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05-24-2018, 01:54 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 13
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Replacing WFCO Converter
Always been able to get great answers here so have another question...
2013 Sunseeker 3100SS. Batteries had gone bad so I switched the 12v batteries for two 6v deep cycle batteries yesterday and everything seems to be working fine....I just raised the step 3/4 of an inch to accommodate the larger size batteries.
Now looking to upgrade from the existing WFCO 55amp power converter installed in the rear storage compartment to an IOTA DLS 55amp/iq4 4 stage smart charger.
I think I see where the power cord for the existing converter goes into the wall of the storage compartment, but not sure where it plugs in. Any ideas? Thought I'd ask before I start pulling things apart.
Also, for anyone that's replaced their converter, is this a fairly easy install?
Thanks!
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05-24-2018, 01:58 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmergen
Always been able to get great answers here so have another question...
2013 Sunseeker 3100SS. Batteries had gone bad so I switched the 12v batteries for two 6v deep cycle batteries yesterday and everything seems to be working fine....I just raised the step 3/4 of an inch to accommodate the larger size batteries.
Now looking to upgrade from the existing WFCO 55amp power converter installed in the rear storage compartment to an IOTA DLS 55amp/iq4 4 stage smart charger.
I think I see where the power cord for the existing converter goes into the wall of the storage compartment, but not sure where it plugs in. Any ideas? Thought I'd ask before I start pulling things apart.
Also, for anyone that's replaced their converter, is this a fairly easy install?
Thanks!
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Well its an easy install but why the iota? That is still an all automatic system. Most prefer the charge wizard type from PD. These are also a direct fit into the bottom end of the wfco. No need to mount somewhere away or in back of the power center.
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2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
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05-24-2018, 02:05 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
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__________________
2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
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05-24-2018, 02:16 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrosa
Well its an easy install but why the iota? That is still an all automatic system. Most prefer the charge wizard type from PD. These are also a direct fit into the bottom end of the wfco. No need to mount somewhere away or in back of the power center.
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Probably just lack of knowledge, lol. Wasn't aware I could just add the charge wizard. When I read about the IQ4 component of the IOTA it had sounded as if it performed the same function with the bulk, absorption, float and maintenance stages.
So if I hunt around there's going to be an outlet somewhere to plug this thing in at? The current converter is installed about 1 foot away from the fuse panel which is beside the bed above the rear storage.
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05-24-2018, 02:24 PM
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#6
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,888
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmergen
So if I hunt around there's going to be an outlet somewhere to plug this thing in at? The current converter is installed about 1 foot away from the fuse panel which is beside the bed above the rear storage.
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If it's about a foot away, the install is actually more simple than what lawrosa showed. In your case, it SHOULD just unplug from a 20amp outlet. If it doesn't, it's hard-wired to a 20amp breaker. When replacing the latter, you should first install a 20amp outlet (using 12 gauge wire) and then the new converter will plug into it.
I swapped my WFCO with a Progressive Dynamics. I later had to upgrade the PD when I went with lithium batteries. Here's a picture from that swap:
It's really just unplug the converter, disconnect the pos, neg, and ground wires. Maybe unscrew it from the floor. Put the new one in its place. Be careful that you get + and - correct.
If I can do it, a trained monkey could.
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Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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05-24-2018, 02:44 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmergen
Probably just lack of knowledge, lol. Wasn't aware I could just add the charge wizard. When I read about the IQ4 component of the IOTA it had sounded as if it performed the same function with the bulk, absorption, float and maintenance stages.
So if I hunt around there's going to be an outlet somewhere to plug this thing in at? The current converter is installed about 1 foot away from the fuse panel which is beside the bed above the rear storage.
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If the current converter is about a foot from the fuse panel that dont make sense. The charge portion should be at the bottom of fuse/breakers like my wfco. Since its the same 55 amp model I would assume.
Possibly someone replaced it already?
The PD unit and iota are similar. But the iota is automatic. The PD is automatic too but has a button you can push to force it in bulk mode. This is handy when charging.
If your batts are only slightly discharged and its getting in the PM, you can run your generator for say an hour and push the button for bulk 14.4. The iota would probably just charge at the 13.6 voltage because as I stated.. Automatic with no control..
But if you got it, I hear they are good as they do bulk at the higher 14.8 mode.
There are other modules you can get for them now with different charge algorithms.
