7'*18' V-Nose Cargo Trailer Toy Hauler Conversion

[featherliteCT1]

Fl boy wrote: My intention all along has been to swap out the cheap 12VDC Marine - Deep Cycle batteries I have and go with qty. 4 6V true deep cycle batteries just before I hit the road for many months next year. I am somewhat cost conscious and do not need the best, so I am fine with SLA batteries and have room for 4 batteries (group 29C size). What brand /size would be the best bang for the buck? I have 3 12VDC batteries now with 375aH total.. and I'd like to improve that capacity also to >400aH. Thoughts?[/quote]

Reply: For my needs, my choice would be Trojan T 105 batteries, except for the fact that they are not readily obtainable like the Interstate battery; especially when traveling across the country. For me, I need the ability to replace the battery if one fails during travels.

The Interstate battery is readily obtainable at many automotive stores strung across the country. Consequently, the interstate battery is my compromised choice.

Both batteries publish their charging parameters which enables me to program the variables into my charge controller.

Both batteries cost about $150 each, including shipping, last time I looked. Both batteries contain 232 amp hours at the 20 hour rate.

[featherliteCT1]

Nice portable solar panel set up ... Well thought out and executed! Cost effective also.
What brand and model of solar charger are you using?

[flboy]

Nice portable solar panel set up ... Well thought out and executed! Cost effective also.
What brand and model of solar charger are you using?

Thanks for the battery info. I may go with the Trojan's. I have a battery dealer nearby that sells them. I need 4 total.

The Charge Controller is just a cheapo Chinese made PWM controller. Just about all of them are the same.. just re branded about 20 different ways. They work decent for what they are if you get one that does work. Nothing you'd want as your primary controller. This one was DOA... Not sure why. I opened it up and the workmanship actually was not bad. Nothing obvious from an assembly perspective.

[Iconfabul8]

Got my batteries at Batteries Plus. Looks like they have a good, better, best, and bestest to choose from, and you get 10% off if you order online and pick up in the store.
Batteries Plus Link

[billbob412]

Nice portable solar panel set up ... Well thought out and executed! Cost effective also.
What brand and model of solar charger are you using?

Thanks for the battery info. I may go with the Trojan's. I have a battery dealer nearby that sells them. I need 4 total.

The Charge Controller is just a cheapo Chinese made PWM controller. Just about all of them are the same.. just re branded about 20 different ways. They work decent for what they are if you get one that does work. Nothing you'd want as your primary controller. This one was DOA... Not sure why. I opened it up and the workmanship actually was not bad. Nothing obvious from an assembly perspective.

Don, a guy i know who deals in used golf carts told me the only place to get batteries is Sam's club.Igot 2 for $95. each.Their branded Duracell.so far so good.

[flboy]

Thanks for the battery info all. It will be Jan. 2019 when I replace what I have. It all works fine now, just looking to increase capacity for when I go on the road next year.

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[flboy]

The new controller worked as it should. I tested it charging my truck battery with a 15ft. 16ga wire and it was running 6A and only dropped .25V. I think the 10ga wire for 30ft. that is coming later this week will do the trick.

Only thing to remember is you have to plug in the output to a good battery before exposing to sun. Typically it is not a good idea to have the batteries disconnected from the SC with input from the panels. I don't think it will harm this controller as it will not come on unless it sees a good battery with over 10.6 volts... but other Solar Chargers I have had cautioned against doing that since the voltage is not regulated until loaded properly.



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[featherliteCT1]

"you have to plug in the output to a good battery before exposing to sun"

I did not know that ... thanks for the tip

[flboy]

"you have to plug in the output to a good battery before exposing to sun"

I did not know that ... thanks for the tip

It may need charging... but not a dead battery.

[flboy]

I still need to buy another piece and cut 3' out of it and connect it to this 10' piece, but this 10' piece of 5" PVC gutter only costs $4.36 @ Home Depot. It literally just snaps on the awning roll to protect it during storage from the daily uV's that deteriorate it. Very simple.

I don't recall who was the first person on TNTTT to suggest this, but whomever you are, thanks. Very useful tip!



Never done.. always improving. :-)



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[flboy]

I made the storage system for the auxiliary 100W solar panel today. It hides away nicely under the bed.

Harbor Freight had the moving blankets for $4.99 and the lashing straps for $1.99. I put eyelets in the blanket to catch the bungee cord hook. They hold the blanket in place. The 30' cable will also go inside the panel for storage. This auxiliary panel only to be pulled out when needed occasionally if parked in shade or partial shade and I want to move this around to chase sun.








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[Dano-Mich]

Nicely done. I was just getting ready to use a moving blanket to protect my solar panel as well. Mine will tuck in behind my portable table against the drivers side wall. I have some etrack that I'll be able to catch on each end to secure it.

[NotJammer]

Just read 4 pages of your updates. Great info.

I am delayed, with my build, but still planning to go in 6 weeks. Regardless. I don't need much inside the dry space!

Getting Cataract surgery shortly.

They claim I will be on the road...

Cheers!

[John61CT]

I am somewhat cost conscious and do not need the best, so I am fine with SLA batteries and have room for 4 batteries (group 29C size). What brand /size would be the best bang for the buck? I have 3 12VDC batteries now with 375aH total.. and I'd like to improve that capacity also to >400aH. Thoughts?

Not a question of "best", FLA is **so** much better value $ / AH / year, my advice is to only use AGM if you have a compelling reason to, or are willing to pay lot$ more for a very slight convenience factor.

So pending that, IMO best battery value by far is Duracell (actually Deka/East Penn) FLA deep cycle golf cart batteries, 2x6V, around $200 per 200+AH pair from BatteriesPlus or Sam's Club.

In your case, two pairs.

[John61CT]

Trojan T-105 batteries are great, readily obtainable when traveling across the country, just a bit more expensive.

Interstate batteries are not great, and they're not actually a manufacturer, just relabel, in most cases JCI (Johnson Controls) is their maker.