Trailer battery/charging/wiring FAQ?

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I'm interested in reading up on how to wire a typical nose box for 110V power, and have read several threads referencing battery tenders, inverters, etc. I know there are ventless batteries (e.g. - AGR), and have also seen references to Optima yellow top & blue top batteries.

I've done multiple searches here without a ton of luck. Has anyone developed a FAQ in regards to setting up an expedition trailer for 110V power?

Craig

 

[FotoValpen]

*following*

 

[Martyn]

I don't know if there is a FAQ on this or not.

I'd need to know more about what you want to achieve with a 110 volt system before I could advise you further.

Are you talking about running the system off a shore based 110 volt source, plugging into 110 at an organized camp ground say, or are you wanting to convert 12 volt DC to 110 volt AC using an inverter.

What do you want to run off the system?

How long do you want to run each appliance for in a 24 hour period?

What is the power consumption of each appliance?

How do you intend to recharge the 12 volt system?

From that we can deduce how best to set something up for you.

Remember if you are thinking about an inverter that some are modified sine wave others are true sign wave, then need for either will depend on what you intend to run off the system.

Inverters are also not 100% efficient, some of the less expensive ones are very inefficient.

If you want to run something like a 110 volt Microwave start planning on a small generator.

 

[ntsqd]

Best book on the topic that I've seen thus far.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Thanks for quick reply, Martyn. Much appreciated.

I don't know if there is a FAQ on this or not.

I'd need to know more about what you want to achieve with a 110 volt system before I could advise you further...

...What do you want to run off the system?

My plans aren't so much for week-long expeditions as they are for 2-3 day rustic camping trips 2-3 times a year. Eventually, a small refrigerator would be very nice (that would be longer-term, though), but other than that, I'm just looking for basic power for some efficient LED lighting, small radio, cell phone/iPod charging, laptop computer use, etc. No microwave necessary for me. :sombrero:

How long do you want to run each appliance for in a 24 hour period?

Lighting for 1-2 hours at the top end in the evenings, 2-3 days in a row. Electric charging of other small handheld devices, as-needed. On a rare occasion, I may want to use my Warn PullzAll for 5 minute loading jobs onto the trailer (e.g.- Non-running riding lawnmower, for example). This would be a rarity, but I'd like the option to do so.

What is the power consumption of each appliance?

This is me in response to that question... :coffeedrink:

The highest draw item I would foresee is a refrigerator (best guess), or the Warn PullzAll, although that would only be for a couple minutes at a time.

How do you intend to recharge the 12 volt system?

I already have a 7-round harness/plug installed on my '05 Jeep Unlimited (Mopar harness), and would like to charge via my tow vehicle. For periods of time where the trailer would sit in storage, I'm guessing a battery tender would be very useful.

For outlets, I'd like the typical 2-up-front, 1-in-the-back plugs for 110V, with the addition of a couple USB plugs in the nose box (I just read a nice M-416 project thread where the gentleman used parts from onehalfwatt.com).

I'd consider my power needs "light-duty" relative to many of you folks here on this forum. My trailer will be more of a hybrid utility/camping trailer than hardcore expedition trailer.


Martyn - I'd be interested in a quote on an AT tongue box fully outfitted for these duties, minus the battery(ies). I can e-mail you directly once I can narrow down what parts you'd recommend I use.

Any input from others here is greatly appreciated, too!

Thanks,
Craig

 

[Martyn]

Thanks for quick reply, Martyn. Much appreciated.




My plans aren't so much for week-long expeditions as they are for 2-3 day rustic camping trips 2-3 times a year. Eventually, a small refrigerator would be very nice (that would be longer-term, though), but other than that, I'm just looking for basic power for some efficient LED lighting, small radio, cell phone/iPod charging, laptop computer use, etc. No microwave necessary for me. :sombrero:




Lighting for 1-2 hours at the top end in the evenings, 2-3 days in a row. Electric charging of other small handheld devices, as-needed. On a rare occasion, I may want to use my Warn PullzAll for 5 minute loading jobs onto the trailer (e.g.- Non-running riding lawnmower, for example). This would be a rarity, but I'd like the option to do so.




This is me in response to that question... :coffeedrink:

The highest draw item I would foresee is a refrigerator (best guess), or the Warn PullzAll, although that would only be for a couple minutes at a time.




I already have a 7-round harness/plug installed on my '05 Jeep Unlimited (Mopar harness), and would like to charge via my tow vehicle. For periods of time where the trailer would sit in storage, I'm guessing a battery tender would be very useful.

For outlets, I'd like the typical 2-up-front, 1-in-the-back plugs for 110V, with the addition of a couple USB plugs in the nose box (I just read a nice M-416 project thread where the gentleman used parts from onehalfwatt.com).

