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Old 03-02-2017, 06:27 PM   #1
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Replacing a WFCO WF-8955PEC converter

Prior to purchasing an AGM battery, I want to replace my WFCO WF-8955PEC converter, mostly because it takes forever to fully charge a battery.

I'm looking at
Progressive Dynamics (PD4655V) 55 Amp Converter/Charger with Built-In Charge Wizard at about $215: https://www.amazon.com/Progressive-D.../dp/B002OR4242
vs
Boondocker BD 1255 MBA 55 Amp 4-Stage Main Board Replacement at about $160: BD 1255 MBA 55 Amp 4-Stage Main Board Replacement
The Boondocker's cheaper, but does not seem to have any published specifications or other useful documentation.

Who has used which one? What do you like or dislike? Has anyone found specifications or other technical documentation for the Boondocker?

Thanks,

John
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Old 03-02-2017, 06:50 PM   #2
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I replaced the WFCO WF-8955PEC with a Progressive Dynamics 4655 MBA after getting a recommendation from Randy at Best Converter and perusing this forum. Not sure what the differences are between the 4655 MBA and the 4655V. It sounds like you have the same original converter as mine, the PD4655 MDA takes less than 10 minutes to install and if you know what to do, probably can do it in less than 5 minutes, I like that part of it. I also like that I can see the Charge Wizzard Pendant through the plexiglass. I just installed it last week so don't know how long it will last but from all the positive reviews, I think it was the way to go.

Here is link to what I did: http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1429928

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Old 03-02-2017, 07:45 PM   #3
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@gectisme, I saw your post previously. The only complaint I have, and it's with both the Boondocker and the PD, is their desulfation cycle, which AGM batteries have no need for.
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Old 03-02-2017, 07:55 PM   #4
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I have the PD that I changed the WFCO for and never looked back, The PD comes with a new fuse board with the wizard button on it. Takes about 15 mins to change the power pac and board out. I have read on this forum that people who bought the boondocker are happy also. Just make sure your getting the wizard and new board with it, Thats awful cheap...
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Old 03-02-2017, 08:11 PM   #5
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I would email Randy at Best Converters and ask him about your specific situation. He will be more than happy to help you out. They are a great company to deal with and very responsive.

Aaron
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Old 03-02-2017, 08:12 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnbryanpeters View Post
@gectisme, I saw your post previously. The only complaint I have, and it's with both the Boondocker and the PD, is their desulfation cycle, which AGM batteries have no need for.

I may be wrong, won't be the first or last I am sure but I believe any lead acid battery can sulfate so the AGM's would fit in that category.
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Old 03-02-2017, 09:00 PM   #7
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And when you are installing whichever unit, get a 50 amp ammeter so you can monitor the output.

DROK DC 0-600V Multimeter, 0-50A Ampere Voltage Meter Tester, Three-digit DC Digital Multimeter with Three-wire Connection, Ammeter Voltmeter Gauge Panel for Car Automotive Vehicle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M65MQTA..._u4mUybDBYXSSR
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Old 03-02-2017, 09:08 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174 View Post
And when you are installing whichever unit, get a 50 amp ammeter so you can monitor the output.

DROK DC 0-600V Multimeter, 0-50A Ampere Voltage Meter Tester, Three-digit DC Digital Multimeter with Three-wire Connection, Ammeter Voltmeter Gauge Panel for Car Automotive Vehicle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M65MQTA..._u4mUybDBYXSSR
Thanks. I already have installed a Bogart Engineering TM-2030RV-F TriMetric battery monitor.
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Old 03-02-2017, 09:47 PM   #9
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This is also a very nice 55 amp converter at Best Converter for $170
I have one and like it.
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Old 03-02-2017, 11:35 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Witch Doctor View Post
....The PD comes with a new fuse board with the wizard button on it....
The PD4655V model is the one referred to here. It doesn't have the remote.

The PD4655MBA model doesn't have the metal case or the 12V fuse board but it has a second fan (better for the tight space) and the remote that plugs into the converter board.
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Old 03-03-2017, 03:56 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itat View Post
The PD4655V model is the one referred to here. It doesn't have the remote.

The PD4655MBA model doesn't have the metal case or the 12V fuse board but it has a second fan (better for the tight space) and the remote that plugs into the converter board.
Amazon says it comes with a built in Charge Wizard or you can plug in a remote......
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Old 03-03-2017, 07:39 AM   #12
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I believe both models have the Charge Wizard which is the circuitry and programming to intelligently know or manually select what charge level to apply. The "V" model has the "mode selector" button on the supplied 12V fuse board and the "MBA" model has the wired remote so you can place it where you don't have to bend down and open the cover on the converter housing. If you want to replace the 12V board and get the remote, you can buy the "V" model and buy a remote separately and plug it into the 4-pin connector on the main converter board rather than using the 4-pin wiring harness that goes between the converter board and the 12V board.
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Old 03-03-2017, 07:57 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by itat View Post
I believe both models have the Charge Wizard which is the circuitry and programming to intelligently know or manually select what charge level to apply. The "V" model has the "mode selector" button on the supplied 12V fuse board and the "MBA" model has the wired remote so you can place it where you don't have to bend down and open the cover on the converter housing. If you want to replace the 12V board and get the remote, you can buy the "V" model and buy a remote separately and plug it into the 4-pin connector on the main converter board rather than using the 4-pin wiring harness that goes between the converter board and the 12V board.
Thanks. That clarifies that I would be seeking the PD4655MBA if I go with Progressive.
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