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WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger - Deck Mount - 12V - 55 Amp
WFCO

WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger - Deck Mount - 12V - 55 Amp

Part Number: WF38FR
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$248.99
Retail:$362.49
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If your batteries aren't charging like they should, a new converter charger may be the fix. This deck-mounted unit restores 12V power and automatically adjusts for lead-acid or lithium batteries without major rewiring. Great Prices for the best power converter from WFCO. WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger - Deck Mount - 12V - 55 Amp part number WF38FR can be ordered online at etrailer.com or call 1-800-940-8924 for expert service.
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WFCO Power Converter - WF38FR

  • 55 Amps
  • AGM
  • Gel
  • Lead Acid
  • Lithium
  • 12V
  • Converter Only
  • WFCO
  • AC to DC
  • RV
  • Automatic Switch
  • Multi-Stage Charge

If your batteries aren't charging like they should, a new converter charger may be the fix. This deck-mounted unit restores 12V power and automatically adjusts for lead-acid or lithium batteries without major rewiring.


Highlights

  • 55-Amp Deck-Mounted Converter Charger: A straightforward way to restore reliable DC power without replacing your panel.
  • Auto-Detect Lithium & Lead-Acid Charging: Automatically charges your batteries correctly with no switches or guesswork.
  • Multi-Stage Charging Support: Uses battery-specific charging to reduce wear and support longer service life.
  • Stable DC Power Output: Runs lights and 12V systems smoothly, even if a battery isn't connected.
  • Quiet, Thermostatic Cooling Fan: Fan runs only when needed, keeping noise down during everyday use.
  • Simple Deck-Mount Installation: Integrated 15-amp power cord makes installation easier and more familiar.

Features to Know About

Reliable Charging Without Replacing Your Power Center


converter charger with human

When lights start dimming or batteries stop charging like they used to, it's easy to assume the whole power center needs to be replaced. In many cases, it's really just the converter that's worn out. This deck-mounted converter charger lets you restore clean, reliable DC power without tearing into a distribution panel that's still doing its job. It's a straightforward fix that gets your RV's electrical system back on track.

Does This Converter Work With Lead Acid and Lithium Batteries?

Yes. WFCO's Auto-Detect technology automatically recognizes lead-acid or lithium batteries and applies the correct profile. Lead-acid batteries receive 3-stage charging with higher voltage during bulk charging, then step down to normal, and trickle/float stages as they recover. Lithium batteries follow a two-stage process designed for faster, more consistent charging. The result is quicker recharge times and less day-to-day strain on your batteries, helping them last longer and perform more reliably.

Stable DC Power With Built-In Protection

RV electrical systems see a lot of use, and small power issues can turn into bigger headaches when they affect lights, control boards, or entertainment systems. This converter delivers stable DC power whether or not a battery is connected, helping keep sensitive electronics running smoothly. Built-in protections guard against over-current, over-temperature, over-voltage, and reverse polarity conditions, so wiring mistakes or sudden load changes don't cause damage.

What Makes This Converter a Practical Replacement


Converter with cord

Converter replacements don't always happen in wide-open compartments with perfect mounting surfaces. This deck-mounted converter is built to be flexible, so it can be installed horizontally, vertically, or even upside down depending on the space you're working with. The integrated 15-amp AC power cord keeps wiring straightforward, and the vented housing allows proper airflow in multiple mounting orientations. Insulated connections help protect wiring during installation and long-term use. It's a practical fit when your existing distribution panel is still in good shape and you just need a reliable converter charger to keep your RV's 12V systems running. If you'd like help with the install, you can use etrailer's installer locator to find a qualified shop near you.

