I am currently planning the electrical in my 65 Sovereign. So far I am planning on going with the Progressive Dynamics 50 amp Panel with the 90 amp charger. I am going to go with 2 group 24 AMGs for the batteries (making room for two more in the future). As far as appliences I have 2 Fantastic fans, 15k A/C, planning on LED for interior lights etc. Not sure if I want to install an automatic transfer switch when connected to a generator. Do I need one? What are the benefits? I am going to pre wire the trailer for future solar (when I get more $). Besides wire what else should I plan for with the solar? Any and all advice is welcome!
Here is the schematic I used to rewire our '65 Caravel -- it may give you some ideas.
I didn't use a transfer switch. I either connected the power inlet to the generator or to the local power source, never both. Unless both could be connected at the same time, I don't see the need for the transfer switch.
90 Amp charging is huge! If you go that big, you'll want to make sure your run between the charger and battery bank is short and the wire size is quite large. There was a recent question on theVap about charger size and the recommendation was no higher than 60 amp charging. We spent a couple hundred days camping and I never saw the recharge rate go over 40 amps on ours. In fact, the first few minutes were high, then the charge rate drops quickly. IMHO, 90 is WAY more than you need.
I really liked the Trimetric 2020 monitor for boondocking. You can see at a glance how much power you are currently using, have used and have left. It's a good way to learn how to conserve when in the wild for a while.
I haven't used solar, but did some of the research. Key thing to remember now is to keep the wire size adequate for the run length to minimize voltage loss. The last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time and money on panels then be unable to deliver that little trickle voltage from your roof to your battery. Think 12 gauge for a 10 foot run, for example.
I didn't use a transfer switch. I either connected the power inlet to the generator or to the local power source, never both. Unless both could be connected at the same time, I don't see the need for the transfer switch.
This is key. For most people, who are just plugging the regular shore power cord into a generator, you don't need a transfer switch. But if you have a way you could plug the shore power cord in AND a generator simultaneously (i.e., a separate generator connection), it's transfer switch time. I don't know what the electrician code calls for, but I assume that's in there, but even if it isn't, for safety - your own and others - it's the right thing to do.
Solar is great but a small Honda generator will charge your batteries via your converter in a few hours and it is quiet. I decided that to go with a generator large enough to run the AC was not what I needed. To heavy and loud. When we camp in hot weather we choose places with power. I don't have to worry about clouds or rainy days and I can run the microwave or other appliances one at a time. I don't really see the need for a transfer switch, plugging the trailer power cord into the generator or shore power only takes a second. Keep it simple.
__________________
__________________
Bruce & Rachel
__________________
68 Trade Wind
2001 Toyota Tundra
I am going to keep the runs between the batteries and the charger very short. I am planning to move the panel to the front above the fridge (as well as all the system monitors). I am going with 10 ga stranded for the solar runs to the battery bank. I am also gonna move the batteries to the front under the curb side gaucho. Thanks for the info on the charge and the monitor John. This is exactly why I ask the questions I do. I am a bit inexperienced with charging systems and solar. Thanks guys so much! Please keep the info coming!
Marz, Do you read Mellow Mikes blog? He writes a lot about boon docking, solar, generators and lots of camping topics, with links to quite a few other resources. He has a second blog on his airstream also. Mello Mike's Truck Camper Adventures
__________________
It's not worth doing if you're not having fun.
Ok got the power center for my trailer. I went with the Progressive Dynamics PD4560 and Furrion 50 amp inlet. I bought 6/2 Romex for the shore power. It is a bit too big to fit in the holes that are in the ribs so I am thinking about running the wires under the trailer in flex conduit. The directions for install are crap, does anyone have any experiance with the PD4560? I am going to run 12/2 yellow romex for the A/C and probablly use 12 AWG for the D/C. Not sure if I am going to add inverters, but I am going to add the wire just in case. The inverter directions that I am looking at says 4-6 AWG (Samlex). Any advice appreciated!!
Heres a little update on my trailer wiring. Finished the 110v ac wiring roughed in the battery wiring, and hooked up the tongue jack. Got a bit distracted fixing my kitchen faucet, hope to post pics of the battery set up and test power center tomorrow.
Thats cool stuff man...i'm gonna have to swing by sooner than later. I'm still stuck welding my outriggers because regular work JUST GETS IN THE WAY!!!!
Thats cool stuff man...i'm gonna have to swing by sooner than later. I'm still stuck welding my outriggers because regular work JUST GETS IN THE WAY!!!!
That sounds cool. Give me a ring if you are in the area
Hello all been a little while since my last post. I have been absorbed in other stuff, not a lot of time to spare on the trailer. But I have managed to squeeze a couple days in here and there. I have been stuck on the 12v wiring. I have been searching the forums for re wiring pictures, led sources, and stories. Any one??
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.
Linear Mode
