Things are starting to roll along with this project and we start the install next weekend. Thought I'd start a thread to post photos and updates on this project.
We're going with two 160w Eco-Worthy panels, two Trojan T0-105 batteries and a Renogy MPPT controller. Our friend that is engineering this project is currently building the controller out of state and finalizing details before flying out next week for the install.
To start, an image of the camper itself, the controller which will be installed in the opening where the original heater was and a drawing that shows the panel layout. Locations for the brackets haven't been finalized, but the basic idea is shown.
alright, we're going with a rail system which gives us 6 mounting holes instead of 16. Panels can be angle if needed and an air deflector will go up front to help eliminate air flow under the panels.
We started the install today! We got the battery frame built up and installed and got started on framing around the cutout where the heater was and the control panel is now going. The panel is about 20lbs so we're reinforcing from the floor up and around that opening. The panel box was hitting the bottom of the sink so we had to drop it a bit. We'll build and trim it out tomorrow.
As far as the battery box, 5 screws in a "X" pattern under each battery go into the base of the camper. I also put Gorilla Glue on the base and used wood glue on the screws. Doubled up on pipe strap to hold the batteries in place.
Installing wet cells inside the trailer is always troublesome to me. The weight is one concern. They also need to be vented. At the very least the batteries would be better in boxes designed for the purpose. Better yet, I'd put them on the tongue. A while back Parkliner did a similar type of installation using safer AGM batteries. They ended up moving the batteries outside the trailer. Just a thought, Raz
Installing wet cells inside the trailer is always troublesome to me. The weight is one concern. They also need to be vented. At the very least the batteries would be better in boxes designed for the purpose. Better yet, I'd put them on the tongue. A while back Parkliner did a similar type of installation using safer AGM batteries. They ended up moving the batteries outside the trailer. Just a thought, Raz
It is a prevention for the vapors of acid and for the domages caused by the acid.
Completely all right with you, Raz.
Thanks for the heads up on the battery ventilation! How about a long, narrow vent installed on the exterior towards the upper most part of that open area where the batteries sit?
Thanks for the heads up on the battery ventilation! How about a long, narrow vent installed on the exterior towards the upper most part of that open area where the batteries sit?
The batteries need to be completely sealed from the interior of the trailer, even with a vent to the exterior. If you could completely seal off the compartment they are in, and have this compartment vented to the outside, it would be fine. This does sound like quite the hassle though.
I would be inclined to follow what Raz posted, and either use the box he showed, that includes a vent, or better yet mount on the tongue. In a trailer this small, one that originally never even had a battery, I think a single large one would work fine too, and in fact, that is what I am adding to the '76 1300 I am working on.
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2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
I do have enough room on the base of the current battery frame to build a sealed box around it and run a flexible tube to a vent which I'll have to install.
I do have enough room on the base of the current battery frame to build a sealed box around it and run a flexible tube to a vent which I'll have to install.
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That would work. Just make sure it provides easy access for maintenance, and you will be fine.
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2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
These batteries use sulphuric acid for an electrolyte. They off gas hydrogen which on rare occasion has been known to explode. That's enough for me to keep them out of my trailer. That said, there are many folks with battery boxes inside there trailers who have never had a problem. I would encourage you to do a little research before deciding on a solution. Raz
My Escape 19 has the dual batteries inside under a dinette seat, using one of those vented boxes. I have smelled many a battery charging in my life, but not a whiff off this installation.
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2017 Escape 5.0 TA
2015 Ford F150 Lariat 3.5L EcoBoost
2009 Escape 19 (previous)
“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” — Abraham Lincoln
Update: we put off the battery box and vent till' tomorrow and tackled the panel mount and wiring (currently going on) today. We went with a rail system drilling three holes for each rail. The four panel wires are coming through the roof with a single fitting. Depending on how much wiring goes on today, we hope to wrap up by Monday morning with the battery box, an acrylic angled and back framed air deflector up front, trimming out the control panel and installing the door and doing a second run of caulk on the rails and bolts. I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
This link can be useful for you, to you or maybe to one of the other members who follow this conversation?
I find it very useful as guide for the electricity of our VR.
Thanks Gilles. Clayton, we used a 4 wire cable grommet similar to the one used at this link. http://www.directindustry.com/prod/h...46-367615.html
Alright, time to go build the battery box. I'm going to have a fresh air input at the bottom going through the camper shell into the box then an exit vent at the top, opposite corner. I may vent this off the back or side of the camper the lid will have a seal on it, held down with latches for easy access.