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boulderado's avatar
boulderado
Explorer
Apr 04, 2022

Another Golf Cart Battery Question

I am getting ready to replace the original battery in our 2018 Keystone Cougar 24SABWE TT. I have decided to go with two of the Duracell Golf Cart GC2 batteries, $97 each at our local Sam's Club, plus core charge, I am sure. I ordered a new box from Amazon that will fit two of these.

Our trailer has a WFCO converter, model number WF8955. According to the specs it has automatic three-stage charging with output voltage modes of 13.2 VDC range “float” mode, 13.6 VDC range “absorption” mode, and a 14.4 VDC range “bulk” charge mode. Anything to be aware of with this type of converter and my proposed battery configuration? Also, any suggestions on which cable to purchase for connected the batteries in series? I want something solid.

The inside 'control panel' has indicators that shows battery status with just simple lights (E, 1/4, 1/2 etc). This is obviously pretty useless. Any suggestions on an easy fix to add a battery monitor of some sorts without having to do major rewiring? My handyman, who works as a small airplane mechanic, will be helping me with this so I won't burn the trailer to the ground.

As always, super-thankful for any and all input.

19 Replies

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  • ktmrfs's avatar
    ktmrfs
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2022
    good way to have GC2 (or any other FLA deep discharge battery) have a very short life is to keep the WFCO. It seldom will go above 13.6-13.8V which means the battery will NEVER reach full charge or ever equalize. And max charging current with 13.8V is in the 10-15A range, takes forever to get anywhere near full charge

    For people who only use electric hookups, the WFCO is probably ok. For anyone who does any boondocking the WFCO is a BAD BAD charger.

    Luckily PD and others make drop in replacement chargers that really will fully charge the battery in decent time with 45-60A peak charge current and equalize properly.
  • boulderado's avatar
    boulderado
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2022
    jdc1 wrote:
    Is there a 12V receptacle somewhere in the trailer? Use this:
    https://www.amazon.com/Palumma-Charger-Adapter-Display-Battery/dp/B0773BYS6P/ref=sr_1_42?crid=ZXEK6N7P50N0&keywords=male+12v+outlet+monitor&qid=1649114802&sprefix=male+12v+outlet+moniter%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-42


    Yep, there is cigarette lighter outlet behind next to the TV. Thanks for the advice.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    Apr 04, 2022
    Is there a 12V receptacle somewhere in the trailer? Use this:
    https://www.amazon.com/Palumma-Charger-Adapter-Display-Battery/dp/B0773BYS6P/ref=sr_1_42?crid=ZXEK6N7P50N0&keywords=male+12v+outlet+monitor&qid=1649114802&sprefix=male+12v+outlet+moniter%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-42
  • theoldwizard1's avatar
    theoldwizard1
    Explorer II
    Apr 04, 2022
    boulderado wrote:
    Also, any suggestions on which cable to purchase for connected the batteries in series? I want something solid.

    Cable size depends on the load. Typically an inverter is you biggest load, but you did not mention one. I would go with nothing smaller than what I currently installed.

    There a folks on eBay that will make custom cables to your specs. Wire size and length, insulation color, as well as the connector size/style.

    A good shunt and battery monitor (like one from Victron) is always valuable.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 04, 2022
    If your old batteries preformed well during their lifespan, why do you need to monitor the new batteries more closely? Didn’t the old batteries have similar charging requirements?
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    Apr 04, 2022
    "Our trailer has a WFCO converter, model number WF8955. According to the specs it has automatic three-stage charging with output voltage modes of 13.2 VDC range “float” mode, 13.6 VDC range “absorption” mode, and a 14.4 VDC range “bulk” charge mode. Anything to be aware of with this type of converter and my proposed battery configuration? Also, any suggestions on which cable to purchase for connected the batteries in series? I want something solid."


    - Nothing "different" to consider using 6V batteries in series. You're just turning them into a 12V battery.
    Regarding cable for the jumper wires, whatever you use will likely be of the same or better quality than what is installed in the camper.
    For an (estimated) 60A current, 6ga is sufficient. I'd probably go 4ga though, minimum. You can buy a couple short premade cables (2 or 4ga) at any auto parts store likely or find some on Amazon real quick, or make your own with some bulk cable and ring terminals.
    Presuming the + and - cables existing are long enough to get to both batteries.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2022
    That WFCO will never reach 14.4 bulk charging. I'm on my 3rd WFCO and have never seen 14.4, only 13.8 ish. The batteries have to be way way down on charge for the 14.4 bulk rate to happen. Under normal use you won't see 14.4.
    That's why people by a Progressive Dynamics charger so they can get a real 4 stage charger.
  • wanderingaimles's avatar
    wanderingaimles
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2022
    Are you going to add solar?
    If so, your solar controller could give you the monitoring you want.

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