Converter Not Working
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: I need HELP!!!
Forum Discription: Perplexed/need help with a problem - ask here
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11823
Printed Date: 29 Apr 2024 at 5:26pm
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Topic: Converter Not Working
Posted By: landshark
Subject: Converter Not Working
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 3:35pm
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WF-8955-PEC 30 converter in my 2015 Rpod 180 that after only 1 year, is no longer working. Read about how these unit fail fairly regularly. I just got back from a 4000 km trip to the Yukon and did some gravel road towing and that may have been the cause (vibration). My batteries are good, (pair of 6 volt only 8 months old and I never let them get below 12.4 volts.
I have done all the testing in the owners manual and what I have found on the web and have determined the converter is dead. (tested grounds, breakers, fuses etc)
My options are: 1) Replace with same unit (Amazon.ca) for $270 with free shipping. 2) Replace with Progressive Dynamics PD9260CV Inteli-Power 9200 Series 60 Amp Converter/Charger with Built-in Charge Wizard. Amazon.ca price is about $380. (Recommended by member on this forum)
Is the Progressive worth the extra $100?
Thanks
Bob
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Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 3:46pm
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That's not the one you need.. you want the PD Model #PD4655V.. It is designed to be a direct swap. The one you have linked is a deck mount. I don't keep up with CA pricing etc. The PD unit is very much better then the WFCO unit.
But here is an http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Dynamics-PD4655V-Inteli-Power-Converter/dp/B002OR4242 - Amazon Link
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Posted By: landshark
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2018 at 6:49pm
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Thanks furpod for the link and directing me to the correct model. I can get one on Amazon.ca with prime, CAD $330.
Bob
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 7:23am
BTW, don't order the pendant.. it's near useless, and the circuit board does everything anyways.
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Posted By: Lear111
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 7:28am
I just replaced my WFCO converter with the progressive dynamics 4655. It is a direct replacement and can be done by you. The company warns about internet purchases some that do not come with a serial number. I purchased mine from best converter RV electrical supplies and it was legitimate. Unfortunately my first unit made an unusual noise but progressive was aware of the problem and immediately replaced it with no questions or paperwork. A good American company who stands by their product. Took about 1 hour the first time and 15 minutes the second time for installation. It works great.
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Steve
Lexus GX460
R-pod 180 2017
1 black lab
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Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 10:20am
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shark, you may want to contact WFCO about a warranty replacement. Seems to me their warranty is 2 years, if I recall correctly. Then you can keep it as a spare after buying the new Progressive Dynamics converter. Since I recently replaced my WFCO with a new one (still working just fine) this is what I plan to do if there is a failure during the warranty time.
Also, one member suggested putting a little foam cushioning below the converter to dampen the vibrations. I tried it with a piece of thin carpet pad and all is working nicely.
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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost
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Posted By: landshark
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 10:56am
Originally posted by furpod
BTW, don't order the pendant.. it's near useless, and the circuit board does everything anyways.
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What is the "pendant"?
Thanks
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Posted By: Lear111
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 12:18pm
I agree with lostagain on the WFCO warranty. I kept my old one also as a back up. The pendant is a small box with a light on it that flashes corresponding to the output of the converter. 14.4 volts for fast charge also can force it into that mode with the pendant but not recommended. 13.6 volts for normal mode and 13.2 volts for float or maintaining mode. The pendant came with mine but a cheap voltmeter installed off the distribution box tells you the status without figuring out confusing light flashes.
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Steve
Lexus GX460
R-pod 180 2017
1 black lab
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Posted By: landshark
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 4:06pm
Originally posted by lostagain
shark, you may want to contact WFCO about a warranty replacement. Seems to me their warranty is 2 years, if I recall correctly. Then you can keep it as a spare after buying the new Progressive Dynamics converter. Since I recently replaced my WFCO with a new one (still working just fine) this is what I plan to do if there is a failure during the warranty time.
Also, one member suggested putting a little foam cushioning below the converter to dampen the vibrations. I tried it with a piece of thin carpet pad and all is working nicely. |
Thanks for info about the warranty, I did call my local RV who is an authorized dealer with WFCO products, I do still have 8 months left on my warranty but I need a working converter now. We are currently living out of our RPod 180 while we wait to take possession of our new house.
The RV shop said they were taking appointments for the middle of August. They did say I could bring in just the converter (lower part) and get it approved for warranty replacement. I did buy on Amazon.ca the PD4655V converter, it was $140 CND cheaper than the local RV shop.
Will cushion the unit as recommended.
Thanks all for the quick replies, nice to get this fixed quick as need to go get away as we are currently camping at the in-laws.
Bob
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Posted By: landshark
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 4:11pm
Originally posted by Lear111
I agree with lostagain on the WFCO warranty. I kept my old one also as a back up. The pendant is a small box with a light on it that flashes corresponding to the output of the converter. 14.4 volts for fast charge also can force it into that mode with the pendant but not recommended. 13.6 volts for normal mode and 13.2 volts for float or maintaining mode. The pendant came with mine but a cheap voltmeter installed off the distribution box tells you the status without figuring out confusing light flashes. |
Got ya, I have a voltmeter installed so I can read the VDC of the battery (running 2 6volt, also have a Renology 100 watt panel for boondocking charging). While I wait for my new converter, i am charging my batteries with a NOCO 7600 smart charger.
