Can I run my WFCO output to a REDARC BCDC?
My 2019 Brookstone 395RL currently has a: WFCO WF-9875 75 AMP POWER DECKMOUNT CONVERTER - 55-4708 I'm in the process of adding a REDARC BCDC1240D... and running #2 AWG from my 2019 F-350 DRW's batt...
Forum Discussion
I don’t understand any of your concerns, and I have a Redarc BCDC1225 installed in my truck camper. I don’t have any solar though, so maybe that’s adding some complexity I’m just not picking up on.
The Redarc and the WFCO converter charger aren’t going to be trying to charge the batteries at the same time unless you plan on being hooked to shore power with the truck running all the time.
Connect the Redarc directly to the RV battery bank and don’t worry about the WFCO. It’s not doing anything until you plug into shore power. The Redarc will charge from the truck alternator if the truck is running, or solar if the sun is shining, and it will prefer solar if both are available.
This statement makes no sense to me:
“3. However, if I'm under trees and in clouds, and the truck is off, I will eventually run out of battery power. So in that case I'd like to turn on the WFCO... and shut off the BCDC input to the battery.”
Sounds to me like you’re camping without shore power, so what will turning on the WFCO do? Are you going to plug into generator power? If so, there will be no problem. The Redarc won’t be trying to charge the batteries because the truck is off, and the solar panels aren’t producing power because they are shaded. Even if the panels were putting out SOME power, the Readarc needs to see at least 9 volts from your solar panels before it will produce an output. If you’re getting some battery charging from your panels, why would you need to “turn on the WFCO”?
I don’t understand your concerns, but maybe I’m missing something.
:):)
The Redarc and the WFCO converter charger aren’t going to be trying to charge the batteries at the same time unless you plan on being hooked to shore power with the truck running all the time.
Connect the Redarc directly to the RV battery bank and don’t worry about the WFCO. It’s not doing anything until you plug into shore power. The Redarc will charge from the truck alternator if the truck is running, or solar if the sun is shining, and it will prefer solar if both are available.
This statement makes no sense to me:
“3. However, if I'm under trees and in clouds, and the truck is off, I will eventually run out of battery power. So in that case I'd like to turn on the WFCO... and shut off the BCDC input to the battery.”
Sounds to me like you’re camping without shore power, so what will turning on the WFCO do? Are you going to plug into generator power? If so, there will be no problem. The Redarc won’t be trying to charge the batteries because the truck is off, and the solar panels aren’t producing power because they are shaded. Even if the panels were putting out SOME power, the Readarc needs to see at least 9 volts from your solar panels before it will produce an output. If you’re getting some battery charging from your panels, why would you need to “turn on the WFCO”?
I don’t understand your concerns, but maybe I’m missing something.
:):)
