AGM Converter/Charger

without knowing your lifestyle suggestions are comic. Campground, generator, or solar panel involved? How often? For how long at a time? Where? The top of Wheeler Peak? Stovepipe Wells?

If adding capacity (4+ batteries?) you can use a larger converter such as PM4-75-MBA for direct replacement. Would help to pull some #4 wire to the batteries during the install.

http://www.powermaxconverters.com/pm4mba12volt.html

http://www.bestconverter.com/WFCO-Powermax-Main-Board-Replacement_c_196.html
I assume Randy can special order the 75a

I want to add more battery capacity and the only place to safely add these will be under the trailer in a custom made mount. No way to check fluid levels, so AGM's. Thanks for the idea's! Chino

Wouldn't an acronym for this unit saying

WTF-Co

Be more accurate?

(why the fuss) yeah right!

my 100 amp wfco does 14.4v , it connects to my batteries via 1 '0' welding cable

the cable is oem , the oem charger was 50 amps

So I'm thinking of upgrading my batteries to sealed 6v AGM's. The manufacture recommends a minimum 12a/14.5v smart micro-processor controlled charger...

Hi Chino,
You didn't mention which brand of batteries you were considering... or why you want to use AGM's for that matter. Modern AGM batteries can do some amazing things (very high charge/discharge currents, long storage life, low ventilation requirements, etc), but they are not always the best choice for every budget and use scenario.

Most converters (including your WFCO) will work passably, but you may never actually get those AGM's to 100% SOC... and there is some risk of damaging the batteries from long term charging if the float voltage is too high, especially without temperature compensation.

Since you are going to be making a substantial investment in AGM batteries, I would suggest, in order to maximize their functionality and service life, that you remove (or simply disconnect) the WFCO converter and install a dedicated battery charger (and/or solar charge controller) that can match the exact charge profile that is recommended by the battery manufacturer. This will include temperature compensation, selectable charge current, and programable bulk, absorption and float voltages.

Cheers,
-Mark

I have never seen mine get above 13.6v, ever! Chino

The 14.4 of the WFCO is fine with those AGM.... if you actually see 14.4 and many don't.

I recommend a 35 or 45 amp Powermax main board assembly as a direct bolt in replacement.


On edit:
Actually once you have the Powermax you might find your existing batteries come back to life. Or the need for AGM fades away with new wet cell batteries performing as they should.

Unless you have loads of extra cash and just want to toss out the WFCO converter

That WFCO should easily do the job - it is a multi stage unit and can supply 55amps

If you do toss it out I would be happy to pay shipping costs to get another

Some folks have issues with WFCO's not switching to the higher output (14.4) when the batteries are low, many times it's the installation causing the issue.

I have a nice WFCO WF-8875 with the "pendant" that switches between 13.2/13.6/14.4 either automatically or manually

Your Wfco 8955 is supposed to meet those very simple specs, but few do ever charge into the 14v range. Any PD 9200 w/ the pendant control will.
Actually most any smart charger/converter will, except Wfco.