Replacing a WFCO 9855, Options?

[GetGoing]

When plugged into shore power, after a few hours the coach batteries were drained. Lots of YouTube articles learning about RV electric I am very confident that the converter is not working. This was installed in a 2007 Coachman Mirada and seems the same model is still available. Amazon posting said it was a 3 stage converter which I assume was referring to the stages of battery charging. I would value input from others as I research from other internet sources.

[CharlesinGA]

It depends on what panel the WFCO converter is installed in. My trailer has a Parallax panel, but had an unusual steel insert with a WFCO 9545 installed in it (appeared to be a unusual factory installed combination, the steel insert was not the Parallax converter box repurposed). I used a Progressive 4645 upgrade kit from Best Converter to replace it. If the converter is in a WFCO panel, you only need the converter and not the steel box that comes with the 4600 series upgrade Progressive units. You discard the steel box if installing in a WFCO panel, and use a small plastic clip to retain the front of the converter in the WFCO panel. The instructions detail all of this.

As an alternative, Best sells a Boondocker converter (which is a PowerMax relabeled.) to replace the WFCO.

Charles

[wa8yxm]

My Recommendations (Two depending) are always Progressive Dynanmics

IF the converter is part of the power distribution panel 4600 series
If it's a stand alone box 9200 series
Try to match the last two digits (those are max DC amps out).

My original PD 9180 with optional wizard (Basically same as 9280) lasted 12.5 years and I'm now on my 2nd..

Progressive Dynamics is a Michigan firm. If you happen to be near Marshall, MI go SOUTH from the fountain to Industrial Dr. they are on the S.W. Corner. Big factory. Entrance on Industrial.

[dryfly]

2manytoyz:

Very nice work! I have wondered about the converters that are mounted inside the breaker panel compartment, and the lack of heat displacement.

We know heat damages electronic components and there just seems to be very little air flow inside these small compartments. On my previous trailer I replaced the converter just as you did, however I moved it outside the breaker panel box, mounting it in an adjacent storage compartment.

I also added a 140mm computer fan to blow across it. I noticed the built in fan on the converter cycled on less frequently and consequently less noise in the trailer.

[time2roll]

Ron3rd wrote:
Robert, Nice work and nice photos too. I'm going to be replacing my WFCO converter eventually. I like your tip to make it a plug in unit.

I understand if you cut the plug off the warranty is void. At least make a pigtail if you need to hardwire.

[theoldwizard1]

If you have ever thought about installing an inverter NOW is the time to install am inverter/charger/automatic transfer switch.

[2manytoyz]

Ron3rd wrote:
Robert, Nice work and nice photos too. I'm going to be replacing my WFCO converter eventually. I like your tip to make it a plug in unit.

Thanks, good luck on your project!

[Ron3rd]

Robert, Nice work and nice photos too. I'm going to be replacing my WFCO converter eventually. I like your tip to make it a plug in unit.

[philh]

Did anybody mention Randy at Best Converter yet? LOL

Here is what I used

[2manytoyz]

I replaced the WFCO converter in our previous travel trailer (now owned by our niece). I opted to use an IOTA 55A with the Q-Smart module. Very clean power, and keeps the battery properly charged without overcharging - a problem with the WFCO.

It took very little modification to make it fit. Disconnected all power, took the panel off, and the WFCO converter was visible at the bottom. A few screws, and it was removed.





With the converter removed:



A quick fit check of the new IOTA charger:



The original converter was hardwired to the breaker. I used a 12 gauge short cord to a female power plug instead. This allows a quick swap of the converter if it ever needs to be replaced again, and eliminates the need to chop the cord on the new converter:




The IQ4 module also fit nicely inside the compartment.





Charger on Amazon: Iota 55A

IQ4 Module on Amazon: Smart Module.

From the manufacturer:

The IQ controller allows the battery charge r to operate as an automatic 3-stage "smart charger". This gives the user the benefit of bulk, absorption, and float stage charging, decreases charge times, insures proper and safe battery charging , and minimizes over-charging. The IQ monitors the battery at all times. If the DLS voltage remains in the long term float stage for more than seven days, the IQ Smart Charger will automatically deliver a boost charge for a predetermined time, then return to the normal float stage. DLS units are also available with the IQ Smart Charger internally installed within the unit.

I also use an Iota charger with my home solar setup. It's been in service over a decade, in a hot garage, in central FL. These really are good products.

[noteven]

Best Converter has a replacement “charge wizard” module that is convertible to lithium charging profile PD4655VL maybe?

[enblethen]

Call Randy at Best converter

[BFL13]

GetGoing wrote:
When plugged into shore power, after a few hours the coach batteries were drained. Lots of YouTube articles learning about RV electric I am very confident that the converter is not working. This was installed in a 2007 Coachman Mirada and seems the same model is still available. Amazon posting said it was a 3 stage converter which I assume was referring to the stages of battery charging. I would value input from others as I research from other internet sources.

No. The "three stages" are just three voltage levels of the charger. (14.4, 13.6, and 13.2) They call these "Boost", "Normal", and "Storage".

Battery recharging stages are "Bulk", "Absorption", and "Float". There is little or no correspondence between the charger stages and the battery stages.

Just to make it fun, some charger stages are named the same as battery stages. Eg, Iota calls their middle level stage "Absorption" with a particular voltage (14.2v) even though in battery absorption stage language, Vabs is at the higher voltage as reached at the end of the Bulk stage.

WFCO is notorious for being difficult to get to do its 14.4v stage and most often seems to just stay at 13.6v, which makes for poor battery charging.

BTW on shore power you only need the converter to do the 13.6v so any converter will do that has enough amps. I prefer PowerMax for the low price and I have one so I know it is reliable. it gets to be a Chev vs Ford thing for brands.

[Mike134]

look at pricing from etrailer.com Amazon is not always lowest.

[ktmrfs]

time2roll wrote:
Do not replace with a WFCO. The stated 3 stage charging frequently does not work.

Progressive Dynamics, IOTA, Power Max are all good.

For camping plugged in I recommend 35 amp PowerMax

If you are off-grid a lot using a generator etc something different might be better.

x2