Specs:

Dimensions & Weight:

  • Overall dimensions: 4-3/4" wide x 8-3/4" long x 4" tall
  • Weight: 5.5 lbs

Converter & Charging:

  • Battery compatibility: lead-acid (flooded, AGM) and lithium
  • Charging control: automatic battery type detection
  • Output current:
    • Lead-acid: 55 amps
    • Lithium: 50 amps
  • Output power: 940 watts
  • DC voltage range:
    • Lead-acid: 13.2V to 14.4V DC
    • Lithium: 13.6V to 14.6V DC
  • Charging stages:
    • Lead-acid: 3-stage charging
    • Lithium: 2-stage charging

AC Input:

  • Input voltage: 105V to 130V AC, 60 Hz
  • AC connection: integrated 15-amp power cord

Safety & Protection:

  • Over-current protection
  • Over-temperature protection
  • Over-voltage protection
  • Reverse-polarity protection
  • Short circuit protection
  • Integrated cooling system

Certifications & Compliance:

  • UL and cUL certified
  • FCC Class B compliant

Warranty:

  • 2-Years from date of purchase


WF-9855-AD-CB WFCO Technologies Auto-Detect Battery Converter Charger - Deck Mount - 12 Volts - 55 Amps

Installation Details WF38FR Installation instructions



Customer Satisfaction Score:

Ratings & Reviews

4.9

83 reviews
Review sort icon
If your batteries aren't charging like they should, a new converter charger may be the fix. This deck-mounted unit restores 12V power and automatically adjusts for lead-acid or lithium batteries without major rewiring.

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installing on 2 Jan 2026 for a lifepo



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I'm thankful for the swift the fast delivery time, thanks again!



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Installed it in 15 minutes. Worked well for the two days we camped.



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Hooked up like I figured All went well with install and working good at this time



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Works great!



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Fast delivery, and perfect fit



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Shipped quickly, and arrived quick. Durable and easy to hook up.



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Working great, fast delivery !



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I am pleased to have this back up in the event that I need it!



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Product might be okay but it was supposed to arrive by Tuesday and it did not. I had to go buy one elsewhere as I needed by the date it was supposed to be here by.



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Item was exactly what was advertised. Works much better than my old broken unit.



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Just what I needed. Shipped quick and was a perfect replacement.



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Naomi did great service got the part today it's already installed issues resolved thank you e trailer



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Was simple to install. Direct swap for the old WFCO Converter. Seems to charge the lithium just fine.



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This one started right up and is working as expected. However, this is the third WFCO Auto-Detect 55AMP in a coach that is only 4 years old. Each time it stops recognizing that we have lithium batteries and stays at a charge rate of 13.4 instead of 14.6 volts. We continue to purchase this unit because it is the only unit that will fit in the space that Airstream 30 Classic gave us. Keep your fingers crossed on how long it works. It never died; it stopped charging the lithium batteries correctly. It is easy to install, two wires, a ground wire and plug in behind the electrical panel.



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Got it, intalled seems to work just as it should. Thanks for rapid shipping.



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So far, so good. Quieter than the factory converter and easy to install. I like that it can be used with Lithium batteries too.



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Product was easy to install and all of my 12V load started working properly immediately.



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I purchase the new auto-detect converter charger so that I could upgrade my battery on my rv to a lithium battery. As promised it was a simple disconnect 3 wires remove the old converter and install the new converter and reconnect the 3 wires. I was told that I would receive the converter on Monday, but it showed up on Saturday, two days early. Thanks e-
trailer for the great advice on the converter and getting it to me quickly.



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I am going to switch my batteries from lead acid to lithium. This converter should be an updated version to be compatible with lithium battery detection. Looks like an easy switch I can do myself. Easy order process and prompt delivery. Thanks.



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Unit was received quickly. I have not installed yet due to finding out that the converter was not my issue. I am going to hang unto it as The One In my RV is 6 years old. And will eventually die out, and my icebox is 12vdc and I live full time in it. I think having a spare on hand is wise.



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Replacing a deck mount converter charger is extremely straightforward. I replaced our non-lithium converter charger with this one that supports lithium and is also auto detect. Like most RV's, our converter charger is in a location behind the power distribution panel so you have to remove that entire panel to get to it. Makes absolutely no sense but remember, we're talking about RV engineers. This is what makes the auto detect extremely nice to have. Once you have access it's just a matter of removing the old converter charger and wiring up the new one the exact same way. If you're like me and are overly cautious, before removing the old converter charger just whip out the cell phone and take a picture of the wiring. Before you button everything back up I would plug the RV into shorepower and make sure the converter charger is charging. It would suck to put everything back together just to find out it was not charging. Other than those few things, like I said, it's an extremely easy replacement.



