I need HELP!!!: WFCO Converter question RP190

WFCO Converter question RP190

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=12999
Printed Date: 13 May 2025 at 2:49pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: WFCO Converter question RP190

Posted By: Geocleve
Subject: WFCO Converter question RP190
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2019 at 3:50pm

Recently received our Inergy Apex solar generator, and was wondering if there is a way to connect to the campers converter via the 30 amp, without having to charge the camper batteries? Is there a fuse I can pull in the converter? I’d like to be able to power just the outlets in the rpod to save the battery in the Apex generator. We typically camp where there are strict gas generator use rules, so having a silent source of power has been great! The converter on the rpod draws 400watts even when the rpod batteries are full. We still see almost six hours of use with one portable solar panel connected to the Apex. I was told by the dealer that a battery must always be used even when connected to shore power/generator. Thanks in advance for your help.

Replies:

Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2019 at 5:09pm

I do not understand your question.. but it sounds like you are plugging the shore power cable into this power pack thing? which isn't a generator in any way shape or form, simply a battery pack with an inverter installed and a solar panel dedicated to it??.

If that is what you are doing, just flip the BREAKER for the converter/charger. That will prevent your "generator" from charging the trailer batteries.

-------------

Posted By: podwerkz
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2019 at 5:22pm

If you flip the converter 120v breaker off, as posted above, the converter charge circuit will be disabled, and the trailer's 12v systems will be running from the trailer batteries ONLY, and the Apex will be powering the 120v outlets and systems. So, be sure to flip the Microwave and the A/C and the Water Heater breakers to OFF. There will still be 'shore power' to the outlets. Be sure the fridge is set for propane.

If the camper batteries really are fully charged, the converter (if switched on) will taper back to around 100 watts or less in standby. But, several 12v items will still pull small amounts of current...so with everything combined, the standby draw can be past 100 watts, but it should not be 400 watts if the battery is fully charged.

If the cooling fan on the WFCO converter is running, the batteries are probably being charged...(or you are powering some heavy loads)

When that fan stops running, the batteries are probably charged or very close to being charged, and the wattage being pulled from shore power (or your Apex) should drop to below 100 watts, assuming all items that can be turned off, are turned off.

BTW, if you look in the WFCO website it states that you can run the 12v side of it to power the RV with no battery connected and it will not damage anything. You would need to install a battery disconnect switch on the positive side, OR disconnect the battery terminal, on the negative side.

https://wfcoelectronics.com/faq/ - https://wfcoelectronics.com/faq/

Click on 'Does the converter need a battery to operate?'

-------------
r･pod 171 gone but not forgotten!

Posted By: Geocleve
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2019 at 6:04pm

Thank you!