Progressive International Dynamics PD4045KV Inteli-Power 4000 Series Converter with Charge Wizard - 45 Amp

Bought this unit to replace my 8735 unit that did I it’s job for ten years but finally retired. I went with this pd4045 for two main reasons and not purchase the WFCO unit again. Wanted to future proof for lithium ion batteries while I wait out for my 6 V lead acid batteries to finally die also this progressive dynamics unit is a complete drop in replacement meaning if your cabinet is cut out for the 8735 this unit will fit. It is slightly deeper but you should have the clearance for it if I had to say anything maybe about a eighth of an inch wider but most RV manufacturers cut the hole a little larger. You will receive way more flexibility with this unit extra AC breakers and double the DC circuits which is a plus. Your breakers from the WFCO unit will fit into this Progressive dynamics unit. I had to purchase no extra parts for this install just cannibalize the old converter. I hope this information helps those on the fence.

I bought this for the converter only, as the rest of my power box is perfectly fine but I couldn't find just the converter for a good price. My 2012 Jayco Jayflight camper's exact converter was actually a pd4045ka, which apparently isn't made anymore(or at least not mass produced). I hoped this would be a direct replacement since the model numbers are similar and the power box looked the same, and low and behold, it fit like a glove!As I said I don't know how the rest of the box is, but the converter immediately got to work once installed, and installation was easy enough that even someone as clueless as me could do it. Here's hoping this one lasts a while too!

Progressive Dynamics used to brag about their "exclusive 120 volt hot buss" feature. But then PD eliminated such a handy feature, stating in their manual "Note: As of January 1, 2016, the hot buss in our model PD4045 and PD4060 is no longer supplied by Progressive Dynamics as it is not required for the proper function of the power center. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Service Department at 269-781-4242".There is a solution for those like me that want the 120 volt hot buss feature. It turns out that Home Depot carries the SQUARE D product PK3GTA-1 Equipment Grounding Bar Kit, #51730. It is a 3-terminal bus bar with a mounting hole. This bus bar exactly fits in the space still provided in the sans hot bus products and its mounting hole and wire access points also exactly match the PD mounting location. You will have to provide your own about 1 inch long self tapping wood screw to mount the buss bar as the kit's provided screw has machine threads.Now there is again a handy location to secure the AC/DC converter's black hot wire, rather than having it just hanging in space as the new models are shipped. For a few bucks, you can upgrade the "NEW" no 120 volt hot buss PD units to again be full featured !! Then it's worthy of 5-Stars rather than the 4-Stars I gave this review because of the factory elimination of a feature that they used to brag about.

I purchased this unit a while ago and finally reached the part of the build that included this installation. I had a heck of a time figuring out how to wire the DC side since the instructions leave a lot to be desired. After a lot of help from several sources I was able to install and use it. It works as advertised and I really like it. I would have rated it five stars if the instructions were more detailed. The wiring goes like this all the white (neg) wires have to be connected to a common ground bus then to the neg side of the battery. The pos side from the battery goes to either the disconnect switch or to the unit. If you deside to use a disconnect switch you run the battery pos to one side of the disconnect switch and the other post to the alt battery pos lug on the unit and remove the jumper. If you want the battery to charge when plugged into shore power then you also have to run a wire from the first side of the battery disconnect switch to the battery pos lug on the unit so you end up with two connections to the unit positive lugs jumper removed. The disconnect will now charge and when turned off and your DC connections will not work and no drain on the battery.

The directions are very poor! They don’t mention that four ground wires must be connected separately to the system (and grounded separately on your rig): one on an external bus bar that (you need to purchase separately) for the DC install of your DC lights, fan, etc.(red and black wire connections rear of box), one on the AC bus bar on the interior of the box (bottom right rear), and one on the battery connection located on the DC side of the box (top left side of the box) and another on the battery. I finally called the company to get it straight. I suggest if you have any questions, do the same. They are very responsive and always available.The housing and door is flimsy plastic. However, the product works very well once installed.

The unit works fine so far. My only quibble is that the instuctions are a little opaque for a newbie. I installed mine in my little homemade teardrop trailer. This took a lot of reading and cogitating, and I ultimately made myself a lillt cheat sheet, using the PD4045's instruction manual, paired with a lot of info from the Teardrops & Tiny Trailers forum. I'm NOT an electrician, but in case it's useful to anyone else, I've posted my cheat sheet.

This converter/charger replaced my OEM unit when the charger portion failed. It actually performs better and is slightly higher rated than my original unit. Highly recommend this unit. Installation was easy and straight forward and I've confidence that it will give years of reliable performance.