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In this video, I pull out my Keystone 2011 fifth wheel trailer’s WFCO WF8955 RV power center for a full clean and inspection. I’ll show you what’s behind it and explain the wiring.
*Disclaimer: Working with electricity can be dangerous. The video is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as instructional. If you decide to do the same then research and beware of the risks involved. I don’t advise it without an advanced knowledge of electricity and electronics. I accept no liability. You have been warned! – Ray
Vacuumed and cleaned dust and debris from the power center case, converter circuitry, and enclosure
Looked for signs of water leaks and rodent droppings inside the power center’s enclosure
Inspected the wiring looking for signs of overheating, rodent chew marks, cuts or cracking
Checked for loose wires at the screw terminals. Backed off and retightened each to create a fresh bite on the wire.
Cleaned converter and converter fan
Removed and inspected the converter circuit board and looked for cracked solder joints and signs of overheating
After reassemble check each circuit confirming correct voltage
Ran each circuit and checked for overheating of any of the circuit breakers
Another excellent video Ray. Thanks I have replaced many power supplies (converters) for many camping trailer owners using Itel power replacement converters. Usually I have used either 55 or 60 amp depending on the size of the old one. Always used one larger than what came with the unit. Got it down to about 7 to 10 minutes each. Again, Thanks 🙂
That “ground” terminal bar behind the panel is pretty interesting. I’d like to know the OEM logic behind it. I have the same panel you do so will take a peek behind mine…. That said, I’m running a MPPT charge controller. I’ve had to do one “reboot” on it and I think it had to do with atmospheric static or, induction since I noticed my controller went down right after an electrical storm.. I’m really wondering if it might be wise to come up with something for an earthing ground for the frame to keep it bled off or dissipated. Especially when boon-docking and not afforded an earthed “ground” when plugged in.
Curious as to why you would oversize the charger? Future? “Bigger is Better”? I must say that with about 30 years of electrical estimating and tracking estimates vs “true time” on time for installs, your 7-10 minutes for change outs is nothing short of astonishing! Very cool! I could never in a million years work that fast or efficiently. Some “got it” and some don’t I suppose.
After replacing a few one does get faster since know what and where to look for wires and screws. The reason for replacing with a larger power converter is the fact most people add more toys and the increased power will come in handy. Once inverter chargers come down in price I foresee more changes to that in place of the converter. I have this thing of not being able to just sit around so it seems I find people who are having issues so it gives me something to do replacing the converters. Only thing is my spare seems to disappear. LOL
Not sure why you are replacing converters with no wiring and line losses mentioned? For me, the only time it would really matter is if I was charging a battery bank I depended on fed primarily with solar to reduce charge times.. In other words using a generator to charge my batteries in an off grid situation…
To be honest If I am plugged in at a park I could care less if I have poor performance out of my OEM charger.. It may take three times or more as long to charge my batteries but I don’t care.. I’m not then depending on batteries for power..
Why are people having “issues”? What are the issues? My guess would be it doesn’t have much to do with the OEM charging system. It has to do with a lack of available Amp-Hours on their batteries should they be relying on them for power.
That’s how it was for me.. I force boondocked myself in Quartzsite for a couple weeks and my generator ran 5 hours a day.. With basically dead OEM “car” batteries at the end of the day. i was not a “Happy Camper”.
Screw that.. I don’t use much power but a couple of deep cycle 220Ah Crown Batteries and a good 375W at 12V of solar MPPT charging and I have not been relying on a generator or shore power at all since installing.. Relatively “cheap” too.. About $1,500 all total… 3 cloudy days in a row? So what, I’m at an average of 95% charge at the end of the day. More than enough to last me a few days of no charge at all…
What I really need is a better way to harvest not power but propane.. I go through about two gallons a week.. Any “legal” ideas? Kidding…
I replaced converters when they were defective and quit. Usually it is because they stopped charging the batteries. As long as they are working leave them alone I agree. Not everyone has solar yet and there are still a lot of people who only rely on being able to plug in. As far as using one with more amps when replacing it usually is because people do add more toys.
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