Screwing Converter to Airstream Wall.

[mythbuster88]

Looking for some input here.

In the front of our trailer, under the storage box/couch/slide out bed thingy we have the use/store relay, a couple of bus bars, the 7 way plug terminal box, and other stuff. This is all screwed to a piece of plywood which in turn is screwed to the interior wall of the trailer.

For various reasons I would like to use sheet metal screws and mount my two converters on the wall on either side of this assembly.

What do you think of mounting these devices to the interior aluminum wall with sheet metal screws?

Thanks.

[Glenritas]

Not a problem .

[A W Warn]

Depends, on the weight being hung and how many fasteners to resist the tearing/shear effect.

IMO, if more than a pound or two, it would be best to mount onto thick plywood that extends to the floor, with plywood fastened to the wall, so that the weight is carried by the floor instead of thin aluminum.

Each time the trailer bounces the weight of an object mounted on the wall is multiplied. The more harsh the bounce the higher the weight.

[azflycaster]

two converters?

[mythbuster88]

Originally Posted by azflycaster

two converters?

Doubles the current.

[rucos]

sheet meta screw should work fine but I think i would use wood between for extra strength plus minimize any chance of any vibration.
Haven't heard about using 2 converters??

[mythbuster88]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

Depends, on the weight being hung and how many fasteners to resist the tearing/shear effect.

IMO, if more than a pound or two, it would be best to mount onto thick plywood that extends to the floor, with plywood fastened to the wall, so that the weight is carried by the floor instead of thin aluminum.

Each time the trailer bounces the weight of an object mounted on the wall is multiplied. The more harsh the bounce the higher the weight.

One side of the converters will rest on the floor.
Four fasteners.
~6 lbs.
Progressive Dynamics PD9160 ALV.

[mythbuster88]

Originally Posted by rucos

sheet meta screw should work fine but I think i would use wood between for extra strength plus minimize any chance of any vibration.
Haven't heard about using 2 converters??

With two converters in parallel we can double the current.
Each is rated at 60 Amps. Usually we get around 100 Amps when both are plugged in but the current really depends on the input AC voltage.

When both are working it is a significant load and too much load for a single Honda 2000 so two generators in parallel are required if we want to reduce the time needed to charge the batteries

But there are times when we only use one converter.

The whole point is to have some flexibility and reduce charging time when boondocking.

[Troutboy]

no problem. I mounted several electrical components directly to the wall like that when I did my solar install. They are still solid in place after two years of any washboard road trips for boon docking

[57Vintage]

With one side on the floor, the weight issue is dealt with, so screws should be sufficient to secure in place. My only concern is over tightening the screw and stripping out the aluminum sheet and/or holding power if you remove the unit and reinstall. My experience in doing autobody is they don't always hold as well the second, or third time installed.

I would suggest an alternative: Use riv-nuts so you have a machine thread and have no issues with removal and reinstall.

[kidjedi]

If you own an Airstream, you should spend the $5. ;-)
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-r...set-38353.html

[Life is a Highway]

I am one that never likes to screw into thin aluminum if not absolutely necessary. Rivets in aluminum or a screw into the wood

One option I have used is industrial strength Velcro. Properly applied it can handle the weight and any bouncing

Just a consideration.

[A W Warn]

Originally Posted by mythbuster88

One side of the converters will rest on the floor.
Four fasteners.
~6 lbs.
Progressive Dynamics PD9160 ALV.

Should be ok setting on the floor with minimal attachment to the wall, as long as no ventilation holes are blocked.

I'm curious. How will you interconnect the two converters. Will they sense each other's output and react properly (output voltage and/or mode)? I do not think so.

Maybe adding a converter, a small battery, and separate new outlets at work stations makes more sense. (none of this connected to the original wiring) It would be easier to restore to original if need be.

[mythbuster88]

Originally Posted by A W Warn

Should be ok setting on the floor with minimal attachment to the wall, as long as no ventilation holes are blocked.

I'm curious. How will you interconnect the two converters. Will they sense each other's output and react properly (output voltage and/or mode)? I do not think so.

Maybe adding a converter, a small battery, and separate new outlets at work stations makes more sense. (none of this connected to the original wiring) It would be easier to restore to original if need be.

They are in parallel.
The manufacturer fine print claims that its OK and I have been using them like this for about a year.

In fact we have the solar controller, the two converters and the DC to DC converter that are in parallel.

[mythbuster88]

Originally Posted by kidjedi

If you own an Airstream, you should spend the $5. ;-)
https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-r...set-38353.html

Your so right!
I have never used a rivet tool and know absolutely nothing about them.
Too busy obsessing over everything else!

[mythbuster88]

This is how it looks with converters mounted to the wall.

[sctinman44]

An alternative to screwing to wall would be to use 3-M VHB 5942 double sided adhesive. If bracket had afoot print for it. I used 3/4"×7" pieces to secure my solar panels to roof instead of screws. My brackets were 3/4"×6". I put them on in April this year and have traveled over 10k miles this year with no problem. My opinion is like several others about using screws in the aluminum material vertically. It will probably vibrate loose, eventually. Good luck.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Life is a Highway

I am one that never likes to screw into thin aluminum if not absolutely necessary. Rivets in aluminum or a screw into the wood

One option I have used is industrial strength Velcro. Properly applied it can handle the weight and any bouncing

Just a consideration.

^
X2

Mounted to plywood. Plywood velcro'd to the wall.
I've even used it for our r/v camera & battery monitor...my AS mantra...no unnecessary holes.

Bob
🇺🇸