Battery charger life span

[mattyj]

I'm wondering how much longer the life on my charger will last. It's 12 years old now , anyone had an experience with a dead charger due to age? I'd appreciate any input , thanks LOU

[Old-Biscuit]

SidecarFlip wrote:

I believe RV builders install WFCO's because they are cheap....and they are cheap and cheaply made, but then a lot of RV factory installed stuff is cheaply made like the fake chrome plastic faucets and crappy shower heads for instance.

Now see..you really didn't disagree with me :B

[SidecarFlip]

time2roll wrote:

SidecarFlip wrote:
.... according to my SeeLevel battery monitor my cheapazz WFCO charges at 14.4 and drops to 13.2 in float mode all the time.

If it works, don't screw with it.

I agree yours would seem to be one of the few that works. By all means keep it.

Neither of mine have performed even close to what I expected. Plenty of posts with similar issues. The fact that WFCO full-on dies more often is probably accounted for that there are more WFCOs in use.

Sorry to drag this thread off track 😉

No issue with me.

My next one will be a PD no matter what. I like to support in state businesses whenever possible and PD is in Marshall, Michigan just off Michigan Avenue, been past it many times.

Heck, even the ancient Magnatek I had in my Lance, always worked. Those are real rocks.

I believe RV builders install WFCO's because they are cheap....and they are cheap and cheaply made, but then a lot of RV factory installed stuff is cheaply made like the fake chrome plastic faucets and crappy shower heads for instance.

[time2roll]

SidecarFlip wrote:
.... according to my SeeLevel battery monitor my cheapazz WFCO charges at 14.4 and drops to 13.2 in float mode all the time.

If it works, don't screw with it.

I agree yours would seem to be one of the few that works. By all means keep it.

Neither of mine have performed even close to what I expected. Plenty of posts with similar issues. The fact that WFCO full-on dies more often is probably accounted for that there are more WFCOs in use.

Sorry to drag this thread off track 😉

[SidecarFlip]

While I don't normally disagree with Mr. Biscuit I will say that according to my SeeLevel battery monitor my cheapazz WFCO charges at 14.4 and drops to 13.2 in float mode all the time. I haven't had to water my batteries since April either.

Like I said, when it goes south, I'll replace it. Until then, it stays.

My credo is... If it works, don't screw with it.

[time2roll]

It is not my criteria. It is the standards in the WFCO brochure and specifications.
It is like a car that only operates in second gear. Sure you get there and maybe a few are happy.

[Bumpyroad]

time2roll wrote:
Based on two WFCOs and confirmation hearsay.
If yours works for you fine and you must be OK with a basic fixed voltage supply.
Otherwise does your WFCO charge at 14.4 volts when your battery is low?
And does it actually drop to float 13.2 in a couple days of minimal use?

I have no idea if my battery chargers meet your criteria. I do know that they have served me faithfully for many years, even if they are defective according to your standards.
bumpy

[time2roll]

SidecarFlip wrote:

time2roll wrote:
If it is a WFCO it was already defective right out of the factory.
Most of the others will continue to be reliable.

Interesting and obviously biased comment, most likely based on hearsay rather than experience.

Mine works fine and has for a couple years now.

When it pukes, I'll replace it with a locally made Progressive Dynamics.

Until then, I see no need to spend the money.

Based on two WFCOs and confirmation hearsay.
If yours works for you fine and you must be OK with a basic fixed voltage supply.
Otherwise does your WFCO charge at 14.4 volts when your battery is low?
And does it actually drop to float 13.2 in a couple days of minimal use?

[gbopp]

Bumpyroad wrote:
mine last until the kids leave them out in the rain.
bumpy

Yep. That's about the average life span of a lot of tools.

[Old-Biscuit]

SidecarFlip wrote:

time2roll wrote:
If it is a WFCO it was already defective right out of the factory.
Most of the others will continue to be reliable.

Interesting and obviously biased comment, most likely based on hearsay rather than experience.

Mine works fine and has for a couple years now.

When it pukes, I'll replace it with a locally made Progressive Dynamics.

Until then, I see no need to spend the money.

Sorry but WFCOs are junk....one of the least reliable converters but used by many RV Mfgs (cause they are cheap)

[SidecarFlip]

time2roll wrote:
If it is a WFCO it was already defective right out of the factory.
Most of the others will continue to be reliable.

Interesting and obviously biased comment, most likely based on hearsay rather than experience.

Mine works fine and has for a couple years now.

When it pukes, I'll replace it with a locally made Progressive Dynamics.

Until then, I see no need to spend the money.

[time2roll]

If it is a WFCO it was already defective right out of the factory.
Most of the others will continue to be reliable.

[Old-Biscuit]

Asking about the charger as in 'converter'??

Better ones available...true 3 stage charging and not that expensive

Best Converter...ASK RANDY!

[Bumpyroad]

mine last until the kids leave them out in the rain.
bumpy

[jimh406]

There's really no way to predict how long it will last. I'd leave it as long as it works ok.