Forum Discussion

subcamper's avatar
subcamper
Explorer II
Apr 04, 2016

WFCO Backup Supply

I am looking for a AC to DC supply to act as a backup for the WFCO 9855 in our 2004 Rockwood 8318SS.

About 4 years ago the original WFCO board failed, luckily while it was at our house. I hooked up a temporary lab power supply to it that I borrowed from work

I bought a replacement board from a fellow rv.net member who upgraded to a new converter.

I don't have a lot of confidence in the WFCO, so I would like to take a cheap AC/DC switching supply with me when we are out of town with the trailer, just in case.

A 13.8VDC output with about 30-40 amps should be sufficient.

Has anyone run across any super deals on AC/DC supplies like this to act as a backup? I figure there should be some available for around $25 (plus shipping) online.


Thanks
Steve
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    All you need is a portable automotive battery charger. For an output of 30a - 40a it will be over $100.
  • subcamper's avatar
    subcamper
    Explorer II
    Apr 04, 2016
    I am looking at units like these:

    12VDC@40A

    They are 12VDC, but have a +/-10% adjustment range so I could get 13.2VDC. Of course, raising the voltage 10% means downgrading the max current by 10% (to 36A).

    We will have AC power at the campgrounds, so I am not overly concerned about battery charging. I will charge the trailer battery before I leave and carry a small charger with me for the battery.

    Steve
  • MEXICOWANDERER's avatar
    MEXICOWANDERER
    Explorer
    Apr 04, 2016
    My MEGAWATT 36-amp maxxes out at 44-amps and cost 65 dollars. Kinda hard to beat. The RSVP (heh heh) Meanwell costs considerably more. Google MEGAWATT POWER SUPPLIES. 10 - 15 Volts externally adjustable pot.
  • subcamper's avatar
    subcamper
    Explorer II
    Apr 05, 2016
    Thanks, guys.

    I will check out the suggestions.

    I have a few months before the longer trips, so I have some time to shop.

    Steve
  • Shadow_Catcher's avatar
    Shadow_Catcher
    Explorer
    Apr 05, 2016
    Were it me I would go for the Progressive Dynamics replacement head unit and gain reliability, there have been a number of rather interesting failures of the WFCO units.
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Apr 05, 2016
    Progressive Dynamics
    9200 line is a self contained converter/charger (3 stage) comes in both plug in and hard wired models

    4600 line is designed to replace the electronics section of most intergrated convwerter/power distribution centers like the most common WFCO units. (Replacement board). Both are otherwise the same, same technology, same software, same Wizard, and a better 3 stage charger you will not find. I know... I've looked.
  • joebedford's avatar
    joebedford
    Nomad II
    Apr 05, 2016
    When my WFCO failed, I ran the rig on a 15A auto charger for about a week. We had to be careful what we turned on but it wasn't a big deal.

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