WFCO Replacement

[egwilly]

On the ORV GP or other trailer, just wondering if anyone out there has changed out their WFCO power center for a Progressive or other better unit? Not happy with the current factory installed WFCO unit since I never see 14.4 volts to prevent battery stratification.
I know the factory warranty would void the power supply if I change it.
Thanks!

[Wood Chip]

Originally Posted by egwilly

On the ORV GP or other trailer, just wondering if anyone out there has changed out their WFCO power center for a Progressive or other better unit? Not happy with the current factory installed WFCO unit since I never see 14.4 volts to prevent battery stratification.
I know the factory warranty would void the power supply if I change it.
Thanks!

Yep, I swapped out to the Progressive unit. Perfect fit. charges at 14.4 , 13.6 and 13.2 as needed. Took me an hour to install

[brulaz]

Didn't swap out the WFCO. But I did add a separate breaker for it and turned it off. Then added a Prog Dynamics in the pass-thru.

Still use the WFCO as a 120VAC-12VDC converter when on shorepower, but never as a battery charger.

[Papa_Jim]

Interesting.

What is the Progressive model that replaces the WFCO model?

Jim

[egwilly]

Here is the answer I received from WFCO support this morning:

"The converter will go into bulk mode which does put out 14.4 volts AC. You may not see this though do to the high amperage draw on the system."

Doesn't make sense to me. I sure hope its DC, not AC! I should see this voltage on my Trimetric, never have.
Might go the route Brulaz did, if he could let me know which charger he uses. I have 2 std 6 volt flooded cell batteries.

[brulaz]

Progressive Dynamics Inteli-Power Converters

This guy sells all types.

If you want to leave the WFCO in place as a spare or whatever, the 14.8V Deckmount would be my choice. 45 or 60A model would do fine.

[Rickeoni]

I did the same thing brulaz did. Works like a charm.

[Cumminsfan]

Originally Posted by egwilly

Here is the answer I received from WFCO support this morning:

"The converter will go into bulk mode which does put out 14.4 volts AC. You may not see this though do to the high amperage draw on the system."

Doesn't make sense to me. I sure hope its DC, not AC! I should see this voltage on my Trimetric, never have.
Might go the route Brulaz did, if he could let me know which charger he uses. I have 2 std 6 volt flooded cell batteries.

I have the OEM WFCO in my Northwood 5th wheel. I also have an inverter with a remote digital readout mounted inside the 5er. I've never seen 14.4+ ever. I always see 13.5-13.6 when the batteries are down to 11.4+/- and need charged. I would think being that low that the WFCO is in bulk charge mode.

[egwilly]

Originally Posted by Cumminsfan

I have the OEM WFCO in my Northwood 5th wheel. I also have an inverter with a remote digital readout mounted inside the 5er. I've never seen 14.4+ ever. I always see 13.5-13.6 when the batteries are down to 11.4+/- and need charged. I would think being that low that the WFCO is in bulk charge mode.

You would think! They are very secretive about how all this works for bulk charging in my opinion. PD states on their product info that theirs goes into bulk (14.4) every 21 hours for 3 hours. That's what I'm looking for.
Sulfating will ruin a battery fast.

Thanks to all for the input and suggestions.

[stylinlp38]

What about the new WFCO model WF-8955 ?
These newer units are better at doing all this? That was my impression from reading the manuals.

The WF-8900 Series has revolutionized RV power centers with its lighter weight, decorative doors and superior features. The WF-8955 model provides 55 Amps and a clean, constant 13.6 VDC nominal output, for reliable operation of electronics and appliances. Automatic three-stage charging extends the life of your battery with output voltage modes of 13.2 VDC range “float” mode, 13.6 VDC range “absorption” mode, and a 14.4 VDC range “bulk” charge mode. The 8900 Series also maintains peace and quiet, as the cooling fan runs only when needed.

Output Current 55 A
Voltage Output 13.2 – 14.4V DC Range
Absorption Mode (Nominal Voltage) 13.6V DC (nominal voltage)
Bulk Mode (Quick Charging Voltage) 14.4V DC (quick charging voltage)
Float Mode (Trickle Charge Voltage) 13.2V DC (trickle charge voltage)

[egwilly]

ORV installed a WFCO 9990...90 amp capacity in ours. Larger amp for the fifth wheels and large towable's.

My point is that WFCO will not state that their chargers go into a high charge anti-sulfation routine on a regular basis like Progressive states. They cannot give me a definitive answer. So I am skeptical.

I will do as others here and buy a deckmount unit.

[Wood Chip]

Originally Posted by Papa_Jim

Interesting.

What is the Progressive model that replaces the WFCO model?

Jim

progressive dynamics 4655 was the direct replacement for my unit.

[Martin6]

Originally Posted by egwilly

ORV installed a WFCO 9990...90 amp capacity in ours. Larger amp for the fifth wheels and large towable's.

My point is that WFCO will not state that their chargers go into a high charge anti-sulfation routine on a regular basis like Progressive states. They cannot give me a definitive answer. So I am skeptical.

I will do as others here and buy a deckmount unit.

The WFCO 9990 lasted about 3 months in my unit. It overheated and fried itself from all the leftover sawdust and debris inside the box. I replaced it with a PD deck mount.

[egwilly]

Originally Posted by Martin6

The WFCO 9990 lasted about 3 months in my unit. It overheated and fried itself from all the leftover sawdust and debris inside the box. I replaced it with a PD deck mount.

Please don't get me started on the debris issue