Using a Mighty Mini PD4045 45 Amp Inteli-Power Mighty Mini P

[burlesot]

I would like some input from you all on the advantages/disadvantages of using the Mighty Mini intelligent system.

Here's a link: http://www.bestconverter.com/PD4045-45-Amp-Inteli-Power-Mighty-Mini-Power-Center_p_353.html#.UVTptRnFQkI

I am not an electrician, but it seems that this system, while probably a bit more expensive than the cost of using regular marine or RV grade components, seems to simplify the process for those of us who are not electricians.

Can someone give me an idea of how you would use this in a basic teardrop configuration?

Thank you in advance.

[Shadow Catcher]

One of the purposes for Progressive Dynamics in making the power centers was to simplify instillation for RV manufacturers. From personal experience with ours, it is well put together and does in deed simplify. I do not think you can beat PD for a quality product made in the US.

[GuitarPhotog]

+1 to Shadow Catcher's comment.

I just today finished replacing my failed-twice WFCO with a PD4045. Much better built, better warranty, better support. Better product.

<Chas>

[burlesot]

At the risk of showing my ignorance, can anyone give a basic overview of an installation of one of these units in a teardrop?

[GuitarPhotog]

It provides 12VDC from either shore power or the trailer (or tow vehicle) battery and charges the trailer battery.

It provides an AC Circuit Breaker panel much like the one in your house to protect the 120 VAC wiring to the converter and to any branch circuits you've installed in your TD.

It provides 12 fused 12 VDC circuits for lights, fan, etc.

So, your shore power wiring goes in one side, through a couple of circuit breakers, and 12 VDC comes out the other side on 12 different wires, and the battery and battery disconnect goes in the middle.

As for the details, it all depends on your trailer. On mine, I use 3 DC circuits, Lights, Accessory outlets, and Fan. I have one 120 VAC branch circuit with outlets in the cabin and the galley, and I have a 60 AH deep cycle AGM battery. I don't have an inverter to convert 12 VDC to 120 VAC because they are hugely inefficient and are power hogs. I have 120 VAC only when the trailer is plugged into shore power.

But I'm camping on the left coast where I don't need air conditioning just to be able to sleep, as is the case in other parts of the country. If you need AC and are planning to camp off-grid, you'll need a generator or one heck of a large battery bank.

That's probably confusion enough for now. You can find the installation manual for the PD4045 here.

<Chas>

[burlesot]

So,
does something like this make it easier for a guy like me to create an electrical system or is it just a fancy doodad?

[Oreellyfool]

So,
does something like this make it easier for a guy like me to create an electrical system or is it just a fancy doodad?

All this will do is make your TD be able to hook up to 120v at the campsites (or your house if you're sleeping in the driveway).

This will not make your electrical system "easier" per-say, it will add another element to your system. The easiest system is not having an electrical system at all and just using flashlights/headlamps except for the turn signals and brake lights, those will run off your vehicle power.

[burlesot]

Chas,
Thanks for your description of the system. I've got several books about RV Electrical systems, and have printed many build threads. I'll be reading up on them and weighing my options.

Thanks a lot.

Oreellyfool,
I understand the simplest system! Believe it or not, I'm working to get my teardrop water tight at this point. Once she is water tight, I'll be adding some battery operated LED lights and a battery operated fan. Once we've had a chance to 'live' with it for a while, we'll have the chance to see what we truly 'need.'

My power plans at this point are to almost exclusively run on 12 volt power. I want to have a system that 'can' use shore power for charging and the occasional use of camp power. I don't plan on using appliances when I camp; it is camping after all. I plan on needing power to run a fan/vent, interior/exterior lights and to power up cell phones, etc. I'm going with a truly basic system. However, I'm going to take her out for a trip or two to see what we 'could' use in the future.

Sincerely,
Todd