Converter Failure... again!

If you are considering an inverter, now we be a good time to install one ! Get one that is a combination inverter/charger/transfer switch. Of course this means upgrading the battery bank. Two 6V golf carts batteries would be good. Then you can just by pass your current, dead converter and directly wire the DC fuse panel directly to the batteries. The inverter charger will keep them charged and provide 12V for the rest of your RV !

I had a WFCO unit installed for over 20 years without any problem, I replaced it because I just wanted newer stage charging. I replaced the entire power center with a new WFCO and so far, not a single issue. From what one RV dealer told me, WFCO was the dominate provider to the RV industry so naturally, there would be more problems with their units as there were so many more in use. Additionally, not all RV manufactures did a good install which caused some issue later on. The only problem I faced was what color cabinet to get.

One word of caution on brands, there was a problem with counterfeit and grey market units being sold in the US so be careful when a popular hawked brand's price seems too good to be true.

I would first take it back and talk to them about another replacement. You can ask them to check on possible issues with your system. At least you might learn something from the discussion. If they refuse you might be able to negotiate a possible settlement where you can get some money out of them to put toward a new converter.

I bought a 3 year old Airstream and found out that the converter was a single state one. Yeah, all that money and a crummy converter. I put in an IOTA back in 2009 and it is great. Might be time for a change. There are good ones out there as mentioned.

fj12ryder wrote:
My WFCO gave up the ghost this past summer and I replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics 9200 series. It cost less than half of what the WFCO was and seems to be a very good unit.

My Rig came with a Progressive Dynamics 9180 + Charge Wizard (Equivalent to the 9200 with dongle) and I've done some heavy duty research trying to find a better one... Still looking. Have not yet found.. THe only improvement to a 9200 is the dongle and then only if you know how to use the dongle.. if you don't there is none better thogh the IOTA with IQ4 is said to be as good.

Aftew 12.5 years my 9180 died. on a weekend, Following MON I drove to Tekonsha, MI (WHere I grew up) and parked at the T/A overnight. Tue Morning it was up to Marshall (Not far) and a brand new Factory Refurb 9180 later back to Tekonsha and hook it up..

My WFCO has been plugging away in my KZ for 12 years without a lick of problems. Seriously it is NOT the worst unit you can see in a rig.

If it did give up the ghost I'd probably replace it with a PD's unit though.

My WFCO gave up the ghost this past summer and I replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics 9200 series. It cost less than half of what the WFCO was and seems to be a very good unit.

We never boondock and are plugged in 95% of the time, and it still bit the big one. No warning either, at least not that I could tell.

DO NOT get a WFCO replacement.

IOTA, Progressive Dynamics or Boondocker only.

Need wfco model number to recommend best swap in.

AmericalVette wrote:

azrving wrote:
Is it an WFCO? That may be fine if you want to keep giving money to world friendship. The other bad thing is that they are not heavy enough to be boat anchors.

If you want something better maybe try a Progressive Dynamics. Best to check to be sure everything else is ok. Maybe the dealership didn't really replace it.

Yes.... WFCO!

That doesn't mean it won't work for you. If you are plugged in most of the time it's probably fine. If you are boondocking and doing much generator charging I'd change it. As mentioned above you need to troubleshoot the system first.

azrving wrote:
Is it an WFCO? That may be fine if you want to keep giving money to world friendship. The other bad thing is that they are not heavy enough to be boat anchors.

If you want something better maybe try a Progressive Dynamics. Best to check to be sure everything else is ok. Maybe the dealership didn't really replace it.

Yes.... WFCO!

Thank you all for the responses! Much to ponder. Best wishes to all of you.