Which distribution panel?

[Skydive8980]

I am having some electrical problems with my 2006 29' Salem camper. From everything I have read and the repair shop I have spoken with, it sounds like my power converter is going bad. Lights get dimmer the more things that are powered on and some lights don't work. Also my ac breaker randomly trips. I am not hooked to a battery just shore power.

So I am going tomorrow to pick up a new distribution panel and I will attempt to replace it this weekend. My problem is I don't know what model I currently have and my camper is a few hours away. The paperwork that came with my camper implies that I have either WFCO Ultra Distribution Panel 8935, 8945, or 8955.


Does anyone know which so that I buy the correct one?


Thanks,
Justin

[TURBS]

IN my personal opinion do not get a wfco .
you most likely have a 8955

you DO not have to replace the whole unit either.

just replace the converter and I would highly suggest this.
Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV Inteli Power Converter w Charge Wizard 60 Amp | eBay

from there site
http://www.progressivedyn.com/rv_con...pd9260c_2.html


more info on charge wizard.


http://www.progressivedyn.com/charge_wizard_9105.html
I have replaced mine from a wfco to a PD brand.
check around for better prices.
pm me for more info if you need.

Welcome to the forum !


TURBS

[Triguy]

Justin,
I don't know what you have other than to say its a WFCO 8900 series. The last two numbers refer to the overall amps for those three converters.

Not to confuse matters, but since you are replacing your converter, have you considered a rather nice upgrade to a Progressive Dynamics converter? Its what I intend to do if and when my 8955 fails.

A good resource to call are the guys over at BestConverter - Converters, Inverters, Electrical Supplies, Electronics.

[Triguy]

I see Turbs beat me to it while I was looking up that info. Anyway, PDs are great!

[Skydive8980]

I am new to all of this so please pardon my ignorance what does upgrading to a different brand do for me? Also the local camper place has the WFCO converter and entire unit. The entire unit is only fifteen dollars more than just the converter. So I figured I'd replace the whole unit for approx $210.

Also, from the symptoms that I mentioned are there any other things you can think of that are wrong? My camper is in a permanent spot, and I don't have my own truck. So if I can save the time, money, and hassle of towing it to a repair shop it would be ideal.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by Skydive8980

I am new to all of this so please pardon my ignorance what does upgrading to a different brand do for me? Also the local camper place has the WFCO converter and entire unit. The entire unit is only fifteen dollars more than just the converter. So I figured I'd replace the whole unit for approx $210.

Also, from the symptoms that I mentioned are there any other things you can think of that are wrong? My camper is in a permanent spot, and I don't have my own truck. So if I can save the time, money, and hassle of towing it to a repair shop it would be ideal.

No worries we all have our moments !
Altho the wfco unit is "ok" the PI unit has a much better charging system with the "charge pendant" and is only a little more.

Replacing the entire unit takes a lot of TIME and patience as every single wire has to be labeled and put back accordingly !

If you insist on buying the "whole unit" Then I would just take the converter out of the new one and install it in the old load center. WAY less time and agony !

30 minutes to just replace the converter ..... Hours to replace the whole unit!

WFCO converters tend to have fan issues as the fan will stop working without your knowledge and the converter will over heat and fail . Most likley the problem you're having with the old one. "dimming of lights then bright again".
Again jmo your results may vary.


TURBS

[TURBS]

As a side note per your pm, the PI unit is NOT a drop in replacement as you have to slightly modify the wfco case corner for it to fit.
Total modification time to case with a hack saw blade or side cutters was 30 seconds.
All the wires and connections were the same or similar for hookup.


TURBS

[Skydive8980]

I took your advice and ordered the PD converter from amazon. With overnight shipping it only came to about $190. I'll give installing it a shot on Friday. Thanks so much for the fast responses.

[BarryD0706]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

... the PI unit ...

PD unit