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I recently upgraded to the WFCO 9855AD. It was very easy to swap the old for the new and I have had no issues with it. I know that there are some who have issues with the auto detect function, but there is a very good video on YouTube put out by the National RV Training Academy that explains how it works and how to set it up. There are no switches or jumpers that need to be set, you just need to make sure that the Lithium battery is below 50% charged so that the unit will go thru a complete charging cycle. Highly recommend watching the video.

The only concern I had in ordering this was the photo on the web site showed that this came with a different type of plug than the standard residential three prong. After talking with Ashley E. in customer service, I did order it and am happy to say that it does have the standard three prong plug.


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See what our Experts say about this WFCO Power Converter

  • Looking To Replace My Current WFCO Converter, What Do You Recommend?
    Hey Jim, It is hard to say which is better since both options are great. The WFCO # WF38FR is fairly newer to us so our experience is not as full like it is with the Progressive Dynamics # PD79RR. The Progressive Dynamics Converter is something I have seen more popular and experienced more. In my opinion I would recommend the Progressive Dynamics for your setup. Although both would work well, I will have to recommend what I know works well. What kind of camper are you wanting to install...
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  • Looking For Direct Replacement For WFCO9855 Converter Charger
    Hey Stephen, thanks for reaching out. We do have a great converter replacement for you that will work great with your Lithium batteries. I recommend the following: - WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger - Deck Mount - 12V - 55 Amp # WF38FR This is a direct replacement for your WFCO9855 so it'll fit in the exact same space in your enclosure. It has auto detect which allows it to automatically recognize lithium batteries and provide them with a full charge.
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  • Can The WFCO WF56FR 100A Converter Charge A Large Lithium Bank Fast With Generator?
    Good afternoon Rob. Yes, that’s exactly where the 100A WFCO Converter # WF56FR shines. In lithium mode, it boosts to 14.6V DC and allows maximum current flow during Charge Mode. That means shorter generator runtime - which is ideal with your new generator. Just keep in mind: -It requires a 20A AC circuit from the shore power to the converter/charger -It benefits from short, heavy-gauge DC wiring no smaller than 3 gauge from charger to battery -Solar running simultaneously can compete...
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  • Can I Upgrade 45A Converter Charger To 55A Without Hurting My RV's Electrical System?
    Hey Taylor! We get questions like this all the time. Moving from 45A to 55A - like stepping from the # WF58FR (45A) to the # WF38FR (55A) - is usually fine, but this is where wire size starts to matter. If you’re upgrading to 55 amps, you’ll want to make sure the battery cables running from the converter to the batteries are 6-gauge or thicker. Eight-gauge wiring is generally considered safe up to about 50 amps, so once you move beyond that, 6-gauge is the safer and more appropriate choice...
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  • Will WFCO 55A Standalone Converter Charger Work Fine In Travel Trailer With 30A Shore Hookup?
    Yes Dana, absolutely. The # WF38FR 55A refers to DC output, not shore power draw. It will work perfectly in a 30-amp RV as long as it’s plugged into a properly protected 15A AC branch circuit and you have at least 6 gauge or thicker wires going to the battery(s). For most 30A travel trailers: - # WF58FR 45A = standard single-battery charging - # WF38FR 55A = ideal for dual batteries or moderate lithium charging Are you replacing an existing WFCO model, or upgrading from something else?...
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  • Replacement Converter for WFCO WF-9855
    Hello again Fred, What did you have in mind for an upgrade? If you're switching over to Lithium you can use the WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger # WF38FR. This is the same WF-9855 but with their auto-detect (AD) technology so it will identify the battery type and charge accordingly. It also mounts up in the same spot as your current 9855. I really like the WFCO brand and use it myself. We made the same swap in ours to the auto-detect when we upgraded the batteries. If you had something...
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  • Replacement for WF-9855 In 5th Wheel Switching To Lithium Batteries
    Hey TJ! The most direct replacement is the WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger # WF38FR. This is the WF-9855-AD, so the same model you have now but with the auto-detect technology. The converter will identify the battery type (so in this case lithium) and use the correct charging profile automatically. I’ve actually switched to one of the auto-detect models in my own trailer and it’s a really simple, hands-off setup. If you’re wanting to go with Progressive Dynamics, the closest option...
