annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jan 24, 2015 18:32:30 GMT -8
Do any of you renovation guru's have an opinion about this combination fuse/breaker panel from Vintage Trailer Supply?
Progressive Dynamics 4045: 45 Amp Converter + AC/DC Distribution Panel
or do you have anything else you really like?
im rewiring my 61 Shasta compact. Most of the time I'm camping where there is no shore power
what I will be using in my camper are:
2-12v led light bulbs in the original 2 vintage fixtures
2-12v new reading light, led fixtures
a closet light
1 or 2- 12 volt recertacles for charging cell phone and playing mp3
overhead fantastic fan maybe on hot days (with no shore power for AC) a small oscillating fan
120 when I have shore power: regular dorm style fridge microwave a/c
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Post by vikx on Jan 24, 2015 23:34:28 GMT -8
"Most of the time I'm camping where there is no shore power"
The Progressive Dynamics converter requires shore power. It is way overkill and won't work "most of the time". Converters convert shore power (110) into 12 volt power via a transformer.
Buy a good quality DEEP CYCLE battery, either 24 or 27 series. Run your 12 volt wiring (easy peasy in a Compact) and connect back to a fuse block. The fuse block is supplied by the hot line from your battery. Each circuit goes out from there. (original lights, new lights, cigar plugs)
An option may be a solar panel if you plan to camp where there is ample sunlight. Do NOT mount it on the roof. They all eventually LEAK.
The Fantastic Fan is highly recommended and works wonderfully well. I love mine, and each trailer gets one.
To run a microwave and air conditioner requires at least a 30 amp inlet.
Hope this helps.
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goshawks
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Post by goshawks on Jan 25, 2015 4:33:09 GMT -8
We are in the process of installing this unit in our Trotwood. It's an easy install but a bit confusing as their instructions are almost useless. Biggest issue is they don't tell you, you need to run a power wire from the 1st 15 amp breaker to the place on the inside case of the converter where the 12v black wire is. Also don't forget to ground your 120 ground bar to the frame and also ground the neg. battery post to ground. Use dual pole breakers and you'll have 7 line 120 and it comes with 12 wires for individual 12v lines.
Good luck!
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Ten
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Post by Ten on Jan 25, 2015 6:17:54 GMT -8
I could be mistaken...that has happened before.... But, the way I'm reading this, the PD panel setup looks like it has the battery maintainer capability built in. Thus, it should also have the automatic switching capability as well, no? This a battery is almost "built-in" to the system already, and would automatically take over the 12-V needs, and would be charged when it is on shore power.
I do agree that this setup could be way overkill for the simple needs of the Compact.
One advantage that I "think" I see with it, is the 7 branches available at 15-amps each, with a 30-amp inlet of course, would allow for a separate circuit for the A/C to be run on. (In most of the original wiring setups, it works out much better to run a different extension to run A/C, and plug it directly into shore power.) There would be room enough also for the fridge and microwave to be run on separate breakers as well, although the two of them are seldom running at full draw at the same time....and again, the small needs of the Compact really leaves enough left over to run stadium lighting on....
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Jan 25, 2015 7:12:47 GMT -8
I looked at this too when I was in the early stages and I just couldn't justify the price so I bought a regular power supply box and breakers, only for my husband so suggest a cheaper version of this. I agree with and trust Vikx advice on this one. If my "cheaper" combo dies, I'm prepared to go back conventional. As for solar panels, you may be the one who asked about my set up on my other trailer in another thread, and I apologize for not answering. I've been a little under the weather lately. I have a suitcase set of solar panels which are portable and easy to store. They connect directly to the battery. Mine are 80W ( don't go any lower, larger is harder to store) and keep enough charge going to run my lights, fan and tv. I have Zamp www.zampsolar.com/product/120-watt-portable-solar-charging-system-zs-120-p/ But whatever brand you go with, make sure have a charge controller to keep them from over charging. Also, check into the type of panels, there are three basic types and you will find that the higher priced ones are the better, longer lasting monochrystaline. The cheaper ones will probably work as well at first but will not last as long.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jan 25, 2015 7:54:48 GMT -8
It does help, but leads me to a follow up question. My first non shore power trip was to Smoky Mountain National Park with my Sisters on the Fly group. I stayed for 7 days. The only thing I ran on my battery was the fantastic fan, but I really needed it because the weather was damp and warm so it ran quite a bit. By the last day my battery was dead, all the way, can't recharge it with my home charger. Yes I know that is the death of a battery, but at that time I had no way to recharge it. This will be a pretty standard trip for me. State & National Parks with no shore power and LOTS of trees, (my preference). So although I plan to do some solar I am now realizing that may not keep my battery charged while I'm camping.
