WFCO 8955 Converter might be bad

[Knoxford]

I may have a converter problem. It doesn't seem that the fan is running anytime. Although, when I pulled the two 40 amp fuses to test the voltage (I got 12.31 volts) but when I put the 1st 40 amp fuse back in the fan kicked on for 3 seconds and then quit.

After a 100 degree day I can go into the trailer and the battery shows low. The next morning it show full. The reefer is running. So when I put an external fan on the unit it keeps the battery charged during the day also.

But when I had the lights an A/C going and I disconnect the negative on the battery everything goes out and off like there is no converter. Put the negative back on it all comes backup.

Is this enough to go on to purchase a replacement converter like the progressive dynamics PD4655V. I have a WFCO 8955.

Thankful for this thread! Could not have replaced my RM2652 cooling unit without it (Especially Lou!)

[wahoonc]

There is a sheet for trouble shooting the WFCO on their website. IMHO an upgrade to the Progressive is the best way to go. I have an 8955 and it will be getting upgraded soon. Even though the WFCO is working at the moment.

I had one crap out on another unit I used to own, after going through all the BS with WFCO I replaced with a PD unit and never looked back. I buy my converters and stuff from Best Converter. Great people to deal with and will promptly answer and questions you may have.

Aaron

[Bama Rambler]

I agree that it's most likely the converter going bad. As said above, Best Converter is a good place to look. They'll be able to recommend a replacement unit that will do you a good job.

[jchiar]

My unit just failed. I had the inductor glow red hot. Started smoking , scared the **** out of me and I quit my vacation short. I was lucky and they replace my 8955. Good customer service.

[Knoxford]

Thanks for the link to the test procedure Aaron.

Looks like I have my answer!

[HONDAMAN174]

I made the switch to the 4655 also. My reason was that the WFCO would never go into bulk charge mode. Get the charge wizard pendant and would be a good time to also install a small amp meter. I use it to see how much output it is giving the batteries.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[OldBob]

Originally Posted by HONDAMAN174

I made the switch to the 4655 also. My reason was that the WFCO would never go into bulk charge mode. Get the charge wizard pendant and would be a good time to also install a small amp meter. I use it to see how much output it is giving the batteries.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

I agree entirely. The RV industry uses the WFCO because they are the cheapest converter out there. In all my years I've never found a WFCO that I liked. I always replace them with the Progressive Dynamics (PD). The PD 4655 is the one I'm using now. It's a much better unit and I also agree with getting the remote. It's a $10 option and worth every penny.

[wahoonc]

Originally Posted by OldBob

I agree entirely. The RV industry uses the WFCO because they are the cheapest converter out there. In all my years I've never found a WFCO that I liked. I always replace them with the Progressive Dynamics (PD). The PD 4655 is the one I'm using now. It's a much better unit and I also agree with getting the remote. It's a $10 option and worth every penny.

Bingo!

I have had to replace several WFCO's over the years. Of course there isn't any hard data to show what their failure rate is, but I would suspect it is higher than any other brand. Their warranty program is onerous at best. Turn around time can hit close to 6 weeks if you are having a dealer do it, worst part is you have to pay full cost of the converter and labor if they decide not to warrant it. By the time you get done with all of that you will be money ahead by installing a PD.

Aaron

[Knoxford]

Thanks everyone! Installing PD4655!

[HONDAMAN174]

Is it in yet? Is it in yet? Going to be a happy camper.

Most I had recharged back from was 40% on my two battery set up. Today I go to get Woodstock from the dealer and batteries are dead. Shocking!

So after a 30 min drive home I plug in and see its putting out 37 amps. Not bad. It's over 100 inside and within 5 minutes the cooling fans were on (1st time ever) and output is 48 amps! Never got over 20 out of my WFCO.


2014 Evo 2850 "Woodstock"
2011 Toyota Tundra "Clifford"

[waiter21]

Sounds like its working.

I had a very old single stage in my Mirada.

One of the really neat features o these new u nits is their ability to re-charge the batteries fast (and smartly).

i.e. I'd need to run my generator a couple hours just to re-charge the battery, now I only need to run it 15-20 minutes.

[GL1800Rider]

I had a WFCO in my Flagstaff and the fan was very noisy. Also very slow at charging the batter. Fortunately the Forester comes with the Progressive Dynamics. It is so much better and I have yet to hear the fan run.