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  • Replacement Standalone Converter Options For WFCO 9845 In 2014 Jayco Jay Flight
    Hey Tom! Yes, the WFCO WF-9845-AD-CB (our part # WF58FR) is the correct 45-amp Auto-Detect replacement for your existing 9845 unit. It’s the same output class and works great in a 30-amp travel trailer like your Jay Flight. If you’re still running a single battery and mostly camp with hookups, staying at 45 amps keeps everything simple and avoids unnecessary wiring changes. If you’ve added a second battery or upgraded to lithium and want faster charging, stepping up to the # WF38FR...
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  • Will the WFCO 100A Converter Plug Into My Camper, Or Do I Need a Special Outlet Or Upgrades?
    Good question, Matt - and this is where a lot of people mix up AC shore rating with converter rating. The WFCO 100a converter # WF56FR is rated at 100 amps on the 12V DC output side going to your batteries and loads, not on the 120V AC input side. On the AC side, it uses a 20-amp plug, so what matters is whether your RV has a properly protected 20-amp branch circuit available - not whether your camper is 30A or 50A overall. In many 30-amp RVs, the converter is already on its own 15A or...
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  • Replacement And Upgrade Options For WFCO Standalone Converter Charger In 2012 Coachmen
    Hey Brian - if you’re replacing a WFCO 45A standalone converter/charger, the direct Auto-Detect replacement would be the # WF58FR. That keeps everything in the same output class and is usually a straightforward swap. That said, many people take this opportunity to step up to the # WF38FR 55A for a little faster charging - especially if they’ve added a second battery or upgraded to lithium. If you do move to 55 amps, just make sure your battery cables from the converter to the batteries...
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  • Can I Replace IOTA DLS-45 Standalone Converter With WFCO 45A Or 55A In 2008 Jayco Eagle?
    Hey Mark! If you’re replacing an older stand-alone 45-amp converter like the Iota DLS-45, the direct WFCO equivalent would be the # WF58FR WF-9845-AD-CB, 45A. If your battery setup hasn’t changed, staying at 45 amps keeps things simple. But if you’ve added capacity or upgraded to lithium, stepping up to the # WF38FR 55A can reduce charge time - as long as your battery wiring is 6-gauge or thicker. If you’re still running the original wiring and single battery, the 45A is a clean swap....
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  • Can I Use WFCO Converter Charger In My DIY Cargo Trailer Camper To Charge Batteries And Run DC Stuff
    Hey Kyle - yes, you can absolutely use any of these three WFCO standalone converters alongside solar: 45A # WF58FR 55A # WF38FR 100A # WF56FR They all connect directly to the battery bank, just like your solar charge controller does. The two systems can coexist without hurting anything. The only thing you might notice is that if solar is actively charging and keeping the batteries near full, the converter may not enter its high-amperage bulk/charge mode. That’s not a problem - it...
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  • Replacement for WFCO 9855 Converter in Travel Trailer
    Hey Kevin! Are you replacing it because you're upgrading to lithium or is there a specific reason you don't like it? WFCO products are pretty nice, and the new WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger # WF38FR would be the direct replacement. This is lithium compatible with their auto-detect feature and multi-stage charging. If you would rather go with Progressive Dynamics we also carry the PD 9300 Series RV Converter Charger - 12V - 60A # PD79RR. They don't make a 55 amp model so the 60...
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  • What is the Advantage of Replacing a 55 Amp Converter Charger w/a 65 Amp or 75 Amp Converter?
    Hey David, welcome back! The big advantage you'll gain using a 65 amp item # WF98FR or 75 amp item # WF48FR converter charger over a 55 amp item # WF38FR would be to charge your batteries faster. You would also be able to power more 12V DC appliances at the same time without draining your house batteries. All three of these converters are lead-acid (flooded, AGM) and lithium compatible. The drawback is you'll need to upgrade the gauge of wiring if you go to a higher 65 amp or 75 amp converter....
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  • How to Get a WFCO Auto-Detect Converter to Recognize Lithium Batteries
    Hey Jamie, thanks for reaching out. Yes, with the WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger # WF38FR you do need to give the converter a real charge cycle so it can identify the lithium batteries. WFCO specifically says the lithium bank needs to be discharged enough for the converter to enter Charge Mode; you do not need to drain the batteries completely. For the initial detection, I'd disconnect shore power and disable any other charging sources, especially solar, then use the camper normally...
