Forum Discussion

5Cent's avatar
5Cent
Explorer
Jul 16, 2015

Stand alone battery charger recommendations

Situation: Annual atv, archery, shooting get together.

- 2015 Keystone Hideout 28BHS, electric slide, electric awning, electric jack. RV will be plugged into high-idle Duramax when setting up and tearing down.
- Currently running stock, dealer installed Crown MAR-600, 12V battery. I expect around 55-60 amp/hrs. is spec.
- Going to be off grid next weekend, Thursday-Sunday.
- Fuses will be removed for radio unless used, and hardwired co2 detector out entire time. May run fridge, may not on LPG. Only running waterpump when needed. Long time-period draws the unit will be plugged into the generator.
- Champion 4000/3500 generator will tag alone and will already be running for 5-8hrs per day for other event reasons.
- OEM WFCO Model WF-8955PEC (13.6vdc & 55A output - rating includes charging & load)

I will eventually upgrade to dual 6v batteries, but I need a charger anyways, so figured best to invest there first. Looking for recommendations for best charger under $150, preferably $100.

30 Replies

  • I have a Stanley BC4009 40 Amp charger that works well. It's available at Amazon for $80.
    Stanley 40 amp charger

    If you can find one, the Black & Decker VEC1093DBD 40 amp charger is another choice.
  • Quote:

    The regressive dynamics converter
    -------------------------------------------
    Which converter is this ? I never heard of it.
  • MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    Search the 500 threads dealing with this very subject. Keywords BOONDOCK BATTERY CHARGER


    I appreciate the advise. This course of action did not yield the specific results I was looking for. Sorry to waste your time, but I appreciate your post.:(

    smkettner wrote:
    www.boatandrvaccessories.com/schumacher-40 amp-battery-charger $110

    But honestly I recommend replacing the WFCO with a PD4655.
    www.bestconverter.com/PD4655-55-Amp-Converter-Upgrade $200


    Great suggestions, thank you. A garage charger is needed anyways, and the camper will get 6v's within the next year. After that, then the onboard charger will get replaced. Off grid only happens 2-3 times a year.

    Dakota98 wrote:
    Maybe THIS ONE


    That's a slick little unit right there!

    RoyB wrote:
    Your WFCO is already a charger - just plug your shore power cable into the generator using a RV30A-15A long adapter (WALMART). This will power up your WFCO WF-8955 converter/charger unit.

    The WFCO products are well know for never going into SMART MODE CHARGING voltages so a real good thing to do is like SMKETTNER says and replace the WF-8955 module only with a PD4655 smart mode converter/charger. This will charge you battery back up to its 90% charge state in just three hours of generator run time. Unless the WF8955 goes into smart mode charging it will take a day to re-charge your battery to its 90% charge state. You will not be able to run your generator that long continuous.

    I made the same change out in my OFF-ROAD POPUP trailer but used the PD9260C 60AMP smart mode converter/charger instead. Works great for us keeping our three 85AH 12VDC Interstate batteries back up to the 90% charge state in just three hours of charge time...

    My next question is have you checked with the campground you are going to be at. Most public campgrounds here on the East side of the USA has generator run time restrictions in place which may not fit your planned generator run time schedule. If this is PRIVATE place then no problems. Your generator is one of the loud ones too...

    Roy Ken


    Hi Roy, exactly. I already understand the WFCO never reaches max performance and plugging directly into the genny is a last option if I don't acquire a stand alone within the next week. The stand alone will provide a higher charge than the WFCO, looking for a good charger for other projects too.

    Not a campground, it's an outdoor sporting event at a sportsmans club. 2 loud champions will be running to provide power to the outdoor pavilion and accessories. I appreciate your concern and assumptions this is my first year camping:B

    2oldman wrote:
    What's wrong with the WFCO? And it's amp-hours, and CO detector.


    They typically don't provide max output, lots of better units than this model. I appreciate the unit corrections. I'll let auto correct know it needs to update its algorithm when determining outputs.:C

    MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
    /Looking for recommendations for best charger under $150, preferably $100.

    The regressive dynamics converter under 100 dollars. My 65 dollar Megawatt would kick it's ass in a full charging time-contest. FREE STANDING Does the regressive dynamics come with a tripod

    For HTH John's Sake :)


    Who's John?
  • /Looking for recommendations for best charger under $150, preferably $100.

    The regressive dynamics converter under 100 dollars. My 65 dollar Megawatt would kick it's ass in a full charging time-contest. FREE STANDING Does the regressive dynamics come with a tripod

    For HTH John's Sake :)
  • What's wrong with the WFCO? And it's amp-hours, and CO detector.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Your WFCO is already a charger - just plug your shore power cable into the generator using a RV30A-15A long adapter (WALMART). This will power up your WFCO WF-8955 converter/charger unit.

    The WFCO products are well know for never going into SMART MODE CHARGING voltages so a real good thing to do is like SMKETTNER says and replace the WF-8955 module only with a PD4655 smart mode converter/charger. This will charge you battery back up to its 90% charge state in just three hours of generator run time. Unless the WF8955 goes into smart mode charging it will take a day to re-charge your battery to its 90% charge state. You will not be able to run your generator that long continuous.

    I made the same change out in my OFF-ROAD POPUP trailer but used the PD9260C 60AMP smart mode converter/charger instead. Works great for us keeping our three 85AH 12VDC Interstate batteries back up to the 90% charge state in just three hours of charge time...

    My next question is have you checked with the campground you are going to be at. Most public campgrounds here on the East side of the USA has generator run time restrictions in place which may not fit your planned generator run time schedule. If this is PRIVATE place then no problems. Your generator is one of the loud ones too...

    Roy Ken
  • Search the 500 threads dealing with this very subject. Keywords BOONDOCK BATTERY CHARGER