Finally dialed in my electric components on my trailer

[Rezarf <><]

I have been wrapping up some projects on my homemade trailer build. I am a few cables short of finishing up my electrical system.

From right to left I have:

• Shore power inlet
• 2 bank charger 10amp
• 2 100+ AH batteries
• I will create some cables to the switch/isolator
• Blue Sea 1, 2, OFF, Both Switch/isolator
• Blue Sea 6 switch/fuse panel in project box for RTT lights, fridge, trailer lights, DVD player, water pump etc.
• 3 12v outlets for accessories.

Here is how it came out. A big shout to DWH for his help and insight.

Next up, gotta get the plumbing installed for the shower and sink. Feels good to wrap up some of these things I had put off for so long. :wings:

 

[jeep-N-montero]

What was the initial investment minus the batteries?

 

[loren85022]

We're on similar paths, and I could almost have guessed DHW had a hand in your design as well. I'm still contemplating whether to put the master On/Off inside the box or on the exterior.

 

[Rezarf <><]

What was the initial investment minus the batteries?

Not too sure, I try not to keep track of costs too closely. I only buy an item when I have the extra cash for it, but if I had to guess (I am an ebay junkie)...

Shore power -$20ish
Charger -$70ish
Battery terminal covers -$12ish
Battery switch $25
Project box $8ish
Fuse/switch panel $50ish
12v outlets $15ish

Just ballparking it, but somewhere around/under $200.

 

[Rezarf <><]

My box lid is on quick release draw latches and hinged so getting into the box is very quick, I would rather others didn't have unauthorized access... mainly my 2 year old boy!

 

[Rocket Ship]

What does the short power connector look like?

 

[Rezarf <><]

Shore power... its just a 3 prong male end for an extention cord.

 

[Hill Bill E.]

Very clean install! Thus far, I only have a lid light on my M416, and a pigtail for the RTT lights. Both lights are LED, so I charge the batt before leaving and I'm good for a week.

Future plans involve more stuff, so I'm loving the ideas!

 

[Hafwit]

You ended up making similar choices to me and I like the clean installation. The boat charger works great and since it is both water and shock-proof (to an extent), it gives piece of mind. Mine also has a solar trickle charger.

Cheers,
Greg

 

[Rezarf <><]

Solar would be a great option down the road for me. I think it would really round out the system. However, reality tells me, I can't seem to get more than 4 days at any given time on the trail.

 

[dwh]

and I could almost have guessed DHW had a hand in your design as well.

Actually, I didn't. Also no PM questions or anything like that, just whatever is posted here.

Funny how similar his setup is to yours though. Great minds think alike.

(And BTW Loren - where's those pics man?)

 

[Dezdan]

Wow! A very clean install indeed! Nicely done! Would a solar charge controller go directly to the batteries? Or through the isolator?

 

[dwh]

A dual controller would go directly to the batteries - just as his dual mains charger does now. A single would require some way to switch the controller from one battery to the other.

 

[Dezdan]

A dual controller would go directly to the batteries - just as his dual mains charger does now. A single would require some way to switch the controller from one battery to the other.

Okay, thanks. I'm trying to rough out my setup on paper first.

My original thought was to buy two cheap 5A charge controllers and run each to a battery (I have two small panels). Problem with that is once one battery is topped off, I'd be wasting juice. Is it okay to tie two panels together? If so, in parallel? Sorry about the hijack... :costumed-smiley-007

Thanks,
~Dan

 

[loren85022]

Actually, I didn't. Also no PM questions or anything like that, just whatever is posted here.

Funny how similar his setup is to yours though. Great minds think alike.

(And BTW Loren - where's those pics man?)

Guilty as charged. The electrical install has been slow. Hard to motivate my volunteer crew when it's 110 in the shade. Hate to be heisting the thread but here's a sneak-peak;

And the batterybox shot is purposely missing. Still being bench tested.