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sirpurrcival · 04-19-2022, 11:13 AM

I have a 33 foot Catalina Legacy trailer with an apparent converter failure.

I have to pull off the panel to determine the actual model but it is pretty clear that a replacement is in the cards. The original I believe to be a 45 amp single stage device. The trailer does have upgraded batteries going from 1-12 volt battery to 2 - Interstate GC2 Lead Acid batteries. 225 Ah. The reason I believe the converter to be gone is that:

1. The batteries don't charge when the trailer is plugged in.
2. There is no sound of a cooling fan in operation (there used to be)
3. The battery indicator in the coach went to E when the coach was plugged in.
4. When a separate battery charger is connected at the batteries, they charge fine and the operation within the coach for all 12v items is normal.

When I pull the cover and check that AC power is available to the converter, I am pretty sure that will find that it is good up to the converter. I checked breaker to converter as well just to make sure it wasn't tripped or something like that.

So all that for the following question. As mentioned, the original unit is supposed to be a 45 amp device. Should I consider upsizing that power to something like a 50 amp smart converter?

I ask mainly because of the battery upgrades. They hold more juice and as such when low, I would expect that the converter has to work harder and longer to bring them up. If the current model was sort of minimally competent for the job which is what I generally expect from RV Builders....

Are there any issues that I should be concerned about with an upgrade to amperage? Not looking to make a large increase, but something in the order of 5 amps or so.

Old-Biscuit · 04-19-2022, 11:31 AM

1999 model......probably a Magnetek/Parallax converter.

Check Best Converters for replacement
https://www.bestconverter.com/Parall...ters_c_68.html

sirpurrcival · 04-19-2022, 11:50 AM

Thanks for the resource. I will follow up with that but just as an aside, the trailer is a 2019 model, so relatively new but I have had a fair share of issues with the electrics with this trailer from day one. I suspect that the original converter may have had something to do with that. Perhaps AC Ripple. I have however lost faith in my local RV dealership so asking them for advice is kind of off the table.

Any thoughts on increasing the amperage?

dvspl · 04-19-2022, 12:04 PM

Since you've added battery capacity, it would be nice to replace the converter with one that has a higher charge rate. But you first have to make sure that the existing wiring will be adequate for more amps. It may be wired and fused for 45A maximum. Do you know what size wire is run from the converter to the batteries? That will determine the maximum charge rate from a replacement converter. Also, bear in mind that the converter is often connected directly to the 12V fuse panel so check on that, too. If you do upgrade it, I'd consider one of the newer smart converters that will also charge LIFEPO4 batteries, in case you decide to upgrade to those later.

sirpurrcival · 04-19-2022, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvspl

Since you've added battery capacity, it would be nice to replace the converter with one that has a higher charge rate. But you first have to make sure that the existing wiring will be adequate for more amps. It may be wired and fused for 45A maximum. Do you know what size wire is run from the converter to the batteries? That will determine the maximum charge rate from a replacement converter. Also, bear in mind that the converter is often connected directly to the 12V fuse panel so check on that, too. If you do upgrade it, I'd consider one of the newer smart converters that will also charge LIFEPO4 batteries, in case you decide to upgrade to those later.

It appears to be 6awg (13.3mm/2) as written on the cable.

sirpurrcival · 04-19-2022, 03:27 PM

So here are some of the images I have taken

It is actually a 55 amp converter. Here are some of the specs.
The fuse circuit board seems to suggest that it is good up to 150 amps so I think I am pretty safe there.

You can see some of the components that have basically blown.

So that is what I am going to be looking at replacing. I am going to have to stick with the existing wire mostly because what is there goes under a cover panel that is all covered with spray insulation. We'll see where we get.

Thanks to all for the assist. If any else have anything to add, I will be checking back.

Old-Biscuit · 04-19-2022, 08:39 PM

Looks like you let the 'goo' out ----- LOL

Boondocker 55A 4 stage is direct replacement for the WFCO 8955 converter
https://www.bestconverter.com/BD-125...l#.Yl9yKovMLIU

Tomcat58 · 05-18-2022, 11:07 AM

I have the same power center. A wfco 8955 pec. I bought it new and after it was installed it lasted 2 weeks. After contacting the company and speaking with Tiffinay and Christie and being treat very rude I have decided to switch the whole power center to another brand of hopefully better quality and better customer service. Please post what your solution was. I see progressive has a direct replacement but would like to hear others opinions.

DavidEM · 05-18-2022, 11:58 AM

I replaced the charger part of my pos WFCO 8955 converter. Progressive Dynamics has good, drop in replacements. Give them a call for their recommendation.

David