Upgrading converter

Thanks for all the replies!

lwiddis wrote:
Wet cell batteries determine the amount of charge they will accept tapering lower and lower as the SOC goes up. It is not based on time. For “fast” charging you can’t beat Lithium. Have you compared the cost long tern between the two? Have you considered solar for charging? Much easier than running a generator. I’m charging right now…no noise, no gasoline, no maintenance.

Moving to multistage saves me about 20 hours! Significant time saver. I would love lithium batteries but don't like the cost. Solar would be amazing as well, but we camp in the mountains a lot and I already have a genny. A multistage converter ticks all my boxes.

bgum wrote:
Let's see you have a 55 amp converter and want to change to a 55 amp converter to charge faster?

The WFCO 8955 PEC I have is a single stage. There is a HUGE difference in 55amp single stage charge at 13.6 vs 55amp 14.4 boost mode! Saves me about 20 hours in getting from 50% to 90%. Google multistage battery charging!

BFL13 wrote:
I am a big fan of those PowerMax LK converters (bestconverter rebrands his as in the OP) for their flexibility in choosing either automatic three stage or else choosing single stage adjustable so you can meet any battery spec but do it manually at the times required for your own scenario.

The problem with the OP lower portion type is after you install it, howinheck can you get at the setting controls???? The deck mount kind is easy. Just tuck it in under there with the side that has the two setting holes to the front so you can get at them.

On "four stage" vs "three stage" that is from some converters calling their fourth stage which comes on every so often (varies by brand how often) "equalization" when it is not. "Equalization" is an overcharge after the battery is full using say 16v to do a proper desulfation.

The "fourth stage" boost every so often to the 14.x "boost" voltage while it is in "storage" of 13.2v (third stage), is actually just to stir the electrolyte and should be called "de-stratification"

Anyway, you can get a deck mount 60 amper in there and find a way to get 120v to it from what's there now. Some cut off the converter's plug and wire the cord to the OEM 120v. Or use a nearby 120v receptacle, whatever.

Check out boat and Rv which usually has lower prices than best converter for those PowerMax converters, but not always in stock. He has lots now:

Thanks for the advice, I will take a look at those. I like the idea of having something built in that is east to access, but with no easy way to adjust, it defeats the purpose!!

microlite_mike wrote:
For all practical purposes you are changing from a 55 amp converter/charger to a 55 amp converter/charger and charging speed won't change.

Incorrect - Going from single stage to multistage converter (even if both are at 55amp) will make a massive difference. It will charge considerably faster and will also prolong battery life through having a proper trickle and desulfation. I think I have unknowingly cooked my batteries a bunch at 13.6!

bobbo wrote:
Since the WFCO is famous for not going into boost mode, any other quality brand of 55 amp converter definitely will charge your batteries faster. My personal preference is Progressive Dynamics.

Thanks, I will take a look at them!