__________________
2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
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05-24-2018, 02:53 PM
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#8
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,888
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrosa
If the current converter is about a foot from the fuse panel that dont make sense. The charge portion should be at the bottom of fuse/breakers like my wfco. Since its the same 55 amp model I would assume.
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Nope, not all WFCO converters are built into the distribution panel. My first camper was separate; this camper they're together.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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05-24-2018, 02:56 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 297
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad
Nope, not all WFCO converters are built into the distribution panel. My first camper was separate; this camper they're together.
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Interesting...
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2020 Ram 1500 classic 5.7l hemi 3:21 rear 8 speed
2019 Palimino XLE 24 RD
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05-24-2018, 03:00 PM
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#10
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,888
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrosa
Interesting...
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I can only say that because I was equally surprised the other way around. I thought all converters were separate until I was waiting for delivery on this rig and asked someone to tell me what converter it had for replacing it purposes. He said it would be hard to do because it was built-in like you showed. (Turns out, it wasn't so hard- but still not as easy as a separate unit entirely.)
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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05-24-2018, 03:16 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lawrosa
If the current converter is about a foot from the fuse panel that dont make sense. The charge portion should be at the bottom of fuse/breakers like my wfco. Since its the same 55 amp model I would assume.
Possibly someone replaced it already?
The PD unit and iota are similar. But the iota is automatic. The PD is automatic too but has a button you can push to force it in bulk mode. This is handy when charging.
If your batts are only slightly discharged and its getting in the PM, you can run your generator for say an hour and push the button for bulk 14.4. The iota would probably just charge at the 13.6 voltage because as I stated.. Automatic with no control..
But if you got it, I hear they are good as they do bulk at the higher 14.8 mode.
There are other modules you can get for them now with different charge algorithms.
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Thanks for the explanation so I understand a bit better on the differences.
We purchased our Sunseeker preowned so maybe the converter had been replaced. Really have no idea.
Going to try and attach a few photos.
The photo of the converter shows it mounted on the wall of the rear compartment (have already removed the protective cover that was over it.
The box where the fuses are doesn't seem as large as some I've seen and doesn't seem to have a lower area where I've seen converters installed (like yours).
The carpeted wall to the left of the fuse box is the wall to the rear compartment on which the converter is installed on the opposite side.
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05-24-2018, 03:20 PM
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#12
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 13
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So I'm guessing and hoping maybe that if I remove the panel where the fuses are maybe I'll find an outlet.
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05-24-2018, 03:48 PM
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#13
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,888
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That red and black wire are the 12v outputs. There should be a power cable on the backside of that converter that goes somewhere.
Here's the installation manual:
http://wfcoelectronics.com/wp-conten...ion-Manual.pdf
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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05-24-2018, 04:05 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad
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Yes, there is a power cable on the backside. Where it plugs in and if there's an outlet are the million dollar questions :-)
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05-24-2018, 04:06 PM
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#15
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Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,888
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kmergen
Yes, there is a power cable on the backside. Where it plugs in and if there's an outlet are the million dollar questions :-)
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LOL, yeah... just git a big hammer and git 'er done!
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
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07-16-2018, 05:24 PM
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#17
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 13
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Yep, had already gotten the IOTA. Tried taking the distribution panel off to look for where the outlet may be for power but I think the wires were to tight and I couldn't pull it more than a couple of inches.
So, I enlarged the hole where the existing battery and power cables went from the storage compartment. Turns out there was a 120 outlet on the reverse side of the distribution panel and I was able to reach my hand in from the storage bay, unplug the old and plug the new one in. It's worked wonderfully the last month or two with the new 6v deep cycle batteries.
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07-17-2018, 08:52 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 118
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Just a simple question... what is wrong with the WFCO and why upgrade it?
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07-17-2018, 08:58 AM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Between Pickles Gap and Toad Suck, AR
Posts: 6,070
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My OEM WFCO was not a smart 4 stage charger, and because I'm hooked up almost 100% of the time, it boiled out my batteries........or tried to. Changed to a 4 stage smart converter, and not one drop has gone out of batteries since.
That'd be MY reason.
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2016 GMC Denali 3500Dually--2017 CC 36CKTS
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07-17-2018, 09:02 AM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 118
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BandJCarm
My OEM WFCO was not a smart 4 stage charger, and because I'm hooked up almost 100% of the time, it boiled out my batteries........or tried to. Changed to a 4 stage smart converter, and not one drop has gone out of batteries since.
That'd be MY reason.
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Thanks!
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