Should I Change My WFCO Converter?
Opinions have often been expressed, both on this and other RV forums, that most stock RV converters are inadequate to properly charge and maintain batteries and are often of poor quality. It is frequ...
Forum Discussion
Well opinions should presented as opinions and not chest pounding facts, or eye rolling declarations about how such and such a product will do "just fine" with absolutely no backing data relevant to the OP's intended usage.
The OP Wants to ensure that when Boondocking, his charging source does the most possible in the shortest amount of time.
Fact, the WFCO is not a good choice for this task.
Fact, a charging source that can hold the battery at 14.4v+ for as long as the generator is running, will be able to replace more amp hours into a battery than a 'safe' converter which drops voltage prematurely according to some decapitated and 'safe' charge algorithm.
There are few product options that allow the user to select absorption voltage and duration. They have been mentioned in this thread already. They are either way too expensive( xantrex) or completely manual. Meanwell, MegaWatt and Powermax Boondocker adjustable units.
The OP has no fear of having to be the brains behind the max voltage setting, or in being the timer who decides how long to apply this choice of voltage.
The adjustable Powermax fits his bill and is probably the most bang for the buck and requires no Soldering in of a different potentiometer. Hook some fat cables between adjustable voltage PowerMax, possibly run through a shunted Ammeter, or a hall effect ammeter, to the battery bank, and the OP can then determine when it is no longer wise to burn fuel to continue charging.
A clamp on DC Ammeter could be used in this regard and countless other areas within the RV.
Fact, when boondocking, the adjustable voltage powermax dialed to trojan recommended 14.8v, will yield better performance and promote battery longevity by returning the batteries closer to full charge each and every cycle, compared to any other converter of equal maximum output. The PowerMax can be dialed down to be a float charger and power all 12v loads when a power pedestal is available. The powermax adjustable unit can be easily dialed upto 15.5v to perform an Equalization cycle which is a necessary and lifespan promoting charge cycle done every so often when required.
I don't really see any downsides to the Powermax for the OP's intended usage, and he should be clicking place order from Randy of the 60 or preferably 75 amp unit ASAP, in my opinion.
I think we can all agree the Powermax needs more confidence inspiring documentation online from either Randy or Powermax themselves.
I believe (OPINION) A clamp on Ammeter would be more than adequate to determine when one is wasting fuel powering a generator and have multitudes of usages elsewhere, but multitudes other ammeter options exist for this purpose too, and it should be rated for at least 100 Amps.
Correct cable terminations are just as important as using thick cabling to promote minimal voltage drop. Properly terminating large cables requires skills and tools and proper procedures, and those without, should have them professionally made.
http://www.genuinedealz.com/custom-cables
The OP Wants to ensure that when Boondocking, his charging source does the most possible in the shortest amount of time.
Fact, the WFCO is not a good choice for this task.
Fact, a charging source that can hold the battery at 14.4v+ for as long as the generator is running, will be able to replace more amp hours into a battery than a 'safe' converter which drops voltage prematurely according to some decapitated and 'safe' charge algorithm.
There are few product options that allow the user to select absorption voltage and duration. They have been mentioned in this thread already. They are either way too expensive( xantrex) or completely manual. Meanwell, MegaWatt and Powermax Boondocker adjustable units.
The OP has no fear of having to be the brains behind the max voltage setting, or in being the timer who decides how long to apply this choice of voltage.
The adjustable Powermax fits his bill and is probably the most bang for the buck and requires no Soldering in of a different potentiometer. Hook some fat cables between adjustable voltage PowerMax, possibly run through a shunted Ammeter, or a hall effect ammeter, to the battery bank, and the OP can then determine when it is no longer wise to burn fuel to continue charging.
A clamp on DC Ammeter could be used in this regard and countless other areas within the RV.
Fact, when boondocking, the adjustable voltage powermax dialed to trojan recommended 14.8v, will yield better performance and promote battery longevity by returning the batteries closer to full charge each and every cycle, compared to any other converter of equal maximum output. The PowerMax can be dialed down to be a float charger and power all 12v loads when a power pedestal is available. The powermax adjustable unit can be easily dialed upto 15.5v to perform an Equalization cycle which is a necessary and lifespan promoting charge cycle done every so often when required.
I don't really see any downsides to the Powermax for the OP's intended usage, and he should be clicking place order from Randy of the 60 or preferably 75 amp unit ASAP, in my opinion.
I think we can all agree the Powermax needs more confidence inspiring documentation online from either Randy or Powermax themselves.
I believe (OPINION) A clamp on Ammeter would be more than adequate to determine when one is wasting fuel powering a generator and have multitudes of usages elsewhere, but multitudes other ammeter options exist for this purpose too, and it should be rated for at least 100 Amps.
Correct cable terminations are just as important as using thick cabling to promote minimal voltage drop. Properly terminating large cables requires skills and tools and proper procedures, and those without, should have them professionally made.
http://www.genuinedealz.com/custom-cables
