CTH reset - High Country Cargo Toy Hauler Conversion

[Itsdoable]

Over the years I've struggled with finding the right trailer setup to use year round. I snowmobile, dirtbike, streetbike, and summer camp. Being on a multi-use kick lately, I bought a 6x14ft CT last month with the thought of hauling the different machines year round, and maybe throwing in an air mattress come summer.

Then I found you guys and my mind has been awakened to the possibilities ... for 'better or worse' I haven't quite figured out yet!!

The project has been completely re-thought over the last few weeks , and I've decided to jump in with both feet to build a Cargo Toy Hauler Conversion.

Here are a few pics of what I have now. All of it's going to get pulled out so I can start on the electrical (all 12v) and insulation.

I'd like to document the build here to share what I've done, get ideas, etc.. I anticapate a few unique challanges to accomidate the machines and flexibility I'm hoping for.

So it begins ....

[Jo]

I'm following this thread, I've ordered a Mission 6.5x12 and plan to haul my ATV with it.

What are you planning for your bed? A fold-up bed?

[Itsdoable]

Planning on a fold up bed on the right/back side with a full size mattress (probably the Spa Sensation foam). That will give space needed to load one bike in the nose and still be able to fold down the bed with the bike in it. That's why I went 14ft instead of 12. On trips with both street and dirt taken along, they will both fit with the floorplan I have in mind. But, I'll have to take one bike out to sleep.

[pete42]

Welcome looking forward to watching your build.
pete

[Itsdoable]

Working on the electrical plan. Decided to keep it simple with only a DC 12V system (no AC). 95% of my camping will be away from shore power.

Going to install a good 3 or 4 phase 5 amp charger for when shore power is available, with probably a 100 amp/hr battery. I have a little Honda EU1000i generator that puts out 120v/900-1000VA or 12v/8A.

When I recharge with the generator, am I better off hooking the 12v directly to the battery .. or, hooking the 120v to the charger?

Seems to me the generator is putting out more amps, but the charger is a more efficient cycle?

[kstephenson]

I d reccommend 120v to a good battery charger. Maybe a Guest Charger.

[Jo]

I vote for the AC charger.

Maybe less powerfull but more efficient (phases) and you won't overcharge your battery.

But why not buying a 10A AC charger?

[Itsdoable]

Thanks, another dumb question or two.

At my EU1000i max AC output of 1000VA will it support a 10 amp charger?

Also, I can only find 2 bank 10amp chargers (5/5). Plan is to only run one 100 amp/hr battery. Any recomendations on a 10 amp single bank, or, can a fellow just hook up both 5/5 banks to one battery to get 10 amps (somehow, that sounds like a very ignorant question).

[Itsdoable]

Think I just answered my own question.

Taking with the local Honda guys, the EU1000i max 120V/1000VA is equal to 7.5 amp output.

I found a Guest 12 Volt 10 Amp Waterproof Charger # GU2611-1
which is a single bank charger.

Specs are ...
Dimensions: 7.75" L x 5.5" W x 2.5" H
Actual Weight (lb.): 6
Shipping Weight (lb.): 8
Output Banks: 1
Maximum Input Current: 2 A
Absorption Voltage: 14.3 V
AC Input Volts: 115 V
AC Input Volts Freq.: 50/60 Hz
AC Input Volts Range: 100–130 V
AC Input Amps: 2 A
Float Voltage: 13.3 V
Manufacturer: Guest

So, if the generator max AC output is 7.5A, and the 'Max input current' on the charger is 2A, it should power the charger to the full DC 14.3V/10A output capacity.

I didn't want to spend the money on a 10amp charger only to find out my generator would not power it up to it's potential.

Any flaw in my logic???

[Jo]

You're right, and you should compare the power (Watts) and not Current (A)

General formula: Power(W) = Voltage(V) X Current(A)

Generator
120Vac x 7.5A = 900W

Charger
120Vac x 2A = 240W

Power delivered to battery
14.3Vdc x 10A = 143W

[Jo]

Talking electricity, may I suggest you to buy a Watt meter:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=10080

You connect this between your source (battery) and your loads (12V appliance).

You will be able to monitor the power consumption and any current leak when the appliance is turned off.

It also monitor in real time the Current, Vmax, Vmin and more.

I love mine!

Here's a vid:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfs4Bs3H7gw

[Itsdoable]

Thanks Jo, much better gauge than the old fashion nettle ones I've been looking at and the price is right.

[Jo]

Thanks Jo, much better gauge than the old fashion nettle ones I've been looking at and the price is right.

Great!

[Itsdoable]

Didn't take long to realize I needed a budgeted parts list. Things can really start adding up quickly, and not having an essential part on hand when needed could grind the project to a halt

Was gone over the holiday weekend, but did manage to get a lot of items ordered or purchased at the local big box stores. Start tare-down this weekend.

Budgeting $2500, the cheaper I can accomplish each item the more stuff!

[Kyle1911]

Oh gawddd , you made a list of expenses? You are a brave man. I think I have one scratched out on a bar napkin, hidden in my desk, so Wifey can't find it. I understand fully how this starts to add up! Looks like a great setup. I'll be watching this one. Regards, Kyle