Can Older WFCO Converter Charge Lithium Batteries Without Lithium Compatibility

Updated 12/11/2025 | Published 12/07/2025

Products Featured in This Question

WFCO Auto Detect RV Converter and AC/DC Distribution Panel - 12V - 35 Amp

(71)

$199.99

Question:

Need to replace my group 24 lead acid battery in my small Jayco trailer. I have the older WFCO panel which does not support Lithium phosphate batteries. I realize that if I replace with a LiPo battery, the panel will not charge the new battery fully to 100. But I want to know if the existing panel will be able to maintain the 80-90 charge on the LiPo battery? I do have a 190 watt solar panel factory installed which normally maintains my battery very well. Trying to determine if this will suffice for awhile until I get around to replacing the WFCO panel with the auto detect panel. Thanks

asked by: Ric M

Expert Reply:

Hi Ric; using a converter that is not rated for lithium is not recommended. Your existing WFCO converter won't be able to fully charger a battery like # 34282738, it could overheat, and might trip the BMS which would shut the battery down until it resets. It could also damage the actual battery which I don't think you want on a new battery.

Assuming your solar controller is lithium compatible that will work to keep the battery charged until you get a new converter. However, with a single panel it will probably be slow charging (depends on the battery size) and you won't be able to keep up with any significant power draw.

Which WFCO do you have? There may be a replacement converter section available so you don't have to completely replace the power center.

expert reply by: Robin H

Go Power Lithium RV Battery
(click to enlarge)

Ric M.

12/10/2025

Thanks for the reply. Trailer came from factory with a WFCO 8735P-GE controller, 190w panel on roof and a Non-MPPT solar controller. I know the WFCO 8540-AD controller will auto detect a LiPo battery but I didn’t want to have change controllers, at least at this time.

Robin H.

12/11/2025

@RicM sorry to say it doesn't look like there is a replacement converter. I swapped mine out for the 8540-AD last year since it had an older 8540 and we added lithium batteries and solar. We just started carrying WFCO and don't have the 8540 right now but we do have the WFCO Auto Detect Power Center # WF96FR which is the 8735 with auto-detect. Ultimately it is up to you what you do but I would encourage you to make the switch to avoid any issues and additional costs if you have a problem.