electrical distribution panel

[yycwrangler]

I'm seeing units such as these mentioned for use in the trailer. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XRU6FM

They look like the cats meow in so much that they contain fuse setups for 110 and 12 volt. I'm assuming you run this to an outside plug and this unit would be plugged directly into the shore line. I'm also assuming that is converts 110 to 12 volt..Seems like a neat idea.

Is anyone using such a unit and if so what model or product are you using. This one was just my first exposure to the multi tasking units so other suggestions are greatly appreciated. Eventually I'd like to tie in solar with a mppt so I'm assuming this type of unit will work.

Anyhow any feedback for the newbie would be greatly appreciated

Cheers
Al

[McDave]

I'm using this one. works perfect.
https://www.amazon.com/WFCO-WF8955PECB- ... =wfco+8955
You'll still need some breakers. They're very common dual breakers, 30/15 main & whatever, 20/15 A/C & whatever, 20/15 converter+ something & reefer, 15/15 random & random. I also put in some AC and DC meters so I know what's going on at all times. Electrically anyways.
https://www.amazon.com/bayite-BAYITE-PZ ... 9FJYNWTEMB
https://www.amazon.com/bayite-6-5-100V- ... V6M5AXMFEX
And one of these back by the bed, it has an alarm clock, and low voltage alarm, and freeze alert and gives off a little light, red or blue, nice to be able to see it from bed and get your bearings and some data.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L5 ... UTF8&psc=1

McDave

[aggie79]

I have the smaller PD 4135. These combined units do work really well, especially for the electrically-challenged like me.

[Mike S]

I'm running basically an older version of the same thing. Yes, these things are the cats meow. You're correct in your assumption that it serves as both the 120 volt A/C load center and the 12 volt D/C load center. AC and DC are physically and electrically isolated. On mine, the AC side uses standard household circuit breakers (1-20 amp circuit, and 2-15 amp circuits in my case), and the DC side uses automotive fuses. I assume most of these work the same way. It works well. The AC side works exactly like a household circuit breaker. Your circuits should be wired essentially like those in your house (with a few exceptions). The fact that it's an AC/DC charger/converter means that it also provides a lot of DC power to your trailer for things like lighting, refrigeration, and fans, all while charging your battery.

There are a few more things to keep in mind:

These units are capable of drawing way more current than a standard household circuit can provide. They're made to use with RV style service. In order to utilize your capacity, your shore power inlet needs to be a 30 amp RV service style plug. And your shore power needs to meet that capacity. You can use an adaptor to hook to a standard household 15 or 20 amp as long as you don't need the extra capacity in your trailer.
This is what I use on my trailer:
http://www.amazon.com/ParkPower-301ELRV ... GZPTCSJN8J

This is what I installed in my trailer-parking area:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-100-Amp-3 ... 393689-_-N

Also, pay attention to the type of DC charger the unit has. Mine is an old fashion analog charger/converter. I'd like to buy a newer smart charger model that's capable of charging my AGM battery safely and efficiently.

Have fun!

[nunrleft]

I'm using a WFCO 8700 Series 35 Amp RV Power Center Converter. The power center you're looking at is a 45 amp. Most cargo trailer conversions can easily utilize a 35 am converter which are typically much cheaper than the 45 amp. You'll need to figure out how much power you'll need for your conversion before you order. For example; I'm running a 13500 roof top air conditioner, mini fridge, and two additional 20 amp outlets on the A/C side. On the D/C side I power two separate 10 foot LED lights, a 5 LED under cabinet light, exterior light, water pump, television, and charge a single, 220 amp hour, deep cycle battery. I can have everything running while powering my trailer off a single 15 amp outlet on the side of my house. I do, however, have a 30 amp shore power service connector for plugging in to camp grounds.

Look at other people's build threads and you'll get a good idea of what they're using.

[m.colley]

Yes they are. I using the very model you linked to. I used a 30A main breaker and a combination of 15A & 20A duplex breakers. It works like a champ.