Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **StealthDave** » Wed Jul 15, 2009 8:57 pm

Hello all,

my second post. I have a home built TTT camper and am ready to wire it up for 12 volt only. I have the HF 45 watt solar panels, a decent controller and a diehard deep cycle battery.
The only things I plan on powering will be a light,a radio, vent fan, my laptop, and my cell phone. Not all at the same time, ha ha ha.
I plan to mount the panels to the roof, the battery in a toolbox up front, the controller inside. I think my wiring will be very simple, but would like some help from the experts.
My thinking is this?

panels to controller
controller to battery
5 or 10 amp fuse on positive side of battery
lines from battery to 3 outlet radio shack style 12 volt recepticle

This way I can plug one item in at a time. Does this sound about right?

Thanks,
Dave

by **Rock** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 9:59 am

That's simple enough and it will work. The cigarette lighters are made to supply about 10 amps a piece, though. Your totally safe in what you're doing, but you might want to go with a 10 amp fuse for each, or one 30 amp fuse. Just make sure you use 10 gage or bigger wire for 30 amps.

This would allow you to run several things at once.

Eric

by **madjack** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 11:33 am

...some thoughts...that setup will allow for extended stays in the boonies...keep in mind, it is of HF quality...output on virtually any solar panel will be less than advertised and will depend heavily on panel-sun alignment...keep wire runs as short possible...fuse your wire size...15A for 14ga, 20A for 12ga or 30A for 10ga
madjack

by **green_eyed_diablito** » Thu Jul 16, 2009 5:45 pm

i will be using solar panels on the TD i am currently building and i first thought to hard-mount them on the roof. but then i consindered the fact that when i camp, i like shade. that made me decide to not mount the panels to the TD at all. i will use long wires and a tripod so that i can set them up in the sun, away from the TD.

-miguel

by **Rock** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 10:42 am

In case you missed it: http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=30521

Think I'll stop today and get my second set - on sale for $200 and I just got a 20% coupon.

Eric

by **emiller** » Fri Jul 17, 2009 2:02 pm

http://tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=16766
My teardrop power.

by **StealthDave** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 7:30 pm

I'm just thinking out loud here, but what would I need if I wanted to be able to hook up to "shore power" and charge my battery? If the day were cloudy/rainy etc.
Obviously an ac to dc converter, but can anybody recommend a basic model (ie:cheap)?
Any suggestions on wiring it into my solar setup? I'm in the process of getting everything hooked up and will be providing pictures soon

Dave

by **green_eyed_diablito** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:07 pm

StealthDave wrote:I'm just thinking out loud here, but what would I need if I wanted to be able to hook up to "shore power" and charge my battery? If the day were cloudy/rainy etc.
Obviously an ac to dc converter, but can anybody recommend a basic model (ie:cheap)?
Any suggestions on wiring it into my solar setup? I'm in the process of getting everything hooked up and will be providing pictures soon

Dave

Battery Tender is a very good charger with built-in protection that will keep your battery from overcharging. i've been using it for years on my motorcycles.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparr ... C5D46D6AA6

by **High Desert** » Thu Jul 23, 2009 11:55 pm

green_eyed_diablito wrote:
StealthDave wrote:I'm just thinking out loud here, but what would I need if I wanted to be able to hook up to "shore power" and charge my battery? If the day were cloudy/rainy etc.
Obviously an ac to dc converter, but can anybody recommend a basic model (ie:cheap)?
Any suggestions on wiring it into my solar setup? I'm in the process of getting everything hooked up and will be providing pictures soon

Dave

Battery Tender is a very good charger with built-in protection that will keep your battery from overcharging. i've been using it for years on my motorcycles.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Chaparr ... C5D46D6AA6

I'll second that. We've had one in our TT for several years, does a proper job without cooking the battery. Hard to beat for the application.

by **kirkman** » Fri Jul 24, 2009 7:44 am

I also use a battery tender. Works great!

by **Dan & Julie CO** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:40 am

Mad Jack we got spammed again in this post gold posting :thumbdown:

by **Kevin A** » Mon Jul 27, 2009 8:57 am

Dan & Julie CO wrote:Mad Jack we got spammed again in this post gold posting

Spammer Be Gone, poof!!!!

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

Basic 12 volt with HF solar setup.

Basic 12 volt with HF solar setup.

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