Power converter/charger replacement/upgrade

[Alpenbaker]

I have a 1988 Bigfoot 17 I've been repairing/remodeling. I think the original Allanson D20-BRA-A Power Converter has had it.

My question is, what would be a good replacement for it? Can I go with a higher amperage unit and install a separate fuse panel?
My Alpenlite fifth wheel I installed the Progressive Dynamics 45amp converter/charger and its been like a night and day difference over the original unit. Sooo much better! I'm wondering though, would this unit be too much amperage for the Bigfoot? My Alpie has two batteries, the Bigfoot has one.

Any and all advice/suggestions much appreciated! Thanks!

[Glass House]

I have the PD45 in my 1988B-17. I built a little fuse panel to go with it. Works like a charm.

[Jon Vermilye]

As long as you use the proper sized wiring, a 45 amp converter is no problem.

[Alpenbaker]

I ordered a WFCO WF8955PECB 55 AMP Power Converter/charger off Amazon. This will fit the current opening of the original with a little modification.

What size wire should I use from the battery to the new unit?

[Jon Vermilye]

I'd think twice about a WFCO converter. They will rarely go into the bulk mode, which means very long charging time. Look at Progressive Dynamics, or talk to Randy at Best Converters.

Wire size depends or current & length. I suspect that your run will be short enough that #6 wire would be adequate.

[Larry C Hanson]

Hello,

I second Jon's recommendation to speak with Randy at
Best Converters.... I spoke with him about upgrading my
'78 trillium... very knowledgeable about converters, etc.

Larry H

[Casita Greg]

+1 for the Progressive Dynamics converter. I love mine. And I also wouldn't ever install a WFCO converter even if it was given to me. Just MHO.

[thrifty bill]

Put a PD 4135 in my 1977 Trillium. Cheapest price I found was eBay. Randy at Best Converters talked me out of a WFCO.


Google WFCO problems and you decide. My PD 4135 was less than $10 more than the similar WFCO. Put it in my Trillium 1300. The WFCO is made in China, the PD is made in USA.

[sokhapkin]

What is wrong with WFCO converters?

[alan H]

Originally Posted by sokhapkin

What is wrong with WFCO converters?

Per my research a very high failure rate

[Jon Vermilye]

In my case I have never had it go into the bulk stage. Takes forever to recharge batteries. I had a 55 amp WFCO converter & the manufacturer of my trailer put a 40 amp fuse between it & the batteries - the fuse never opened...

I replaced it with a Progressive Dynamics converter & it functions up to its specifications.

[computerspook]

I put a 60 amp unit in it and then broke out and fused the wiring seperately as possible. I also added some of my own. Yeah I am a nerd. One reason for the unit I chose is that it actually has a seperate line for the battery. When on battery power it connects the battery to the wiring. When on shore power (or generator) it separately charges and float charges the battery for maintain it. Had to go to 60 amps to get a unit that had a good reputation for actually doing this well.

Have a 12 volt TV and computer. I am a ham radio operator and so wanted good power for my equipment. While I was putting everything else in I also put in a buck and bost converter for my extra stuff from powerstream.

Hva e been very happy with it.