12v system would this work?

[joer1142]

I am still working on my plans for my trailer and I would like to get some input on the 12v DC power.
Please look at the image attached and let me know your opinions.
Thank you.
Joe

[Dale M.]

It would seem it will power up to 20 amps in output, but relys on unit being powered by 120v ac source... May be fine if you always have 120v ac available to power unit, but if you Do not have "shore power" you will have nothing...

Did not see any place to connect large reserve battery, but I did not go that deep into specifications...

Dale

[eamarquardt]

It appears the max output per "port" is two amps. That wouldn't meet my needs. Will it meet your needs?

You could "double up" on the output ports to get more capacity on a circuit but then the number of circuits would be limited.

I think I'd spend the money and get a Progressive Dynamics charger/converter which will supply more current in general, more current per circuit, and properly charge a battery should you install a battery (which IMHO is a good thing to have).

If you don't have the money, sell your wife or one or more of your kids if need be. I, however, am not in the market for either.

Cheers,

Gus

[GerryS]

Seems like an incredible amount of overkill. A fuse block from Hella is $8 and some basic wiring will do very nicely. Space is a much bigger issue that I ever thought it would be. I'll forget about something that big and look at something like this: http://www.amazon.com/HELLA-H84960111-8 ... fuse+block

[flboy]

20 Amps is not a lot of DC Current at 12V. Typically you would want to distribute the 12VDC from your Deep Cycle battery and buy a Converter/Charger to keep the battery up with 115VAC or you could buy a Solar Charger. Everything depends on what your plans are, but I'd think a simpler terminal strip would be fine and inline fuses to protect your wiring. In my opinion, this box would be a waste of $49.00 for a camper. Sorry to be negative.

[GerryS]

20 Amps is not a lot of DC Current at 12V. Typically you would want to distribute the 12VDC from your Deep Cycle battery and buy a Converter/Charger to keep the battery up with 115VAC or you could buy a Solar Charger. Everything depends on what your plans are, but I'd think a simpler terminal strip would be fine and inline fuses to protect your wiring. In my opinion, this box would be a waste of $49.00 for a camper. Sorry to be negative.

Well said, I hope I didn't come across as negative. Especially when dealing with power, I try to remain positive .

Bee sure you fuse whatever you do...it's amazing how much juice is in a battery....one short of the terminals and the related shower of sparks will give you that insight.

We wound up buying our camper just because of time and ambition being in short supply, and after 3 years I've learned that a lot of these kinds of gadgets we were planning aren't necessary....there is so little space, and it's very easy to keeping adding "just one more" thing to find you don't have space for true necessities. Devices like this are for 36 foot class Cs, and it's easy to start thinking like an RVer....teardrops aren't RVs. They really are steps up from a tent....and you need to think with that mentality...not like an RV.

My rule....Small is good, light is best...and no single tasking devices except the fire extinguisher.

[joer1142]

I appreciate all your comments. They all do make very good sense. I will look into other options and let you all know. I am excited about my build. I will have a deep cycle marine battery or two for wilderness camping but will mainly be campground camping. I am also looking at built in Air conditioner when we are on AC current.
I can do 120V wiring all day long. but the DC convertion was giving me fits. Thanks again everyone I appreciate it.

[Shadow Catcher]

There are a number of us that have the Progressive Dynamics power center http://www.progressivedyn.com/all_in_one_pd4000.html I for one have used all 12 of the 12V circuits.

[joer1142]

Yes, Shadow Catcher, that is what I am really looking for. I have found them but they are hitting at around 100+ for it. I am looking at salvage yards for one.

[GuitarPhotog]

I don't mean to scold, but don't cheap out on your electrical system. We're talking safety, convenience, and durability here. You do not want your electrical system failing on a camping trip (my WFCO converted did, leaving me in the dark for 3 days).

$100 may be a big deal now, but if you keep the trailer a year, you're paying less than $0.30 per day for it.

Do it right, get one of the Progressive Dynamics converters, install it with a quality battery and you'll have trouble-free electricity forever.

<Chas>

[joer1142]

I appreciate your input and don't feel scolded. Just to let you know, although I am trying to hit a very frugal budget doesn't mean that I am going to put myself or my wife in danger. I am the son of an electrician and worked with my father enought to know what not to do. I am just unclear about DC power. I am researching and will do it right. But I do know that sometimes people bite off more than they can chew and know that your intentions were honorable. Thanks for the encouragement. I will get some pictures of the build after I get to that point and hope everyone likes the outcome. Thank you all again.