Dang fly-by-nigth electrician blows my converter

40_Acre_Mule · 06-20-2010, 03:36 PM

Thats what I get for hiring for cheap.
I was getting the storage shed rewired for a 30 amp hookup for the Sunny. I was renovating the shed to be a work shop, insulating the walls and ceiling. Figured to get the rewiring done before the wall panels went back on.
The dang fool wired the rv plug up just like the well pump, a double 30 amp breaker with 220V AC.
Well, I plugged the rv into the outlet and FLASH, BANG!!!
Smoked the power converter, the microwave, and the television ac/dc converter.
Well, let me tell you, I fired myself right on the spot.
But then, my wife hired me right back and put me back to work.
So, I need to replace the WF-8955AN.
I believe that one is obsolete. Is the 98 series a direct swap out? (Size, connection layout, etc.).
Also, are there other, BETTER converters that anyone would recommend?

Thanks in advance

EMD_Driver · 06-20-2010, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40_Acre_Mule

So, I need to replace the WF-8955AN.
I believe that one is obsolete. Is the 98 series a direct swap out? (Size, connection layout, etc.).
Also, are there other, BETTER converters that anyone would recommend?

Thanks in advance

As far as converters go, I would recommend the Progressive Dynamics PD9200 series. This is only the AC to DC converter portion. Chances are, that your AC side isn't fried. This converter mounts separately from the AC portion and feeds power to the DC side of the trailer. The Progressive Dynamics converter has four charging modes and the charge wizard.

JohnB installed one of these, in his T-310SR. He also did a great writeup HERE

Good luck, getting your camper back in service!

**JohnB** · 06-20-2010, 09:33 PM

A double 30 amp.... ouch...

I agree with Gary, the Progressive Dynamics PD9200 series is a better charger. They now make them with a power distrubtion box if you want/need that too.

Good luck

John

40_Acre_Mule · 06-21-2010, 04:13 PM

Yup. The AC side is fine.
I just need the charger/converter.

EMD_Driver · 06-21-2010, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40_Acre_Mule

Yup. The AC side is fine.
I just need the charger/converter.

We got ours at Camping world... I believe John ordered his from bestconverter.com

Mike · 06-22-2010, 09:49 PM

My WF-8955AN just crapped out recently too, though I've never been totally happy with the rate of charge for my two Trojan T105 batteries when using the genny.

Check out the PD45655 from bestconverter.com. It's the newer Progressive Dynamics replacement converter/charger that fits right into the existing WFCO8955AN Distribution Panel enclosure. It has the Charge Wizard 4 stage charging plus:

Reverse Battery Protection
Total Charge Management System Electronic Current Limiting
Low Voltage Protection
Variable Speed Intelligent Cooling Fan
High Voltage Protection
Automatic Thermal Shutdown

The wizard itself is built right into the new DC panel that is included as part of the upgrade package. The existing AC panel stays.

I just ordered one today based on the recommendation from Andy, the sales tech. He assured me the PD4655 would dramatically increase the rate of charge as compared to the WFCO8955.

This seemed to be the best solution for me based on the T-264SR's floorplan since the power panel is located in the same wall as the plumbing for the camper's shower. There isn't any room at all for an upgrade similar to JohnB's. Most of the other replacement units would have needed to be relocated farther away from the existing distribution panel, probably in the rear storage compartment near the shorepower inlet.

$233.50 w/free shipping.

40_Acre_Mule · 06-22-2010, 10:37 PM

Just ordered the Progressive 4655.
I also corrected the wiring mistake to the RV outlet.
It really aggravates me when I screw up like that. Especially when it results in a multi-hundred dollar repair.
DW just says I save us way more than that all the time when I fix things myself.

frank · 06-23-2010, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40_Acre_Mule

Just ordered the Progressive 4655.
I also corrected the wiring mistake to the RV outlet.
It really aggravates me when I screw up like that. Especially when it results in a multi-hundred dollar repair.
DW just says I save us way more than that all the time when I fix things myself.

Dont beat yourself up too bad, accidents happen and people do make mistakes.

In addition, your experience is all too common in the RV world. And I don't mean by do-it-yourselfers. Follow any major RV forum and you will find the same post at least once a week. Quite often, the miswiring was by a licensed electrician.

The progressive dynamics stuff is a great upgrade. I have a WFCO 8945 in mine, and when I get the time and money it will be getting a PD converter section in it.

I've never personally dealt with bestconverter.com, but have only heard lots of praise for them and the owner Randy.

- Frank