by CaleyAnn » Sun Jan 28, 2018 10:58 pm
Somewhere I lost track of the wiring sizes I will need to purchase. I know I asked in another thread, or even possibly this one and got an answer, but for some reason I just cannot locate the information. So here is what I want to do.
I already will have the required wiring from the folding solar panel kit with controller. The kit takes me all the way to the two Duracell 6 volt 215 amp golf cart AGM batteries. From what I understand, I wire these two batteries in series with 4AWG wire connectors to create a 12 volt battery.
From there I need a wire size to my battery shutoff switch. I also need to know the wire size of the wire from the negative terminal to the trailer chassis ground point and ground terminal distribution block.
From the battery cutoff switch I am guessing I need a 30 amp manual reset fuse. What size wire between those two items, and can anyone recommend a 30 amp manual reset fuse.
OK, progressing from the 30 amp manual reset fuse, what size wire to the regular fuse holder terminal that has the smaller fuses such as 5, 10, 15 and 20 amps.
From the fuse holder, I then go to all my various things like LED lighting, two computer cooling fans that will be controlled with either a built in switch, or I will wire an ON/OFF switch in. What sized wire for these.
I will also have three cigarette socket plug in points so I can plug in my 12 volt Fan-tastic Vent box fan. This replaces the ceiling fan I wanted, but could not have because the ceiling joists are too close together. I will also have a 12 volt TV/DVD that draws very little plugged into one of these also. I will also use a 12 volt heating blanket during the winter that will be plugged in place of a fan unit. The other will be for reading the voltage/amperage of my system so I know what is happening. Everything else will be run off of disposable batteries. That's just about all I will be powering, just basics to try to keep comfortable, and entertained for a few hours a night. Just what size wire do I need for these runs to the lighting, fans, and cigarette sockets.
From what I understand, the negative leads coming off all of these appliances and sockets will be run to that ground terminal distribution block that is grounded to the trailer chassis. I am guessing the ground wires would be the same size as the positive wiring taking the electricity to the devices.
Please bear with me, as I just do not know the proper terminology for most of this. I hope it was at least fairly understandable. Right now I am at the point where I need to run my wires in preparation for drilling holes, installing screws or bolts, and also installing some of the devices. After that, I just need to screw back on my plywood panels. And to this point, I doubt I have added 20 pounds, which would include the insulation, two fans, two LED lights, wiring, fuse and terminal blocks, etc.
I've been thinking of how to make a bed platform. What I have come up with is a 28 x 80 interior no panel door that weighs only 22 pounds. I've worked with these doors before, cutting them down to the size I need. I can cut it down to the length needed, and trim a little off the sides. Since I will have a four inch thick memory foam mattress on top of the door, it should be just fine for a bed platform top. And by the time it is cut down, it should only be about 18 pounds, which is probably half the weight of what I would have to have had using plywood. I can probably use 1 x's to build the storage box framework, and cover that with 1/8 plywood. Just have to use glue and screws to make it stronger.
So, that bed platform with storage may only come in around 40-45 pounds.
The one set of cupboards up front can basically be constructed the same, with the exception of the doors, which would probably need thicker wood for the doors, so they can be latched to hold things inside.
Unfortunately, I can not come up with anything to lessen the battery weight, and the possible platform just ahead of the trailer body. But I have not found a platform that can sit on a single tongue tow bar. I probably don't know what it is called, and therefore unable to call up a picture of it. But I am guessing if there is such a thing, I will have to bolt or strap it to the tow bar, and the ends of that platform will have to be bolted to the trailer bulkhead, to include the plywood on the inside to provide support on those ends. All the platform needs to be is 24 inches long, and about 12 inches wide to hold those two batteries inside their cases, and the control system for the electrical. Anyone help me with a link or at least what I cannot seem to figure out a name for?
If I do seat the batteries there, I will have to counter balance the trailer with the water I need for a week, along with all the other heavy stuff I can come up with, in the rear of the trailer. Those batteries are going to put a lot of weight forward.
Anyway, I did not finish the ceiling foam insulation. I kind of pooped out today, so no pictures either. And it is back to work up at the observatory for me for the next six days doing flood reclamation work and landscaping. Maybe I will get the rest of the foam in sometime this week.
Caley Ann Hand