Solutions?
Also, when I do have shore power wouldn't it be best to have the battery charging and run my lighting off of shore? thus the converter.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jan 25, 2015 7:58:56 GMT -8
Yes Susie, that was me. Thanks! I went to a 12v seminar yesterday and got a lot of good knowledge including some about solar but it was more general. This helps me weed thru the vast array of panels and set ups available!
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Jan 25, 2015 8:00:46 GMT -8
It does help, but leads me to a follow up question. My first non shore power trip was to Smoky Mountain National Park with my Sisters on the Fly group. I stayed for 7 days. The only thing I ran on my battery was the fantastic fan, but I really needed it because the weather was damp and warm so it ran quite a bit. By the last day my battery was dead, all the way, can't recharge it with my home charger. Yes I know that is the death of a battery, but at that time I had no way to recharge it. This will be a pretty standard trip for me. State & National Parks with no shore power and LOTS of trees, (my preference). So although I plan to do some solar I am now realizing that may not keep my battery charged while I'm camping. Solutions? Also, when I do have shore power wouldn't it be best to have the battery charging and run my lighting off of shore? thus the converter. If you do the right setup with a converter/charger, you can charge your battery from your vehicle while you are traveling and charge it from shore power when you are camped with 30 amp power. If you do not use a converter/charger and just go with solar, you can take a charger with you and plug in when you have access. That's what I do with my TD. I have no problem running my stuff on solar for 3 days with a just a trickle charge from the panels. And I'm not conservative.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jan 25, 2015 8:06:31 GMT -8
One other question! At the seminar it was recommended to set up a dual battery system of 2 linked 6volt AGM batteries for more Amp hours vs one 12V AGM battery. Do you gurus agree?
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goshawks
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Post by goshawks on Jan 25, 2015 9:54:24 GMT -8
Two batteries give you more 12v. time before it goes dead, and three are better than two and four better than etc. The trade off is weight and compartment space. Now if you are where there is no AC power and you are there with DC only , you could periodically hook up to your vehicle to keep your battery from going dead. Yes it's inconvenient but better than no power. As a side note don't leave your vehicle plugged in to camper indefinitely. I know of more than one instance where it was time for a camper to leave and not only was the TT dead but also the TV
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Jan 25, 2015 10:57:47 GMT -8
One other question! At the seminar it was recommended to set up a dual battery system of 2 linked 6volt AGM batteries for more Amp hours vs one 12V AGM battery. Do you gurus agree? My sources say "yes" to your question about 2X 6 volt… and it's the way I'm going to go for off grid camping. Built in converter/chargers are always good to have and keep your battery(ies) in peak condition when connected to any charging source, including solar panels. Between LED 12v lighting and charging from solar… you'll be able to have lots of off grid days! About weight… yes a bit more with 2 batteries, but in my case it will help balance the 20 gal. freshwater tank I've got on the other side . My Jeep GC doesn't seem to mind the extra tongue weight, with the weight distributing hitch in place.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Jan 25, 2015 11:02:09 GMT -8
I've been a little under the weather lately…. I have a suitcase set of solar panels which are portable and easy to store. They connect directly to the battery. Mine are 80W Feel better Susie! I like that folding 80W set. I'm wondering if there is suitcase type system, minus the controller. I'll have a charger/controller on board the trailer.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jan 25, 2015 11:22:22 GMT -8
Yes Susie, feel better! My husband had the flu last week and he NEVER gets sick, poor guy didn't know what hit him. Hope that's not your malady.
Wow, thanks so much everyone, I'm feeling a lot better about what I am preparing to undertake! This is such a great resource.
Happy Trails
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Jan 25, 2015 11:53:15 GMT -8
I'm feeling a lot better about what I am preparing to undertake! This is such a great resource. Ann… the 4045 unit you are considering is the same one I am. Vikx is correct, that a converter is not much use if you are off grid often. It's really the battery management 'Charge Wizard' in the 4045 that will help your battery survive longer both when you are hooked up to shore power or any charging source… and also when you are parked at home. Their certainly are other ways to manage your battery with "smart" type chargers that you attach directly to your battery (as well as solar kits that come with their own charge managers), but this is a nice integrated solution and takes your mind off managing the battery and you'll probably get more life out of them for sure. Good luck.
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annbclay
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Post by annbclay on Jan 25, 2015 16:21:19 GMT -8
Thanks Chametzoo!
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