Converter starts/runs for a few seconds then stops

Good info here and sensible approach to manage LFP’s with “conventional” chargers.

Just wanted to add that unless you need those few extra amps there is no reason to fill the LFP to the top. That is one of their benefits, it is fine to partially fill an LFP. In fact, not taking them to 100% SOC will extend the charge cycles beyond their ratings. Nor do they require “X” voltage to charge. Set my controller to 13.8v yesterday and the LFP was very close to, if not full, by the time the charging stopped.

After 7yrs. of using lithium I now view them as similar to a water tank. Doesn’t matter how fast or slow you fill them, nor how full it is as long as there is water in the tank you’ll be happy.

ivbinconned wrote:
So am I to conclude that one must go all in. If I want to go lithium then get lithium converter. If not then normal basic converter?

No. Any charger or converter that does 14.4-14.6 will do and you can put a timer on the 120v side if you will be away and set it to float when you get back.

Guys use their charge wizard with the PD converter which makes it do 14.4v for four hours then it drops to 13.6. Same drill as for Wet Batts.

The PowerMax LK model converters can be set to 14.x and there it stays till you change it, so that would need a timer if you will be away when and after the LFP BMS finishes its balance routine. You then set it to 13.6 or just not do a float. It also has a regular three stage automatic, but the time at 14.6 is 1/2 hour, so not enough time for getting a bank to full before it drops to Float.

Best thing would be a portable battery charger with amp choices and batt type choices. If the LFP is under 41F, you must charge it at fewer amps, but your converter is only one amps "size". Portable chargers can be set to 10/20/40 amps and you can pick AGM for 14.4v instead of Wet at 14.8 volts so you can use the Gel for the LFP.

It is bogus to say you need a special charger for LFP. Seems to be a thing that LFP salesmen say to extract more money from you than they got already for the LFPs! :(

So am I to conclude that one must go all in. If I want to go lithium then get lithium converter. If not then normal basic converter?

ivbinconned wrote:
The Dynamic line up does not have one that does both acid and lithium.

Progressive Dynamics does have a "Lithium" converter and some have a "Lithium" jumper to change the charging pattern. However all this does is to lock the converter into the 14.6 charging mode continuously. This is not recommended by lithium battery manufacturers. You would have to charge and then disconnect. Fine if you use a generator and are present while charging finishes. Not so good to just plug in and go out for the day.

The Dynamic line up does not have one that does both acid and lithium.

If the batteries are at 11.x after weeks of plugged in then one of the following conditions exist in linier ordder
Shore power failure
ATS (Mostly a motor home issue) Failure
Breaker tripped. or screws so loose in breaker box no contact is made (Seen it)
Bad converter
Blown Reverse Polarity Fuse
Batteries not connected and self discharging.

EDIT since your WFCO is a deck mount. if it's truly bad then I recommend progressive Dynamics 9200 line.. match last two digits of model as close as you can to what you have now. IE WFCO xx60 replace with 9260

The portable is a smart charger. I watched it for a few minutes and it was operating normal.

Just put the portable on yesterday.
I’ll check it tomorrow and report.

I assume the batteries charged normal on the small portable charger and are holding 12.5+ volts since.

WA if you read my 2nd and 3rd posts you will note that the trailer has been plugged it for a couple weeks....and was now testing at 11.5 volts.