Thanks again
Bob
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Posted By: Lear111
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2018 at 4:25pm
When installing the PD 4655 the internet pictures are better than the black and white printed directions. The wires are crossed meaning the AC wires are on the right side of the converter and DC wires on the left. That means they must be crossed to reach their required connections. Not a big deal they will reach. Go slow triple check the connections take pictures prior and any questions ask. You will be very happy with the PD unit.
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Steve
Lexus GX460
R-pod 180 2017
1 black lab
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Posted By: landshark
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 1:13pm
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Here is my update.
So the Progressive Dynamics PD4655 converter arrived within 4 days of ordering off Amazon.ca. It came with a serial number.
Install was straight forward.
Now when I plugged in the shore power, the thin red wire on the 4 wire jumper (header) smoked and melted instantly.
The voltmeter I installed last year does not register a charging from the converter. If I leave 12 volt things on, it will slowly go down. I treat my two golf cart 6 volt batteries better than I do my children, so I know they are ok.
Does the 4 pin jumper wire that send info to the LED indicating charging mode necessary ensure correct operation of the converter?
With the replacement of the WFCO converter with the PD4655, nothing has changed battery charging wise. I checked all breakers, fuses, grounds, including grounds off battery on trailer frame. All are ok. If I turn my battery switch off and only the microwave and the tv work, nothing else. I am pretty sure other things worked without connection to the 12 volts, like the slideout.
I read that if the panel that has battery condition and grey/black water buttons, has battery LED light lit (C=Charge?) that the charger/converter is working. I do get the top red LED lit, but if I run 12 volt til it gets to 12.3 volts it goes down. Normally the battery LED would go down after 12.5 volts.
Is there something I am missing, there seems to be a disconnect with the charging system between the batteries and converter?
Thanks for any help.
Bob
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 08 Jul 2018 at 8:33pm
Smoking and melting wires is never good and indicates a serious wiring issue. Are you sure your polarity is correct?
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Posted By: landshark
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 3:06pm
Originally posted by StephenH
Smoking and melting wires is never good and indicates a serious wiring issue. Are you sure your polarity is correct?
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Man, I can not believe I got the polarity wrong? I was so sure I had it right that I did not even bother to check the polarity fuses. After walking away from the problem, Stephen H comments got me to go back and review my wiring.
After install of 2 new fuses and connecting the white and black wires properly, everything works great.
Now I just need where I can get a new 4 pin jumper wire to replace the one I fried.
Thanks everyone.
Bob
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 3:15pm
Glad you got it figured out. Sorry I can't help you with the 4-pin jumper wire. Too bad Radio Shack isn't around anymore.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Posted By: landshark
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 3:19pm
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Yep, miss the old RS. I have sent a request in to Progressive Dynamics, told them my dog ate the jumper harness.
Bob
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Posted By: Vernonymous
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 6:43pm
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Newbie Vernonymous here. Landshark, you mentioned using a 12 volt battery charger for two 6 volt batteries. Are you charging the two batteries together? I need to buy a charger and don't know if I need something to charge them individually or together. With this in mind, what charger do the rest of you recommend for two Trojan T-105 batteries?
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Posted By: landshark
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 6:52pm
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Yes, I charge my two 6 Volt batteries (US Batteries-US2200 232 amp hours 20 hr rate) together in series. I use the NOCO Genius G7200 battery charger. I also use a Renolgy solar battery panel, 100 Watts to keep my batteries charged when boondocking
The charger can do 24 Volt charging which is why I originally bought it as I have a Toyota Land Cruiser HJ60 that runs on 24 Volt.
Bob
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 09 Jul 2018 at 7:18pm
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When I had the dual 6V batteries out, I kept them hooked together and used my 12V charger with them. In the 'Pod, the converter takes care of them just fine.
---------(+) 6V Battery 1 (-)----------(+) 6V Battery 2 (-)------ Connect+ Connect-
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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Posted By: Podski4us
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2018 at 2:20pm
Hello from another newbie. Sorry to interrupt and not too sure where to post my question. I too have a 180 and the power converter is dead. For what I'm reading everybody that had a problem with it seems to go on replacing it. Does anybody knows what really gone bad to it. Maybe it's just a matter of replacing resistor or capacitor. Please help.
Thanks Efren
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Posted By: Richand Cindy
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2018 at 8:31pm
On our unit the circuit board was cracked. It seems that the converter sits right above the axle and is very susceptible to vibration.So after a long stretch of very rough road (we had to slowdown to 25 mph the vibration was so bad) we noticed it stopped working. Dealer replaced converter under warranty. So not simple fix.
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OLD 2017.5 RPOD 180 + 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
NEW: 2018 Passport Elite 23RB + 2017 Ram 1500 Diesel
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Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 13 Jul 2018 at 10:42pm
If it is under 2 years old, it is under warranty by WFCO. Go to their site and follow the troubleshooting steps. If it is bad, you can request replacement. I did so and now have a spare because I had to replace it during a trip. The one I purchased is still going strong, but I keep the one sent under warranty available just in case the installed one goes bad again. We've been over some very rough roads on our last trip. It has not affected the converter. I'm not sure vibration is the cause of failure.
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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...
http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS
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