I'd consider my power needs "light-duty" relative to many of you folks here on this forum. My trailer will be more of a hybrid utility/camping trailer than hardcore expedition trailer.


Martyn - I'd be interested in a quote on an AT tongue box fully outfitted for these duties, minus the battery(ies). I can e-mail you directly once I can narrow down what parts you'd recommend I use.

Any input from others here is greatly appreciated, too!

Thanks,
Craig

Craig

Everything with the exception of the Warn Pullz All can be run on 12 volt. That is the most efficient way to charge cell phones, iPods, cameras, computers, etc.

LED lights have very little draw and can be found in 12 volt. and USB unit that transform from 12 volt to 5.4 volt are available.

The Warn unit draws 4.8 amps (528 watts) for 500 lb loads and 7.7 amps (847 watts) for loads up to 1000 lbs. Check to and see if it has an initial surge at start up that may require higher initial draw. A 1500 watt inverter would give you enough power to run the unit.

I'd suggest you use the inverter as little as possible as it's not the most efficient use of power. Look into the 12 volt compressor fridges see http://www.adventuretrailers.com/fridges.html

The tow vehicle is set up typically with a 10 gauge wire going back to the trailer. If you need fast charge rates you'd need to run 6 gauge with Anderson connectors.

We'd be glad to spec out a nose box for you.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Craig

Everything with the exception of the Warn Pullz All can be run on 12 volt. That is the most efficient way to charge cell phones, iPods, cameras, computers, etc.

LED lights have very little draw and can be found in 12 volt. and USB unit that transform from 12 volt to 5.4 volt are available.

The Warn unit draws 4.8 amps (528 watts) for 500 lb loads and 7.7 amps (847 watts) for loads up to 1000 lbs. Check to and see if it has an initial surge at start up that may require higher initial draw. A 1500 watt inverter would give you enough power to run the unit.

I'd suggest you use the inverter as little as possible as it's not the most efficient use of power. Look into the 12 volt compressor fridges see http://www.adventuretrailers.com/fridges.html

The tow vehicle is set up typically with a 10 gauge wire going back to the trailer. If you need fast charge rates you'd need to run 6 gauge with Anderson connectors.

We'd be glad to spec out a nose box for you.

I got your e-mail reply as well, Martyn...thanks. I'll e-mail back shortly.

So the inverter may not be as big of an initial priority as I expected (I could probably live without it for now, and possibly add one later when my budget allows).

I don't foresee fast charging (and adding the 6G wire) being a huge priority; I can plan well enough if the standard 10G wire will still do the job.

Stupid question regarding the 12V power...

Does this mean I'd need a 12V adapter for any auxillary equipment, or is there a universal adapter that would still allow me to install & use the standard 110V outlets for the devices' power supplies? I don't want to have to get separate adapters for each device.

Craig

 

[Martyn]

I got your e-mail reply as well, Martyn...thanks. I'll e-mail back shortly.

So the inverter may not be as big of an initial priority as I expected (I could probably live without it for now, and possibly add one later when my budget allows).

I don't foresee fast charging (and adding the 6G wire) being a huge priority; I can plan well enough if the standard 10G wire will still do the job.

Stupid question regarding the 12V power...

Does this mean I'd need a 12V adapter for any auxillary equipment, or is there a universal adapter that would still allow me to install & use the standard 110V outlets for the devices' power supplies? I don't want to have to get separate adapters for each device.

Craig

It's best to just have the 110 volt coming directly out of the inverter, rather than having remote plugs. The reason being you don't want to have any moisture getting into the 110 system, ad you don't want there to be any shorts. As you add to the system the likelihood of this happening increases.

 

[Hilldweller]

I don't foresee fast charging (and adding the 6G wire) being a huge priority; I can plan well enough if the standard 10G wire will still do the job.
Craig

I found it easier and more reliable to either use shore power or a small gennie to charge the battery.
Even with my load, my group 31 lasts at least 3 full days (warm weather) or a week (cold weather).

Get one of Martyn's smart chargers and make it a no-brainer.

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

I found it easier and more reliable to either use shore power or a small gennie to charge the battery.
Even with my load, my group 31 lasts at least 3 full days (warm weather) or a week (cold weather).

Get one of Martyn's smart chargers and make it a no-brainer.

Thanks!

I'm waiting to hear back with a quote for several items (including a charger) from Martyn. :victory:

 

[jnelson4x4taco]

Ill be following this closely, as im trying to plan for very similar usage on my trailer build.

Wiring makes me crazy lol

 

[Titanpat57]

Best book on the topic that I've seen thus far.

Thank you very much for the info...got mine yesterday and love it!!

Great recommendation:smiley_drive: