OverTheTopCargoTrailer 7 x 16

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Hey Bruce

I found a good article that goes over grounding of solar panels, a/c and d/c systems, you might be interested and can see this at the link below.
I am still studying the options I wanna try. The problem most have is they end up with multiple grounds & that is a problem.

Basically it says ground everything at a single point bus bar & use the largest d/c system wire as a ground wire, so if you use #6 on the inverter + & - then use #6 or larger as a ground. I will keep searching.

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/wind-sun/PV-Ground.pdf





also found a second article:

http://www.iaei.org/magazine/2004/09/should-they-be-grounded/


http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

[bdosborn]

John Wiles is *THE* PV and NEC guy. He's a great source of information. Here's a link to more of his articles.

John Wiles Linky

I understand the principles of bonding and grounding and I bonded my DC and AC systems. I just don't understand why the Morningstar ground wire is so large. I believe the inverter is defined as a separately derived system in the NEC and the ground wire should be sized at a #8 per table 250.66 but there's no definitive code I could find specifically for inverters.

Keep in mind that NEC 690 is really slanted towards grid tied systems so it might require some things that are a little impractical in an RV (like ground rods and grounded conductors).


Bruce

[8ball_99]

Man I wish solar wasn't so expensive.. Thats crazy, You have what 3500 bucks in a 840 watt system? What made you decide on that wattage? For me that would sorta be off. Not enough to run the AC but way more then I need just to replace what the lights, radio, fan, ect uses.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Hey Bruce

Reading the NEC will make you go BLIND !! You also have to get the 6,000 page companion book "which explains the NEC" that weights in at 45 pounds.

THANKS for the link...I will check it out

I think the idea of the larger wire is because, the d/c grounding wire may have a longer or the longest run ? who knows ? Most parts of the NEC code are sort of black magic, Bonding & grounding understood by only
.0000001% of all ICC certified electric inspectors. For my part I am willing to brag, that I understand at least 1% of the NEC.

Hey 8ball_99

I think i got $4k in the system, $500+ just for wires, nick nacks and fuses. I was planing on using system for a/c for 3-4 hours/day, but at this time that DOG won't hunt maybe I can sell the extra a/c at the 1 week fest in the desert, If i'm willing to pay $400 admission, whats that called again ? Burning Man !!

But on the bright side I have seen RV dealer systems @ 400 watts for $6,999 without batteries on top.... Not including install....
The adds make it sound like this will power your 45' Prevost bus.

So there are much dumber suckers then me

[8ball_99]

Hey 8ball_99

I think i got $4k in the system, $500+ just for wires, nick nacks and fuses. I was planing on using system for a/c for 3-4 hours/day, but at this time that DOG won't hunt maybe I can sell the extra a/c at the 1 week fest in the desert, If i'm willing to pay $400 admission, whats that called again ? Burning Man !!

But on the bright side I have seen RV dealer systems @ 400 watts for $6,999 without batteries on top.... Not including install....
The adds make it sound like this will power your 45' Prevost bus.

So there are much dumber suckers then me

Wasn't knocking you for the price you paid. Its expensive for anyone. I was just wondering what made you pick that wattage. I didn't know if that was your planned usage or if you had a high wattage device in mind.

When we dry camp we leave the trailer for most of the day. When I get around to adding solar I'd like to add enough to atleast off set a couple of vent fans running (20 watts each) And also charge the battery to replace what ever power we use over night and in the morning. I'm thinking a couple of 80 Watt panels would do the job. Don't get me wrong I'd like more just don't like I really need it enough to justify the extra cost.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

I was planing on using system for a/c for 3-4 hours/day, but at this time that DOG won't hunt

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

If I go broke on this Trailer, here will be my next project !!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYYKjLPGrMs&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAvHDaffU7s&feature=rellist&playnext=1&list=PL52C874DCCD7E1359

or this also

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqIUHPr8Jlc&feature=related

if you love motor bikes..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVDIraYnXow&feature=related

If I win $100 million in the lotto then this will be it....


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiHHtBWZSeo&feature=related

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

I have some supper cool updates.
Since I am lazy I have only put them on my blog please go see the link below it will be a worthwhile visit.

You will not be sorry I absolutely 100% guarantee it.

Please read the Friday, January 6 blog entry especially the one about the air dictate program. If you hate typing like me, you will kill for this info.


http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

[d30gaijin]

OTTCT,

I am late to your thread but what you're doing is quite amazing. While your CT conversion is the opposite of mine (totally low tech on my end) you have provided some great ideas for me. On the other hand I am trying to understand your CT conversion in terms of internal space. I can't tell from your photos what the entire interior looks like i.e., lots of individual small interior shots but I haven't seen a wide angle shot of your entire CT interior, such as a shot taken from the back doors open.

I think I have read most of your thread and blog but haven't found what the actual size of your CT is... mine is a 6x10. Regardless what they say, size is important... well at least to a CT converter.

It appears that you have used up most of your interior space with beds, cabinets, and the shower ending up with a narrow walkway between cabinets and not much room for relaxing. Is there any room to set up a table and chairs to relax and work via laptops or compact computers? I ask because my first CT conversion go-around/try had very limited open access and that turned out to be a disaster for us. Living had to be done out doors or on the bed, not something desirable if the weather turns bad i.e., we found we needed space indoors to relax and work, cook, and eat in poor weather.

Can you provide any wide angle shots of the interior of your CT such as from the back door view? Also, is your gas stove a single burner as it appears? As beautiful as it is it seems rather limited for actual cooking use unless you plan to supplement it with a 2 or 3 burner propane camp type stove. Just curious.

Thank you for any feedback you can provide since I am very envious of your technical prowess but am also curious about actual living space in your CT conversion.

Please keep the posts of your conversion coming.

Don

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Hey Don

Don't worry, I still have a long way to go to catch up with you and Prem.
I am spending way too much time on this form and I should be using more time to complete my project.

Since I cannot compete with you guys on low-tech, you have way too many ideas for me to keep up with, the only way I can stay in the game is with the high tech CT conversion. I mostly hang out in the bedroom therefore I do not have a table and chairs inside my 7 x 16 CT. Time will tell how that works out?

If you check my blog , I usually post more info & pictures there as it is much easier.

http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

A few of the things that I really, really hated about RVs was the small sardine can size bathroom and the small 5,000 btu stove burners. The stove I installed has 40,000 btu and will set the CT on fire.

You have to spend more than $100,000 to get the things that I like in an RV or trailer, but that's more than I can afford. The CT is really only designed for one person in mind. I always wanted to build a house with the newest technology but now that I'm getting so old I'm too tired to build a big house so I decided to put some of these items into my CT. The whole CT is designed mostly for Boondocking out in the middle of nowhere so I have as little expense as possible when on the road.

IF could find somebody with a large Prevost bus to tow me along behind them that would be even more perfect.

If I ever get done I am planning to make a YouTube video that I will post on the form.

http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

[d30gaijin]

Hey Don

Don't worry, I still have a long way to go to catch up with you and Prem.
I am spending way too much time on this form and I should be using more time to complete my project.

Since I cannot compete with you guys on low-tech, you have way too many ideas for me to keep up with, the only way I can stay in the game is with the high tech CT conversion. I mostly hang out in the bedroom therefore I do not have a table and chairs inside my 7 x 16 CT. Time will tell how that works out?

If you check my blog , I usually post more info & pictures there as it is much easier.

http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

A few of the things that I really, really hated about RVs was the small sardine can size bathroom and the small 5,000 btu stove burners. The stove I installed has 40,000 btu and will set the CT on fire.

You have to spend more than $100,000 to get the things that I like in an RV or trailer, but that's more than I can afford. The CT is really only designed for one person in mind. I always wanted to build a house with the newest technology but now that I'm getting so old I'm too tired to build a big house so I decided to put some of these items into my CT. The whole CT is designed mostly for Boondocking out in the middle of nowhere so I have as little expense as possible when on the road.

IF could find somebody with a large Prevost bus to tow me along behind them that would be even more perfect.

If I ever get done I am planning to make a YouTube video that I will post on the form.

http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

Jerry,

Thank you for your response. You have no long way to go to catch up to me, or Prem because neither of us are in it for the competition/views (which is what I presume you're referring to but feel free to correct me if I am wrong).

On the contrary, your level of dedication and expertise will win out in the long run, I think. What you're doing speaks for itself i.e., your build contains so much technical information it is a T&TTT volume in and of itself that maybe it should be "Stickied."

In spite of the fact I am late to your CT conversion what you are doing, while mostly beyond my capabilities, is truly amazing and enviable, certainly provides a ton of food for thought. The detail and photos you provide are incredible.

If you're ever passing through Idaho give me a shout. I'd love to host your stay here in my front yard, or show you places you might like to park in Idaho, not to mention picking your brain with regards to my always and forever ongoing CT conversion. You truly do beautiful work.

Don

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Ok don

This drawing is special for you !!
the bottom layer is all cabinets.



Now you have my top secret trailer design
of course it does not contain all the stuff - just big items, excluding the solar panels & cabinet .... I really need a 3 level design drawing.

Yes I was referring to the number of page views, 90k for you and 150k for Prem.

I will put you on my camping list, if I ever get this thing finished and out of the driveway,
Idaho here i come, just make sure your stocked up on all those different colored potatoes I wanna try out
I hear there are 60+ different kinds ?
So I might be staying a while, just to warn you.

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Here are some more pictures for all you hungry guys !!






This allows me to disconect the inverter & connect shore power to all outlets - which then is protected by a 15 amp fuse.
The 5 amp fuse is for the 300 watt inverter when connected.




This is the completed electric panel box
Patent pending : OverTheTopCargoTrailer




This is the wiring for the Outback Flexmax 80 interior wiring including a lightning arrestor for the solar panels ?
Question - how do I tell if this ever works ?










posting pictures is always a lotta work


http://overthetopcargotrailer.blogspot.com/

[pete42]

It is hard for me to ask a question when it is typed instead of spoken
I don't want to come across as disapproving so please don't take it that way.

I know you are not going to sell your electric box
but looking at the pictures made me wonder if you followed any wiring color code?

pete

[OverTheTopCargoTrailer]

Yes

On the dc side hot or + wire is red or taped red at the ends.
On the inverter there is a short yellow section - with 5 amp fuse "should be red"
The negative is black !!

On the AC side i also used red for the hot side inside the cabinet !!
White for the neutral side.

Green is for ground on both AC and dc.

There is a hot dc red bus bar!!
Black dc negative bar

The white bus bar has all the ground wires in green for both AC and dc.

Do you see any mistakes ??????