Converter died, how to keep things going until the replacement gets here

[KenDiS]

Hello all,

My converter died (WF 9855) and was looking for suggestions on how to keep things alive until the replacement gets here. We are plugged into shore power. I'm charging the batteries, but the charge isn't lasting like I think it should (10 amp charger). We are minimizing 12 volt usage as well. I *think* our only 12volt draw is the refrigerator (except for the occasional accidental flip of a light switch).

Any suggestions you have are most appreciated.

Ken

[BreakfastinAmerica]

With power available, can you plug in a trickle charger?

[orbiker]

Hello all,

My converter died (WF 9855) and was looking for suggestions on how to keep things alive until the replacement gets here. We are plugged into shore power. I'm charging the batteries, but the charge isn't lasting like I think it should (10 amp charger). We are minimizing 12 volt usage as well. I *think* our only 12volt draw is the refrigerator (except for the occasional accidental flip of a light switch).

Any suggestions you have are most appreciated.

Ken

A 10 amp is not very much. You are going to need at least 20A charger.

What rig do you have?
How much is the furnace running?
How many batteries?

Also.
Hopefully you are upgrading to a better 4 stage converter. HERE is a crossover chart.
KEN

[Second Chance]

The issue you are having stems from the fact that the WFCO converters used in the 50 amp Grand Design RVs are 55 amp output converter/chargers. If you can't keep the battery charged with a 10 amp charger, it's because you're drawing more from the battery than the 10 amp charger can replace. The things in your trailer that operate on 12 volts include:

house lights
water pump
refrigerator control board
furnace control board

Any of these things you can do without, turn off. If it's going to take a while to get your replacement converter, see if you can find a heavier-duty multi-stage charger/maintainer at an auto parts store.

Now... think about why your converter died (it's not terribly common). Do you have/use an EMS (electrical management system)? Were you careful about battery maintenance (check electrolyte level regularly, clean terminals, etc.)?

Rob

[sande005]

And...your entertainment system (except the TV, that is usually 120v). Also propane/smoke alarms and any vent fans. Depending on the model, there may be a vent fan for the fridge that is 12v, that will also pull power. Plugging into your truck will also provide some charge, if the engine is running - but it is a terribly inefficient to run that just to charge a battery - and not very fast. But a bit more is better than no more, if in a pinch. Least power hungry (beyond the alarms) would be the lights, so minimize, but you shouldn't have to sit in the dark at night.

[huntr70]

If you have available 120 power, hook up a regular battery charger to the 12 volt leads in the front compartment.

[Second Chance]

If you have available 120 power, hook up a regular battery charger to the 12 volt leads in the front compartment.

OP says he's already doing that with a 10 amp charger, but it's not keeping up.

Rob

[huntr70]

OP says he's already doing that with a 10 amp charger, but it's not keeping up.

Rob

"I'm charging the batteries, but the charge isn't lasting like I think it should (10 amp charger)"

I'm saying to go directly onto the wire leads, not the battery. Bypass it.

[Second Chance]

"I'm charging the batteries, but the charge isn't lasting like I think it should (10 amp charger)"

I'm saying to go directly onto the wire leads, not the battery. Bypass it.

Not arguing - just asking out of curiosity: with the gauge of wire that's there, what difference would that make?

Rob

[KenDiS]

Thanks all for the input.

Got our new Progressive Dynamics Converter Charger installed this morning. Thanks orbiker for posting the link to the crossover chart.

Looking back, I now realize our WF 9855 has been an issue since we took delivery. The batteries never took a full charge (or held it) when hooked up to shore power since the first trip out. The times we weren't on shore power, we were running our generator and still had issues with the batteries fully charging. Not once did I think it was the charger converter on the fritz, assumed it was poor battery management on my part.

Thanks again for the replies.

Ken