WFCO 9800 converter

[ridahog]

Took my new 2012 5th wheel out for the 1st time. I plugged in a 12 volt monitor in the accessory outlet more to keep any kids from sticking their fingers in it. Surprised it did not come with a cover as it's very low as you step out the door. While camping with 30amp hookup, noticed idiot light going from green to yellow and somtimes red. Thought it was strange as well as when my lights would dim. When it was time to leave, my landing gears did not work. Battery was dead. Realized my coverter quit working. I keep my RV plugged in all the time in my backyard, so I'm pretty sure it's not the battery. The converters battery charger still works as it does charge the battery. So are these WFCO converters junk or did I just get a lemon. Don't here anthing coming from it so maybe the fan froze up. Is the 3 stage battery charger the same as a smart battery tender? Should I tell the dealer to rep;ace the battery since it went completely dead? I mean should I try and get them to replace it. Just upset because the unit is brand new.

[Shadowcatche]

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While camping with 30amp hookup, noticed idiot light going from green to yellow and somtimes red.

SC It did its job, it told you that you had a problem!

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Thought it was strange as well as when my lights would dim. When it was time to leave, my landing gears did not work. Battery was dead. Realized my converter quit working. I keep my RV plugged in all the time in my backyard, so I'm pretty sure it's not the battery. The converters battery charger still works as it does charge the battery.

SC not well. You need to check the voltage, a meter is necessary, you should be seeing 13.2V with the battery fully charged and the converter on.

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So are these WFCO converters junk or did I just get a lemon.

SC WAFCO has a good reputation but country of origin is China.

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Don't hear anything coming from it so maybe the fan froze up.

SC The fan runs only when needed and if it is not putting out what it should...

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Is the 3 stage battery charger the same as a smart battery tender?

SC more or less, they do a good job, when they work.

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Should I tell the dealer to replace the battery since it went completely dead? I mean should I try and get them to replace it. Just upset because the unit is brand new.

SC I certainly would get them to replace the battery and the converter, irreparable damage has been done to the battery. Also invest in a good meter to monitor the system and assure you that you do not fall below 50% battery capacity.

[Shotgunjim]

Had a new class c with wfco inverter/charger that zapped the batteries last winter while it was plugged in. New batteries installed and it pulled them down immediately. did some research and replaced the wfco with a power dynamics pd9260 with charge wizard and has worked flawlessly. It cost about 175 but well worth every penny. The wfco was probably working but overcharging batteries so I didn't bother dealer about replacing it. Hope this helps jim w.

[RustyJC]

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Originally Posted by Shotgunjim ....did some research and replaced the wfco with a power dynamics pd9260 with charge wizard and has worked flawlessly.

In case anyone is doing an internet search, the correct name for the manufacturer is Progressive Dynamics. The Progressive Dynamics 9100 series converters have multistage charging capability but to take advantage of this, must be used with an inexpensive Charge Wizard dongle. The PD 9200 series converters have the Charge Wizard function built in and don't require an add-on Charge Wizard.

I've used PD converters in our last 2 5th wheels (the 9180 was OEM equipment on our current Mobile Suites) and highly recommend them. Your batteries will thank you.

Rusty