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Old 03-11-2011, 04:46 PM   #1
USA in a Chevrolet
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What is the Best Converter?

I have a 2010 Select Suites 36RESB & I have some doubts as to the quality of the converter as it applies to charging my batteries, specifically avoiding overcharging when I am in 1 spot for a long time. The factory installed converter is a WFCO. Does anyone know if it avoids overcharging batteries?
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Old 03-11-2011, 05:51 PM   #2
porkchop
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I've had mine for 3 trouble free years. When we sit for the winter, I activate the battery disconnect switch. About 2 days before breaking camp I reconnect to make sure it's good to go. No troubles so far. Batteries check out good.
What makes you doubt yours?
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Old 03-11-2011, 07:41 PM   #3
billr
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Check the specs here http://www.wfcoelectronics.com/index...d=99&Itemid=80

Not sure what model you have, but it looks like they all have 3 levels of charge including a float.


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Old 03-13-2011, 11:09 AM   #4
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I have had my MS (2006) plugged in when not on the road all the time since new. The battery shut off has never been used. I do have a battery charging wizard (spelling) and have never had any over/under charging. All working as advertized we are half timers and when not using MS have it pluged in at house. Check into the charging wizard you can purchase on line for less than $40. Just plug into converter in less time than it takes to open your bay door.
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Old 03-13-2011, 12:45 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by porkchop
I've had mine for 3 trouble free years. When we sit for the winter, I activate the battery disconnect switch. About 2 days before breaking camp I reconnect to make sure it's good to go. No troubles so far. Batteries check out good.
What makes you doubt yours?
Thanks for the response. I am questioning the quality because I do not want to disconnect my batteries & use just the converter in a park. I am assumin that you disconnect yours because you are worried about overcharging the batteries. I want a converter that will float charge the batteries after they are up to full charge. I have had the experience with my prior fifth wheel of the Iota converter overcharging my bateeries until I installed an Iota smart charger module. I believe it's called a IQ.
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Old 03-13-2011, 12:47 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RonS
I have had my MS (2006) plugged in when not on the road all the time since new. The battery shut off has never been used. I do have a battery charging wizard (spelling) and have never had any over/under charging. All working as advertized we are half timers and when not using MS have it pluged in at house. Check into the charging wizard you can purchase on line for less than $40. Just plug into converter in less time than it takes to open your bay door.
Is the Charging Wizard made to work with the WFCO converter? Does it plug into the converter & exactly what is the name of the Charging Wizard? This sounds like I am looking for.
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Old 03-13-2011, 03:34 PM   #7
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I dont have all the answers to the Charge Wizard but it just pluged into my converter ( dont know the brand that came with my MS) but if you Google Charge Wizard you will find out if it will plug into your converter and also find best price. For me it works great and I only have to add a little water to batteries once every 6mo or so. Good luck with your search..........Ron
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Old 03-13-2011, 03:43 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RonS
I dont have all the answers to the Charge Wizard but it just pluged into my converter ( dont know the brand that came with my MS) but if you Google Charge Wizard you will find out if it will plug into your converter and also find best price. For me it works great and I only have to add a little water to batteries once every 6mo or so. Good luck with your search..........Ron
Thanks, Ill do that!
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Old 03-13-2011, 04:25 PM   #9
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converter

When mine went out I called Tom Peck and DRV gave me a good price on a new one. Inteli-Power PD9280 it has the charge wizard built in. It is made by Progressive Dynamics
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Old 03-13-2011, 11:07 PM   #10
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I THINK only the Progressive Dynamics 9200 series converters have the Charge Wizard built in--but others may have a similar setup.
Also, I think the batteries HAVE to be connected for any 12 volt items to work, even when on shore power--you will not have to use the battery disconnect when hooked up, and overcharging should not be an issue.
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Old 03-14-2011, 10:10 AM   #11
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If you disconnect the batteries when the trailer is in use you risk pulling more amps than the converter is designed to supply. The batteries are the main electrical load bearing part of the 12 volt system. The converter is just there to bring the batteries back up to charge not hold the load, especially on the initial surge.
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