RV Power center upgrade

thdhrver
Solar Newcomer

Posts: 2

RV Power center upgrade Feb 1, 2019 15:39:26 GMT

Post by thdhrver on Feb 1, 2019 15:39:26 GMT

Okay will try to keep this short but still provide the details needed.
I am working on upgrading my battery system in my RV. I just picked up a Renogy 170AH Lithium iron Phosphate battery. Will soon be replacing my PWM solar charger with a new Rover Li 20 amp MPPT charge controller. Just have 100 watt panel but at some point be adding to that.

Now what I'm looking for is some recommendations on upgrading my current WFCO WF-8735 power center. I am hoping to remove just the charger portion of the WFCO, which from what I have seen so far is possible. Note: Would it be ok to use the WF-8735 as is to charge the Li 170AH battery till I upgrade?

I have two chargers in mind. The WFCO WF-9850L2 or a Progressive Dynamics PD9145ALV.
Below are the charging info I have found on the chargers.

Current WFCO WF-8735: 35amp
Voltage Output 13.2 – 14.4V DC Range
Absorption Mode 13.6V DC (nominal voltage)
Bulk Mode 14.4V DC (quick charging voltage)
Float Mode 13.2V DC (trickle charge voltage)

WFCO WF-9850L2: 50amp
Voltage Output 13.6 – 14.6 VDC
2-Stage Intelligent Charge
Intelligent Charging Stages
Bulk Charge Voltage (4 Hrs.)
Absorption Charge Voltage 13.6V
Bulk Charge Voltage (4 Hrs.) 14.6V

Progressive Dynamics PD914ALV: 45amp
I only found it is 14.6 volt output

The last thing I want to do is damage this new battery. Any pointers would be great.
(I know I will need to do some rewiring, I'm just working on the charger right now.)

Thanks & look forward to your thoughts.
TH

bupkis Solar Aficionado Posts: 1,151	RV Power center upgrade Feb 1, 2019 18:52:13 GMT Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by bupkis on Feb 1, 2019 18:52:13 GMT Same reply, a few folks at www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/listings/forum/39.cfm have done what you are planning and they love talking Li and battery charging

thdhrver the second
Guest

RV Power center upgrade Feb 5, 2019 17:58:35 GMT

Post by thdhrver the second on Feb 5, 2019 17:58:35 GMT

Is there any way to get support for Renogy products?
Technical support and just the ability to have a question answered is a key component our company expects if it to continue to purchase or recommend items.
We are helping with a couple of upgrades for RVers, which have had questions on Renogy products. After several calls, post, emails. Zero response.
The topper was to wait 30 minutes on hold. Started off as 3nd in line for support, then 2nd in line, then next to helped. The phone then transferred and rang, thought great someone will be on next. The line then transferred to voicemail, which I could have done in the first 5 seconds, and had done previously on other occasions.. The voicemail that was left, as you can guess was never returned.

I cannot at this time recommend Renogy products going forward.
The Rover Li 20 amp MPPT charge controller I was going to order is OFF as well.

Also interesting to see the only response was to go to another forum. Good advice.....

Sorry to vent & I'm sure this post will somehow now be seen and disappear but just very disappointed with Renogy at this point.

THDHrver.....

bupkis
Solar Aficionado

Posts: 1,151

RV Power center upgrade Feb 5, 2019 18:35:04 GMT

Post by bupkis on Feb 5, 2019 18:35:04 GMT

WFCO's are junk for battery charging, most will never do Bulk charge in the 14+v range, they just do their 13.6v and undercharge. They are in way to many RVs and cause way too many issues due to undercharging.
Small solar just as a maintainer is a good start, bigger for dry camping.
Battery charging is a science and most decent controllers do a good job especially for storage, for charging they have a decent charge profile, many can be adjusted to match battery makers specific charge profiles which can prolong battery life.

specs of the wfco mean nothing if it doesn't happen!

Last Edit: Feb 5, 2019 18:35:58 GMT by bupkis

Admin
Administrator

Posts: 622

RV Power center upgrade Feb 9, 2019 19:17:54 GMT

Post by Admin on Feb 9, 2019 19:17:54 GMT

Feb 5, 2019 17:58:35 GMT thdhrver the second said:

Is there any way to get support for Renogy products?
Technical support and just the ability to have a question answered is a key component our company expects if it to continue to purchase or recommend items.
We are helping with a couple of upgrades for RVers, which have had questions on Renogy products. After several calls, post, emails. Zero response.
The topper was to wait 30 minutes on hold. Started off as 3nd in line for support, then 2nd in line, then next to helped. The phone then transferred and rang, thought great someone will be on next. The line then transferred to voicemail, which I could have done in the first 5 seconds, and had done previously on other occasions.. The voicemail that was left, as you can guess was never returned.

I cannot at this time recommend Renogy products going forward.
The Rover Li 20 amp MPPT charge controller I was going to order is OFF as well.

Also interesting to see the only response was to go to another forum. Good advice.....

Sorry to vent & I'm sure this post will somehow now be seen and disappear but just very disappointed with Renogy at this point.

THDHrver.....

I'm sorry your experience has been subpar. Is there perhaps a ticket for you? you can always direct questions to sales@renogy.com and they will answers all of your questions or divert you to the right direction. The team is undergoing some restructuring and there should be no unread tickets or emails.

-Renogy Team

Post by thdhrver on Feb 1, 2019 15:39:26 GMT

Post by bupkis on Feb 1, 2019 18:52:13 GMT

Post by thdhrver the second on Feb 5, 2019 17:58:35 GMT

Post by bupkis on Feb 5, 2019 18:35:04 GMT

Post by Admin on Feb 9, 2019 19:17:54 GMT