1975 Trillium 1300 solar project - Fiberglass RV
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Old 03-20-2015, 01:04 PM   #1
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1975 Trillium 1300 solar project

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.
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Old 03-21-2015, 08:20 AM   #2
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You intended to fix the base with 3M VHB Tape?

3Mâ„¢ VHBâ„¢ Tape

This week a member proposed this solution on this site.
That avoids us making holes in you roof and he says that it is as well side as nuts.
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Old 03-22-2015, 09:36 PM   #3
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ID:	81621 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.


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Old 03-27-2015, 09:01 PM   #4
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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.
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Old 03-28-2015, 03:08 AM   #5
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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
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Old 03-28-2015, 04:35 AM   #6
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Gotta agree with Raz, you really should have venting of some kind.
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Old 03-28-2015, 06:37 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by P. Raz View Post
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.
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Old 03-28-2015, 06:49 AM   #8
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1975 Trillium 1300 solar project

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?


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Old 03-28-2015, 08:04 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ajdemo76 View Post
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?


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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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Old 03-28-2015, 08:23 AM   #10
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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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Old 03-28-2015, 09:45 AM   #11
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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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Old 03-28-2015, 09:57 AM   #12
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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
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Old 03-28-2015, 01:11 PM   #13
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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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Old 03-28-2015, 05:59 PM   #14
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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.
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Old 03-28-2015, 10:08 PM   #15
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Hey Andy, what type of fitting did you use on the roof for the wires?
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Old 03-29-2015, 05:59 AM   #16
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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.

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Old 03-29-2015, 07:31 AM   #17
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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.


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Old 03-29-2015, 08:15 AM   #18
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What are the chances of the air flow going the other direction?
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Old 03-29-2015, 08:49 AM   #19
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The batteries produce hydrogen, which is lighter than air. This intake/vent set up makes the most sense for us!


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Old 03-30-2015, 05:56 PM   #20
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So the bulk of the install is done with small details to go. Cabinet door install and air deflector were the big projects today.
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