Paralax 8355
Paralax 8355
I ordered a new power distribution box. Bestconvertor tried to sell me the boondocker claiming they dont sell paralax anymore because of to many problems. Thats despite the fact that they are still advertising multiple Paralax units on their website. I told him i dont want that plastic chinese garbage and got a refund. I ordered one via Dyers RV instead. The original Paralax is still functioning in mine after 15 years but the cooling fan has quit working and i just decided to replace it so i can have the 3 stage charging. I ordered the 8355 instead of the 8345, does anyone have any install pointers or recommendations?
Im thinking im going to recess it into the cabinet and install an access door over the front to keep stuff from dripping on it or running down the cabinet face and getting all over it. Being beneath the kitchen sink was a bad design imo. They should have stuck it back under the closet instead.
Re: Paralax 8355
I got a 55 Amp converter too, but I have my wiring done to handle the extra 10 amp. Mine is the Progressive Dynamics.
I contacted Progressive Dynamics on the choice of the amperage before purchase, and they advised me to go with the 45A unit since the rig does not have the right wiring to accommodate the higher A, and there is no need for me to get the higher rating because I am converting most of the light to LED so less demand on the converter. I decided after going over the pros and cons, and decided to go with the higher amperage and upgrade the wiring anyway because I happened to come across a good deal that worth the extra hassle. Otherwise, I would definitely go with the 45 Amp version.
I think the original location is fine because you want it to be low to take advantage of the convection of cooler air on the floor. Where ever you install it, make sure it get sufficient cool air flow since it does need it.
Edit: I assume the Parallex one is also made in the USA? I do see the quality in the Progressive Dynamics, but have not see the newer Parallex to know if they still have the robustness like the original.
I contacted Progressive Dynamics on the choice of the amperage before purchase, and they advised me to go with the 45A unit since the rig does not have the right wiring to accommodate the higher A, and there is no need for me to get the higher rating because I am converting most of the light to LED so less demand on the converter. I decided after going over the pros and cons, and decided to go with the higher amperage and upgrade the wiring anyway because I happened to come across a good deal that worth the extra hassle. Otherwise, I would definitely go with the 45 Amp version.
I think the original location is fine because you want it to be low to take advantage of the convection of cooler air on the floor. Where ever you install it, make sure it get sufficient cool air flow since it does need it.
Edit: I assume the Parallex one is also made in the USA? I do see the quality in the Progressive Dynamics, but have not see the newer Parallex to know if they still have the robustness like the original.
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
Re: Paralax 8355
I have not recieved it yet so i dont know what its quality is at this point. However it is the same metal enclosure the old one uses so im certain its just as tough. Like i stated, the old one has lasted over 15 years with no real issues beyond the cooling fan. Anything that can last 15 years and longer with zero issues is a good product and the way i see it, i have no reason to think the new version wont be equally as reliable.
Re: Paralax 8355
Holy smoke, i just ordered this thing on the 1st from Dyers RV, it is now the 2nd and the UPS tracking number they sent me shows that its here and out for delivery by the end of the day today. 
Thats what i call service
Thats what i call service Re: Paralax 8355
Feels like Xmas Eve, doesn't it? I bet they have a warehouse nearby to pull this off.
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
Re: Paralax 8355
Its here already. Shows it shipped out of Kansas City. I wasnt expecting it for about a week so im not ready to install it yet. 
Re: Paralax 8355
Well i guess i should have known it was to good to be true. The unit is damaged, it was clearly dropped or thrown by UPS or it was a damaged return item. Now i get to waste my time making phone calls and argueing with minimum wage employees to get this resolved. The power unit was impacted by something causing the brackets to bend and shove the entire power unit forward in the case so far that the front cover will no longer lay flat against the case, it also busted the plastic tab that holds it shut. I could replace the plastic tab and bend the brackets back in place and make it usable. The problem is that it took one hell of an impact to bend stuff like that so i dont know if it has any internal damage.
Re: Paralax 8355
How was the box when you got it? Work with the seller, and see if they can replace it. You paid for a new item, and deserve to receive one in the expected condition.
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis
Re: Paralax 8355
Ya, i already sent them an email with images, problem is they close at 4 PM on fridays and dont open again until monday. Like i said it took a major impact, im not about to install it in my rig, it could have easily damaged something inside that i cant even see. Its always something with these online businesses, theres always something. I needed this thing done and ready to goto Colorado by the 11th.
Oh by the way, the box does not show any indication of abuse or damage. Also worthy of noting, the black plastic clip that holds the front panel shut is also broken, however the piece that is broken off isnt even in the box. I find this to be quite suspicious, uness its wedged inside the power unit someplace, but i dont know how it would get inside of there.
Oh by the way, the box does not show any indication of abuse or damage. Also worthy of noting, the black plastic clip that holds the front panel shut is also broken, however the piece that is broken off isnt even in the box. I find this to be quite suspicious, uness its wedged inside the power unit someplace, but i dont know how it would get inside of there.
Re: Paralax 8355
Did you have a picture of the box?
The good news is that if they send you a new one next Monday, you can work on it the next day. It only took me a couple hours to swap out the old converter and put the new one in, but obviously that assume it was a one-to-one replacement with the 45A unit, and I have to redo some of the wiring due to the extra amperage, and that was on and off for days.... still work in progress
Now, what is wrong with your old converter? If you still have it, can't you leave it in there until after the trip? I hate to hurry and rushed thru thing. It is usually when I do thing that end up almost killing people or damage things.
And if you are in a hurry, you may want to consider getting the 45 Amp version like the old one ... do you have a reason to go with a 55 A? Just ignore me if I am asking too many questions.
The good news is that if they send you a new one next Monday, you can work on it the next day. It only took me a couple hours to swap out the old converter and put the new one in, but obviously that assume it was a one-to-one replacement with the 45A unit, and I have to redo some of the wiring due to the extra amperage, and that was on and off for days.... still work in progress
Now, what is wrong with your old converter? If you still have it, can't you leave it in there until after the trip? I hate to hurry and rushed thru thing. It is usually when I do thing that end up almost killing people or damage things.
And if you are in a hurry, you may want to consider getting the 45 Amp version like the old one ... do you have a reason to go with a 55 A? Just ignore me if I am asking too many questions.
2000 Concourse dinette, on 1999 6.8L Ford E350 Triton V-10 Chassis