WFCO WF68100A Modes

[CJW8]

As we all know, these are not the best converters. My 2015 RV came with a WF68100A. I have never seen it go into storage mode of 13.2 And I can't get the bulk button to force it to go into bulk mode. I have replaced it with a deck mount PD 70 converter and am quite happy with it.

I have converted the WFCO into a battery charger by installing 4' of #4 welding cable on the output and have heavy duty battery clamps on the ends.

I called WFCO tech support today to inquire. Refreshingly, I got an american english speaking gentleman and no wait time. Kudos for that. Here is what he said.
ME: Why won't it go into Storage Mode?
HIM: It has to be on the battery with NO load for 44 hours before it will go into 13.2 volt storage mode
ME: Why won't it go into bulk mode 14.4 volts when I push the button?
HIM: It needs a healthy load of 8-10 amps before the button will force Bulk mode. Even then it will not jump to 14.4 but will eventually ramp up to that as long as the load is sustained.

Conclusion: Well, this what we already knew. This is not a good converter for maintaining batteries long term. I, and I think a lot of others, leave their camper plugged in 24/7 when not in use. Even parasitic loads are always present so the batteries are always held at 13.6 as it requires NO load to go to 13.2 volts. Also, when I am using my camper, I want it to go into bulk mode for that last hour of generator run time in the evening to pack the batteries. Ain't going to happen with a WFCO. My replacement PD converter with charge wizard can be easily forced to bulk mode. My Xantrex TC40 (backup charger) goes to bulk mode as soon it sees AC input and stays there for 4 hours.

Mainly I wanted to share what WFCO Tech Support told me.

[joebedford]

I've had a WFCO 68100 in my rig since I bought it new 5.5 years ago. Same 12V Walmart deep cycles batteries too. Plugged in 24/7 except occasional dry camping.

[CJW8]

RoyB
Yeah, I went through all that back then with an 8945 as well. One would think that by 2015, they'd have improved. I guess not.

[time2roll]

Same old story.

I did find if I loaded the battery with 160 amps the WFCO would continue to boost into a low battery (x4) for at least three hours. Would do this very consistent. Not a practical or workable method to run a converter.

Eventually kaput and replaced with 35a WFCO that is almost never used.

[RoyB]

I first ran into a WF8945 Converter/Charger back in 2008. Everyone then said it has to be closer to the battery... I finally rigged up with a large fat cable just sixes away from the battery terminals with same results.

Then I ran down by battery to around 10VDC and hooked up to it again with the short DC cables and it jumped into bulk mode and stayed there for a whole 46 seconds and jumped back out to 13.6VDC.

That's when I gave up on it haha...

One guy on the RV NET back then had figured out how to rewire the mother board to make it work.

Got me a PD9260C 60AMP converter/charger then. It goes to 14.4VDC first time you turn it on.

I still have mine in the circuit but it is unplugged from 120VAC. If I ever need it I can just turn it on and it will give 13.6VDC at 60AMPS haha... Thats almost a good PLAN-B I guess...

Roy Ken