|
08-04-2014, 06:31 PM
|
#1
|
Senior Member
Name: Morgyn
Trailer: Boler
Nova Scotia
Posts: 165
|
New converter box/ solar power?
So after the earlier discussion about my messed up wiring, I've come to the conclusion that I need to hire someone to fix it. While I'm at it, I think I'd like to put in a new converter box (is that the proper term?), and have it roughed in for future solar power connection.
What do I need to look for when shopping for converter panels? Is there one that will tell me at a glance what current I'm using or where my power is coming from and if my battery is being charged? I had the main power plugged in today but I have no idea if it's charging the battery and I needed to turn on the sink light before I could flip the rocker switch so I knew when I had it on the correct setting.
I like more rustic camping so I'm thinking we'll mostly be boondocking. Luckily, there's not much to power in the camper. Just the lights and the little fridge. I wouldn't mind being able to use a power bar for charging phones or my Bose Dock and a little Kuerig either.
After all that info, I'd be very happy if I could get some recommendations on what to get (besides a good electrician!!)
Morgyn
Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
08-04-2014, 06:47 PM
|
#2
|
Commercial Member
Name: Charlie Y
Trailer: Escape 21 - Felicity
Oregon
Posts: 1,583
|
Best place to start is to buy yourself a voltmeter - less than $10 these days. That will let you check whether your battery is charging or not. Another approach is a monitor that plugs into a cigarette lighter socket if you have one. http://www.amazon.com/INNOVA-3721-Ba...s=rv+voltmeter
If you don't need a lot of power the portable suitcase style solar chargers can be directly hooked to the battery when you're camped and avoid a lot of installation expense.
Charlie Y
|
|
|
08-04-2014, 07:46 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Trailer: Scamp
Posts: 7,056
|
A volt meter may or may not help, you have to know how to use it, and have at a very rudimentary understanding of how electricity works. In this case the OP is right find somebody to fix it.
I you're not going to be plugged in a converter is of little use. I have mine turned off and haven't used it in over 4 years. The trailer is a little over 8 years old. FYI we live in it for 3 to 4 months every winter then a few 1 to 2 week trips in the summer.
__________________
Byron & Anne enjoying the everyday Saturday thing.
|
|
|
08-04-2014, 07:59 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Name: Clif
Trailer: 08 Weiscraft Little Joe 14 Subaru Outback 2.5i CVT
Louisiana
Posts: 754
|
The Innova units and their ilk will give you a fair idea of your voltage, but it won't actually be battery voltage. It gives the voltage on the circuit it's on, which includes all loads on that circuit along with the draw, though small, of the meter itself.
I have been using the Innova unit for a couple of years, but it always shows lower than an open circuit reading on the battery with a dvom, and it will go into the yellow and red zones much quicker than it should.
I'm not saying don't get one, if you're trying to save a few bucks, but use it only as a general guide and double check at the battery with a volt meter if it leads you to be concerned.
There are a number of after market meters out there that will do a better job, but of course you will spend more for those.
Being the cheap guy I am, and knowing enough electronics to get myself into trouble, I bought one of these:
3-1/2 Digit LCD Panel Meter, PM438 | MPJA.COM
Based on info from a couple of sites I breadboarded a circuit and installed it in a box. I have it set up to give me voltage and amps in and out with a couple of switches. Made cheap wire shunts based on info from another site.
Final testing is almost done. Readings are identical to the DVOM. Looking forward to the final install.
__________________
Clif
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 05:25 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Name: Morgyn
Trailer: Boler
Nova Scotia
Posts: 165
|
Lots of learning!!!
Thank you! Everyone here is so wonderful to be passing on all their combined knowledge to new people.
Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 07:15 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Name: bob
Trailer: 1996 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe; 1946 Modernistic teardrop
New York
Posts: 5,413
|
I installed a new PD4045 power converter in our Uhaul to charge the battery and operate 12 volt interior lights. I used a large truck battery for when not plugged in to shore power. I'm starting to think I really don't need that big heavy battery as some of our summer camping places have electric, and where we camp for the winter has electric, so at least for the winter I'm going to install a small battery just for short time light use on overnight stops where shore power is not available. Even when summer camping with no shore power I find we use the lights and fantastic fan very little. I know others have dual batteries and solar panels but our needs don't require all that.
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 09:01 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
Washington
Posts: 1,561
|
The PD4045 that Mary and Bob recommended is an excellent choice. It is not just a converter, it is a complete power panel for 120 volt AC and 12 volt DC. If you put one of these in, I think you will be very happy.
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 09:04 AM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Name: Brandi
Trailer: 1985 Uhaul CT
Texas
Posts: 104
|
I'm gonna look into that.
Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 11:03 AM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
|
I put a small inexpensive voltmeter in last weekend Morgyn. It just keeps me
informed of voltage in the trailer.
We have the PD4045 in our trailer. Everything I read about it is very positive, and probably a good choice.
Best of luck to ya!
Frank
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 11:52 AM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Name: Morgyn
Trailer: Boler
Nova Scotia
Posts: 165
|
I'll see if I can source one locally.
Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 12:04 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
|
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 12:08 PM
|
#13
|
Senior Member
Name: Morgyn
Trailer: Boler
Nova Scotia
Posts: 165
|
Omg! Here I was thinking it was going to cost around $500 for one of those things! My bank account just did a happy dance!
Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 12:10 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
|
Amazon is my friend...
I assume that's a Scottish highland happy dance?
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 12:18 PM
|
#15
|
Senior Member
Name: Morgyn
Trailer: Boler
Nova Scotia
Posts: 165
|
I love amazon canada so much that I bought the prime membership. Unfortunately, they don't carry it.
Amazon.com lists the estimated delivery date between October and November for importing it.
With customs and shipping, it'll be around $246 USD so I'm going to see if I can source it locally. I don't want to wait that long!
Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 12:21 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Name: Frank
Trailer: 2012 ParkLiner #006
New York
Posts: 2,273
|
Isn't that weird? Gee. I didn't realize there was a difference with Amazon Prime depending on what country one lives in. Gee, ya learn something new every darn day!
You could probably source the PD4045 at an RV place, and find an inexpensive volt meter at most auto parts stores Morgyn.
Best of luck to ya. Please do keep us posted.
Frank
__________________
2012 ParkLiner #006
2013 4wd 4 door F150 3.5L Ecoboost with 9200# tow package
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 12:27 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Name: Jack L
Trailer: Sold the Bigfoot 17-Looking for a new one
Washington
Posts: 1,561
|
Take a look here;
www.bestconverter.com
Great service and product knowledge. Not sure if they ship to Canada.
|
|
|
08-05-2014, 01:02 PM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Name: Carl
Trailer: 1994 Scamp 16
Arkansas
Posts: 239
|
L,
Great web site for anything for 12 volts! Thank you for sharing with everyone!
Thanks,
__________________
Carl
If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else! Yogi Berra
|
|
|
08-07-2014, 01:07 AM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Name: Jared
Trailer: 1984 19' scamp
Kansas
Posts: 1,610
|
You would still have the import, but I got one for my car trailer off eBay for $10-12 shipped slow boat from China.
Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
08-07-2014, 01:10 AM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Name: Jared
Trailer: 1984 19' scamp
Kansas
Posts: 1,610
|
New converter box/ solar power?
It's a small draw, but it might be worthwhile installing a switch to the volt gauge for boondocking.
Sent from my iPhone using Fiberglass RV
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Upcoming Events |
No events scheduled in the next 465 days.
|
|