Community Forums

wingnut60 · 10-13-2015, 08:41 AM

WFCO--World Friendship Co?--first time I actually knew what the WFCO stands for. In general, most everyone who has mentioned having one of these with problems has been told to get a Progressive Dynamics (PDI) Intelli-Power converter. Just seems to get a regular recommendation on the internet forums.
However, your current converter should be enough if working correctly, and the battery(s) good, to take care of charging.
As mentioned above, maybe you are using most of the converter output in the trailer instead of going to the battery. Maybe you just aren't leaving it on long enough. Maybe your battery is not in good shape. Lots of things to check/find out.
Joe

marcham · 10-13-2015, 04:17 PM

Get a voltmeter, drain the battery for half a day (furnace is a great drain device) , plug in the RV to an outlet and then see if you get 13.6v or 14.4v at the battery. If you only get 13.6v, it will take a very long time to recharge (ie 12-24 hrs). Due to installation, wire size and length, the wfco may not properly be able to detect when the battery requires a bulk charge (14.4v). If you are camping for more than a week with the genny as the only power source, make sure you charge the batteries fully once a week for optimal battery life.

Superslif · 10-13-2015, 05:06 PM

Was very likely going to purchase a Honda 2000 genny to mainly top charge my battery for dry camping. Instead, I bought a portable 100 watt suitcase solar ($279) panel. Used it for 2 four night stays at two VT. State Parks this past Aug. Even though we had mostly shady sites, was able to get 3-4 hours of charging for the battery. Since then I upgraded to a larger group 29 battery in preparation of a Alaskan trip next summer.

My reasoning on going the solar route (portable suitcase type), was first the cost ($1000-$1100) for a Honda 2000 gen., Would have to carry extra fuel for the genny, Just how long would I have to run the Honda to charge the battery, and #3 worry about the Honda having legs.... and show up missing.

marcham · 10-15-2015, 05:49 AM

Solar can work. Last summer we installed a 100w panel and cheap pwm charger. Camped about 26 nights, with half of those dry camping. Even with cloudy days it kept up with the fridge, water pump, led lights and about 1hr on avg of dvd/TV. If we had used the heater a bit then I would have needed 200w to keep up. Keep in mind that due to the latitude in Alaska you'll have longer days but a lot less solar energy. Tiltable panel's would be advised.

We only used the genny for the AC in Oshkosh for 3 days.