Ranger_Tim
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Re: Largest Lithium AMP Hour Battery - 2023 Arctic Fox 865
I am running three Redodo Mini 100 Ah batteries successfully in my Wolf Creek 840. They all fit in the original compartment. No complaints so far. Charging via the built-in converter which has a retro fitted upgrade to charge LiFePO4 batteries. These batteries cost me less than $350 each. I attached a disconnect to prevent any unwanted charge cycles.1.7KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Wolf Creek 840 Goes Lithium
I looked it up in the online manual. It says, “ A battery DOES NOT have to be installed for WF-8900-AD-MBA Series Main Board Assembly to operate.” So a disconnect switch would give me peace of mind that the batts would not get overcharged sitting at home plugged in. As for why I think I need this much battery storage? When we are out in the backcountry in Idaho we need it. We rarely visit campgrounds with hookups. Usually we spend two to three weeks at a time, depending on how much work leave is available. I don’t share any bias for or against those who boondock or not and believe that RV’s should operate properly and as expected or we should hold the manufacturer accountable. How responsible they are is an important part of our conversations here. I’ll let you know if my batts are hurt by the WFCO converter.993Views0likes0CommentsRe: Wolf Creek 840 Goes Lithium
It took a second try to get the unit to charge properly (I think) and the batteries are full. First try resulted in the converter fan running too long. It is difficult to tell what the charger is doing without some sort of indicator. I now have the camper plugged in to run the frig. Our first trip will be soon and I want it cold. Installing a battery disconnect is my next objective. The camper should have come with one in the first place. I need to read about running the converter without a battery connected. Seems I remember it might be a bad move. If I could just retire tomorrow all would be well…993Views0likes0CommentsRe: Wolf Creek 840 Goes Lithium
The AGM batteries (2) that I was using are still working. One of them only holds at 12.8 or less 30 minutes after charging to full. I don’t like to wait until batteries are so fatigued they ruin a trip. A third battery from the same batch I bought in 2016 also began showing signs of failure, so I decided it was time to make the change. I said that I was cheap, not broke! While spending big on batts like Battle Born would be great I just couldn’t do it. We’ll see if I blew my money on unreliable cheap stuff and I regret it. I will be sure to report problems. The WFCO converter in my Wolf Creek is original equipment. It has been reliable and in use continuously - the camper has always been plugged in to shore power during storage for battery maintenance and portable heat to keep it dry during winter. I am ignorant as to the brand’s reputation. I am keeping the original board as an emergency replacement. It’s a simple switch. I am interested to see how the auto-detect performs in recognizing the LiFePO4 batts. Some people report problems getting it to work. As far as charging voltage recommendations for LiFePO4, available advice was all over the map. I don’t know whom to believe so I just took the batt company’s recommendation that 14.4-14.6 was adequate. I’ll know soon enough if they get full or not. The main benefit of the upgrade is still a significant increase in useable current storage compared to lead acid with considerably less weight. This also makes us less dependent on a generator. Now I will only carry a genny if we want to operate the ac.378Views0likes0CommentsRe: Wolf Creek 840 Goes Lithium
This converter replacement is specific to my 55 amp model. There are several others that use the same type, just different Amps. There was plenty of space to get them into the box, although you would need to remove the center battery to access the other two. This is the battery that I used. There are other examples of similar size from other vendors that would work. And no, these do not have a low temperature charging cut-off protection circuit in the BMS. I usually remove the batteries for the winter, so I will just put an older AGM into it for the cold season. Besides, the battery box is not going to go below freezing while we are in the camper, and if it does I'll just disconnect from shore power to protect them.378Views0likes0CommentsWolf Creek 840 Goes Lithium
Let me start by saying that I’m not an RV guru and definitely not an expert on electrical stuff. I have just enough handy skills to be able to use a screwdriver and a wrench. Everything else is usually a voyage of discovery. We bought a 2016 Wolf Creek new and I loaded it with two 100 amp hour AGM batteries. They have given me a good service life but after 7 years I figured it was time to replace them. That meant trying to find a LiFePO2 solution in order to take advantage of the newer tech and better service life and output. I do not have deep pockets and cannot afford to buy batteries that will cost me multiple thousands of dollars, along with having state of the art connectors, etc. I needed a simple, cheap, yet effective solution. So I searched the net for products, watched Will Prowse and others on YT, and came up with what works for me and my wallet. I had already bought a 100 Ah LiFePO4 ($219) for my trolling motor and was delighted with the performance, so I went back to them only to discover they had a newer model that was a smaller footprint with the same specs (100Ah Mini $249). I measured and found I could put three of them into the box instead of two, giving me 300 Ah! I ordered two and did a trial fit, then ordered number three. It worked well. The three just fit with plenty of space above for cabling. Next I ordered the wrong WFCO converter replacement. Sent it back while ordering the correct one. It cost around $150 bucks. I know there are other vendors that have more reliable, better reputations, etc., but my original worked fine and it was cheap. Cheap and easy is important remember? It was a direct fit and required no wire cutting or other mods. I followed the instructions on the WFCO site with no difficulties. Five wires and Done! 300Ah of storage where there once was 200. I am a happy camper. As soon as I sit at the desktop I will post pictures of the installed batts and the products. I figured there is bound to be someone else like me out there that is looking for a no-brained way to go Lithium. Be sure to kill all the power to the camper, 12v, generator and shore power before working on this stuff. This complete setup cost me about $1100, it would be 850 with the 3rd battery left out. Shipping was fast and free. They ship with reduced charge, so be sure to take that into consideration. Before flaming me with shoulda-coulda posts remember that not all of us have the knowledge or skills that others display. If there are better, cheaper and easier ways to do this please post so others can benefit. Good luck to everyone!5KViews0likes25CommentsRe: Suggestion for trip to desert southwest
DWeikert, If you like dark sky you will love Canyonlands. Getting away from Moab will result in much darker sky for seeing the Milky Way in all its glory. Mesa Arch is indeed a picturesque spot. Bryce does astronomy programs with visiting telescopes. Early summer is best to avoid smoke.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Suggestion for trip to desert southwest
Arches now requires tickets purchased in advance. Super crowded lately. Canyonlands Island in the Sky section only has 12 sites with no water. Best to get a reservation at Deadhorse State Park or stay at Horsethief BLM Campground on the road into Canyonlands. Moab is losing its charm as it grows too fast. Drive through Dixie National Forest and Escalante to visit Bryce Canyon. Hoodoos are stupendous. They have astro programs too. North Rim of GC is much cooler in summer. Nice forest service CG just outside the park but get there early. Don’t miss Angel’s Window or sunset on Wotan’s Throne. Stunning. Visit some western stores in Page, AZ for pawned Navajo jewelry. Be sure to take the tour inside the Glen Canyon dam. I could spend a week at Mesa Verde. Cooler up there and nice campground. Tours require tickets but I think they are still free. Amazing place. Ancient stuff — I could almost hear their voices! The history of these parks is fascinating. Keep an eye out for good books in the museums. When you are done fighting all the crowds come north to Idaho and Western Montana for solitude and scenery. Great fishing in the Salmon/Snake drainage. Avoid interstates for rural flavor. See a local rodeo for truly western experience!357Views0likes0CommentsRe: Wolf Creek 890 Water Pump
These pumps will dry out over the winter and not create enough of a seal when started in the spring. Simply take the winterizing hose and pour some water into it, turn the valve to allow the pump to suck it in and then turn the valve back to pull from the fresh water tank. It should regain its prime and work fine. Now if it is leaking because it was not properly winterized, well……307Views0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Apr 19, 201944,027 Posts
