My M762 build (same structure as flatbed M416) - made a gear hauler (solar and fridge updates)
- Thread starter stbrendan
- Start date
Tongue box layout - installed everything on a separate removable backboard which I hope will make changes easier. Solar panel <-> Solar controller <-> 20amp inline fuse <-> battery <-> big battery isolator switch <-> fuse panel <-> 3 wires in conduit to 3 x 12V DC outlets for fridge/etc.
The fridge sits on a 28" slide out shelf, with 26" 100lb drawer slides. I made the mount fairly cheaply from steel angle from home depot. The Massimo CX50 is 50 L and working great so far, but I have space on my shelf setup for something bigger if it doesn't work out (or I outgrow it). I also considered making the shelf/slide out "tilt" capable, but didn't need to at this time. If I get a taller fridge - maybe in the future it will tilt. I also used a ratchet strap to keep it stable for rough roads or trails.
Although moving the trailer around by hand on level ground is easy, the existing drop down non-ratcheting tongue wheel was a tad challenging to lift out of the way (while simultaneously holding up the trailer!). Although doable, it required enough of my strength that I figured my wife and kids would not be able to do it in the event that I was injured or just plain get too old.
I bought this Dutton-Lainson https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Dutton-Lainson/DL22335.html 1500Lb wheel jack because it had 100% 5 star reviews and because it was one of the few wheel jacks that was long enough to raise my tongue high enough to clear the existing wheel.
I bought this Dutton-Lainson https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Jack/Dutton-Lainson/DL22335.html 1500Lb wheel jack because it had 100% 5 star reviews and because it was one of the few wheel jacks that was long enough to raise my tongue high enough to clear the existing wheel.
Continuing the red/black theme - I had wanted to attach LED spotlights to the rack, but after thinking about it I figured this spotlight (magnetic/12v/LED) would be more practical: WF Magnetic Light Bar with Base from Amazon.
And for everybody who buys the Harbor Freight tongue box --- YES, it fades to this milky gray color in the So Cal sunlight within about 90 days! That is NOT a whole lot of dust, it is really that color already
And for everybody who buys the Harbor Freight tongue box --- YES, it fades to this milky gray color in the So Cal sunlight within about 90 days! That is NOT a whole lot of dust, it is really that color already
So I bought my Interstate Marine RV Deep Cycle battery in April 2021, and it is now no longer holding a charge in May 2022--- and it only had a 12 month warranty I am choosing now to go with a LifePo4 Lithium setup, which will also require a different solar charge controller. Should have done the "buy once, cry once" calculation better on that setup!
The Massimo EKooler is still working great.
Not sure which battery I will buy, I will share that update in a future post.
I am choosing now to go with a LifePo4 Lithium setup, which will also require a different solar charge controller. Should have done the "buy once, cry once" calculation better on that setup!The Massimo EKooler is still working great.
Not sure which battery I will buy, I will share that update in a future post.
Updates -
I bought these items-
I have validated that the Lusatelli 12V LifePo4 battery was able to charge up to 13.6 volts via my solar panel (100w) and the new solar charger setup using a multimeter.
I then disconnected the solar panel and ran the fridge for 40 hours on just the battery - for at least 24 hours the multimeter was showing 13.2 volts (aka 70% capacity according to multiple sources).
At roughly 40 hours it was reading 13.15 volts, which would equate to roughly 50% capacity still - I am quite please with this result.
I also installed a 15Amp 3 prong household style weatherproof outlet on the side of my tongue box so that I can use a basic inverter and extension cord setup to power devices in the near future. I am heading to Yosemite, and figure I might be able to put my fridge inside the bear box at the campsite and run an extension cord to it
I bought these items-
I have validated that the Lusatelli 12V LifePo4 battery was able to charge up to 13.6 volts via my solar panel (100w) and the new solar charger setup using a multimeter.
I then disconnected the solar panel and ran the fridge for 40 hours on just the battery - for at least 24 hours the multimeter was showing 13.2 volts (aka 70% capacity according to multiple sources).
At roughly 40 hours it was reading 13.15 volts, which would equate to roughly 50% capacity still - I am quite please with this result.
I also installed a 15Amp 3 prong household style weatherproof outlet on the side of my tongue box so that I can use a basic inverter and extension cord setup to power devices in the near future. I am heading to Yosemite, and figure I might be able to put my fridge inside the bear box at the campsite and run an extension cord to it