IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
It simply doesnt have the ability to provide the amperage I wanted, due to the small wire size.
How to wire electrical
- Thread starter ReluctantTraveler
- Start date
It simply doesnt have the ability to provide the amperage I wanted, due to the small wire size.
There are limits to how much current can safely pass through a wire. In addition, the "12 V" US vehicle electric system will require about 10 times the amperage of a "120 V" US household for a given power. So, a 120 W 120 V light-bulb would draw about 1 A, but a 120 W 12 V light-bulb would draw about 10 A.
The above means that it requires thick wire to safely connect the truck alternator(s) to the camper (house) batteries, especially for heavy duty alternators and large camper battery banks. You might also need a battery to battery (DC to DC) charger, especially with LiFePO4 batteries.
For one example of an ampacity chart, see:
The above means that it requires thick wire to safely connect the truck alternator(s) to the camper (house) batteries, especially for heavy duty alternators and large camper battery banks. You might also need a battery to battery (DC to DC) charger, especially with LiFePO4 batteries.
For one example of an ampacity chart, see:
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
Based on what you’re both saying, it sounds like the seven pin connector works fine when you have one or two lead acid batteries, but for a modern and electricity heavy camera design to work more off the grid, it’s just not enough. Is that accurate?
... Camera design? Perhaps you posted on the wrong forum? ... I think the following is a better description of what the 7-pin trailer connector is intended for.
"7-Way trailer connectors are found on most recreational vehicles and are used on larger gooseneck, 5th wheel, boat and utility trailers. They supply power to the taillights, turn signals, brake lights, trailer brakes, reverse lights, auxiliary power and include a ground connection. They come in two variations, 7-Way round and 7-way with RV Blades. They look similar, but it is important to verify which one you have before replacing it. The blade style is very common and will have small blades that are used for the connection. The round style has small round pins that are used to connect the two." is from:
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
Stupid auto correct! That was supposed to say camper.
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
But also, yea, it looks like it's just for aux power, not very much, and can only send it to the camper, but not back from the camper to the truck.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
Yeah, not sure exactly how small the wires are in a 7-pin, but I do know they are not big enough. They are likely barely enough for a proper trickle charge. With the camper bank nearly depleted, and using the stock 135amp (as I recall) Ive seen as high as 45amps, with essentially zero voltage drop @ the camper batteries. Typically its less than 20Amps at ~14 volts.
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
Is this setup a DC-to-DC charger, or an isolator (or something else)?
i’ve been googling how to use house batteries and solar to charge or jump the vehicle batteries, but I’m coming up short.
I love the idea of being able to use solar as a battery maintainer for the vehicle when not in use.
IdaSHO
IDACAMPER
All it is is a 200A continuous duty relay that ties both banks together.
When the truck is off, and the switch is thrown to tie them together via the relay,
the solar charge controller charges all batteries in the system as though it was one large battery.
Im sure there are better ways of going about it with $$ hardware that would manage the charging of each battery independently,
but this system is stupid simple, reliable, and it works as intended.
When the truck is off, and the switch is thrown to tie them together via the relay,
the solar charge controller charges all batteries in the system as though it was one large battery.
Im sure there are better ways of going about it with $$ hardware that would manage the charging of each battery independently,
but this system is stupid simple, reliable, and it works as intended.
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
Does that mean you don’t charge the house batteries from the alternator, then?
It sounds like the truck and house batteries are only connected when parked?
ReluctantTraveler
Well-known member
Does that mean during driving, the alternator(s) would also be feeding the house batteries as if they're part of the truck?