage Mode (13.2V) — Ensures battery remains charged and reduces water boil-off during storage or long periods of inactivity.