New Converter Needed

[MikeWard]

Fellow RVers:

The current converter in my 5er has died and I must buy a new one. My 5er has 50amp service and my old converter was a WFCO 55amp model 9855 converter. My question is that since I am buying a new one would I gain any advantage if I bought a converter larger than 55amp? Would this help or increase usability in any way? Also, does anyone know of a good source to buy this?

Thanks,


Mike

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Mike

[MikeWard]

Fellow RVers:

The current converter in my 5er has died and I must buy a new one. My 5er has 50amp service and my old converter was a WFCO 55amp model 9855 converter. My question is that since I am buying a new one would I gain any advantage if I bought a converter larger than 55amp? Would this help or increase usability in any way? Also, does anyone know of a good source to buy this?

Thanks,


Mike

__________________
Mike

[Gary RVRoamer]

Those WFCO converters don't have along life. I read about many failures.

I recommend a Progressive Dynamics or Iota converter with the Charge Wizard feature - well worth the money. You could go a bit bigger and maybe charge the batteries a bit faster if they are real low, but chances are your system has a fuse somewhere that limits charging current anyway. Limits it to the capacity of the wiring, so you can't push too much current through wiring designed for 50-55 amps.

Unless you frequently recharge from the 50% level (e.g. after boondocking for a couple days), you won't realize any benefit at all from a larger charger.

[TXiceman]

I replaced the ancient converter in my trailer with the 55 amp Iota and it does great. The added Charge Wizard does a good job of maintaining the batteries.

Check with RV upgrades (a sponsor) for the units and pricing.

[MonacoMama]

Mike...
You can find the Iota here ...
Good Luck with your newest project!

MM

[MikeWard]

Thanks everyone for your input. I talked to Randy at Best Converter and ended up getting a Xantrex converter. A couple of dollars more but at least it is made in Canada and not China.

Thanks again,

Mike

[Forest Grump]

Mike, I have a Xantrex 80 amp and it does just fine.

[Jeff_in_The_Dalles]

The old rule of thumb I think was that flooded cell batteries could safely accept charging current 1/20th of their rated 20 hour capacity... and they would only accept a charge that fast when they are fairly deeply discharged.

If you did go significantly larger, it might be necessary to use a larger gauge wire from the converter/charger to the battery bank.