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  • Troubleshooting WFCO Converter Showing 10.6 Volts And LED Lights On Camper Flicker - 16 Forest River
    Hey there Kurt, when you’re seeing panel voltage into the 10-11V range and lights flicker while plugged into shore power, that’s a classic sign the converter isn’t supplying steady DC power, unfortunately. The first step is to disconnect the battery and test the converter output directly, so the batteries aren't part of the equation at all. Per WFCO troubleshooting guidance, you should see roughly 13.6-14.4V DC at the output with AC power applied. If you’re seeing anything outside that...
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  • WFCO WF-9855 Charger Not Going Into Bulk Charge Mode - Replacement Options In Keystone Toy Hauler?
    Hey Josh - if your older WF-9855 isn’t entering bulk mode and you’ve already ruled out wiring issues and battery problems, replacing it with the newer # WF38FR (WF-9855-AD-CB) is definitely a solid move. I mentioned solar because even a small amount of solar input can keep the batteries “topped up” just enough that the converter never sees them as low. Bulk mode (the high-amperage charge mode) only kicks in when the converter detects a sufficiently discharged battery. If the batteries...
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  • Upgrading Progressive Dynamics PD9260 Converter Charger To WFCO Auto-Detect For Lithium
    Good question, Alan. The Progressive Dynamics PD9260 is a 60-amp standalone converter, and you’re in that mid-to-upper output range. If you want something similar but with WFCO’s Auto-Detect lithium feature, the closest match would be the # WF38FR 55A. It’s slightly lower output than 60A, but in most 30-amp travel trailers that difference isn’t noticeable. If you're also expanded your battery bank or want even more charging capacity for generator runs, the # WF56FR 100A becomes an...
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  • Recommended 60 Amp Deck Mounted Converter Charger
    No, it is not Dennis. The WFCO Auto-Detect RV Converter Charger is available in a 65 amp item # WF98FR or a 55 amp item # WF38FR. For 60 amp converter charger you'll need the Progressive Dynamics 9300 Series item # PD79RR. All three of these deck mounted converter chargers are compatible with lithium and standard lead acid batteries. They connect to a 105V to 130V 3-prong outlet. The 65 amp item # WF98FR requires a 20 amp outlet though. What power center do you have? If you could leave...
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  • Can I Use WFCO 100A Converter On A Small Camper With 30A Shore Power Hookup?
    Hey Melissa - great question. The WFCO # WF56FR (WF-68100-AD) is rated at 100 amps on the 12V DC output side, not on the 120V AC shore power side. So it won’t “turn your RV into 100 amps.” On the AC side, this model uses a 20-amp plug and should be on a properly protected 20-amp branch circuit. Many 30-amp RVs have a 15-amp circuit feeding the electrical outlets, so the important thing is to check the breaker that currently powers your converter - not the main 30-amp shore cord. If your...
    view full answer...
  • Which Converter Will Charge Batteries And Power Electronics In DIY Off-Grid Camper Build
    Hey there Ryan, since these are standalone deck-mount converters, they’re actually perfect for a cargo trailer build where you’re using a simple DC fuse block instead of a full power center which usually has a built-in converter. - # WF58FR 45A is great for light-duty builds - LED lights, fan, small fridge. - # WF38FR 55A works well if you’ve got two batteries or expect moderate loads. - # WF56FR 100A is more for large lithium banks or heavier off-grid use. The choice really comes down...
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  • Upgrading Camper's Standalone Converter From 45A To 55A Or 100A - Keystone Travel Trailer W/Lithium
    Hello Eric, in a single-axle Keystone with 30-amp shore power, jumping from 45A to the # WF38FR 55A converter is usually a nice ugprade. It gives you stronger charging without introducing the wiring and AC circuit considerations that come with a 100-amp converter (100-amp requires 20A instead of 15A electrical outlets, breakers, wiring etc.). The # WF56FR 100A is excellent - especially for big lithium banks - but it really shines in larger RVs where you’re trying to push a lot of current...
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Condition: Badly Dinged

Notes: Item has a bent mounting flange.

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Info for this part was:

Employee Jeff D
Installed by:
Jeff D
Employee Mary K
Written by:
Mary K
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Alexander C
Updated by:
Alexander C
Employee Daron K
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