Power Center/Converter 101

smkettner wrote:
1) The trouble with WFCO is that it rarely or never switches to boost mode. You need boost mode to charge a battery in reasonable time when using a generator. The Progressive Dynamics converter will generally go to boost mode when expected. If not there is a pendent to allow manual control. Another option is IOTA converter that starts in boost every time power is initially applied. Boost mode is about 14.4 volts and lasts about 4 hours. Normal mode is 13.6 and is very slow.


2) Yes 30 to 40 amps will work great with your RV ( and most every RV for that matter) Actually you are limited to about 40 amps rated with the Honda 1000 to prevent overload. If your 55a works now it is because it is stuck in normal mode slow charging. So with Honda 1000 the smaller converter is preferred. Even if you get an additional battery the smaller converter will do fine.


3) Yes due to the higher voltage the small PD or IOTA will charge faster (better) than the WFCO.


4) Can't say for fitment but I believe the PD9130 & PD9140 are shaped such that they will not fit in the WFCO slot. Need a PD4635 or deck mount the 9130/40 and run the wires in the back to connect. IOTA 30a should fit in the slot.


5) The wire will be just fine when going to a smaller converter.

BTW the oversize 55a is put in because it is maybe $10 extra and looks good on the brochure against the competition.

love your spirit to get in and improve this stuff.

What smkettner said. I own a Honda Eu1000i, and I've owned a PD 9245 45 amp charge controller, with the pendant. It's limited to 14.4V. For dry camping, despite being labeled only 30 amps, the Iota DML 30 with the 14.7V cable installed is a better unit for quickly getting your batteries charged up, without overloading your Eu1000i.

If you prefer something more manual hands on, do a search for Megawatt or Meanwell in the tech section. It's also less expensive.

Your issued 12v battery (ies), you will find in the near future, are not really up to the job of providing power for dry camping needs without sulfating badly in short order. You may wish to replace with 6V GC-2 batteries wired in series for 12V when your original battery calls it quits.