The 23D thread

[rmkrum]

The sneak path is not a real issue as long as you are plugged in. It’s not good if it’s doing this as an extra drain on your house battery.

However, passing a small amount of current through the water between two contacts will eventually corrode the contacts rather badly. Clean and dry is the best condition, a bit of dielectric grease or spray is ok as well.

[glcmranger]

You have some water leaked into the end of your 7-way plug.

[FloydCoVa]

Thanks I'll dry the plug out and treat it as directed. This was the first time setting up the trailer and it happen to be snowing like crazy. I have never heard of this happining. Lots to learn.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by FloydCoVa

Thanks I'll dry the plug out and treat it as directed. This was the first time setting up the trailer and it happen to be snowing like crazy. I have never heard of this happining. Lots to learn.

The learning part is the fun part. You stick close to the forum and you will be a master and answering others questions in no time at all.

[GMFL]

Finished up all my wiring for my 200 watt solar install. Just waiting on my victron 100/30 I purchased off the classifieds here to come in and I’ll be able to button every thing down.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Finished up all my wiring for my 200 watt solar install. Just waiting on my victron 100/30 I purchased off the classifieds here to come in and I’ll be able to button every thing down.

Wow... Just wow!

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by RFP

Wow... Just wow!

Thanks Rob,
You are always a great source of encouragement.
Hope all is better your way.
Not sure how much I will ever use this solar install but is was fun to do, and I got a chance to clean up under the lounge.

[Troutboy]

Originally Posted by GMFL

Finished up all my wiring for my 200 watt solar install. Just waiting on my victron 100/30 I purchased off the classifieds here to come in and I’ll be able to button every thing down.

Looks awesome Ronnie, you will be happier knowing it’s all in order

[Troutboy]

Garage update.... here are a few pictures of the new garage, minus the AS. I am having a garage floor coating installed this week, and will have the AS (Trutta Hudda) Home on Sunday. Last weekend I completed a garage lift or elevator and moved all of my equipment up to the attic in the garage, things like snow blower generator, etc.

The last picture shows the true dimension, compared to a normal size garage. And of course it will share the space with the new F150...

Took longer than expected, but now that it’s done, well worth the wait. And the heated garage will eliminate the need to winterize, so we can grab a weekend in the winter more quickly...

[GMFL]

Rich,
That looks awesome. Very classy job. You will enjoy having your AS at home and the ability to just go out there and tinker with it.
Only down side if it is one is the project list will grow. There is always something to “play” with.
Again that’s a garage any man would be proud to own.

[Fred L]

Very nice Rich, turned out great. Curious on the detail of the lift you installed?
Have a similar 3 car garage set up and my 28x36 shop above it with 6ft knee walls, so plenty of room to make space down below.

Ronnie, sweet job, that right there is all the motivation I need. I suspect a lot is learned in doing it, but my expertise never really went past 120v, so a bit hesitant.
Installing a converter in a few weeks when I get the AS out of storage. Will see how that goes.

Question, is the red battery disconnect part of the solar, or overall connection to the batteries?
I looked at installing one a few weeks ago and there was no way it would fit in my battery box (even if I did the standard top extension) so was thinking I could go inside and install it ?

[GMFL]

Fred,
The red disconnect is connected to the positive lead from the solar panels. This allows me to “kill’ incomings power from solar panels from the system.
The 40amp DC breaker is the fuse between the solar controler and the batteries.
It is not a hard install to do, main thing is getting a layout plan and sticking to it.
I used this from AM Solar
https://static1.squarespace.com/stat...T-MPPT-30A.pdf

[Troutboy]

Fred, thanks. I’ll detail the lift this weekend. Basically cut a hole in the floor. Built a platform and then above build a lift from a harbor freight hoist. I copied the guy below. He sent me a bunch of info. I didn’t weld a platform I built mine from 1 inch black pipe. Photos later.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LP8M82TMm4g

[Fred L]

Thanks Ronnie. Actually makes a lot of sense from the diagram.

Am going to try and add 4 panels if I can fit them, so guessing I will need to run new 6ga wire ? And drill a hole, that could be the toughest part (mentally).

Are you working with 4 x 6 volt batteries ?

After the new converter is in and the new TV antenna is in.... solar is next.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Fred L

Thanks Ronnie. Actually makes a lot of sense from the diagram.

Am going to try and add 4 panels if I can fit them, so guessing I will need to run new 6ga wire ? And drill a hole, that could be the toughest part (mentally).

Are you working with 4 x 6 volt batteries ?

After the new converter is in and the new TV antenna is in.... solar is next.

Fred, I only have 2 Trojan T105 flooded batts and only mounted 2 100 watt Renogy panels but yours should workout the same.
My base for only 200watts on solar was that based on the battery bank I have I would be pushing a lot of charge to ground. And I wanted to use the factory wires. I have the ability to add two more panels if I need them and then will convert to a combinder box and use #6 wire.
Here is my thoughts on drilling a hole in the roof. You have to ask yourself a question. Do I want to drill it myself and be carful or let some kid working at the RV place who could care less about you or your RV?
You can do it. No problem

[Troutboy]

Ronnie is right. It’s emotional and doesn’t seem normal, but it’s easy to do, and once done, it’s done. In my solar write up I discussed how I picked the Spot and did it. Also, I would go to 4awg if you are going through the trouble. That should future proof it in case we get more efficient panels and more watts. The cost is negligible in my opinion.

[GMFL]

4awg make a lot of sense. Good call

[Fred L]

Rich, that is sweet.... Thinking a wireless controller would be nice.

Would be perfect to get wood and equipment in and out of my shop. Will have to look into it.

Could also be an interesting access/platform for you to work from on your AS roof if there is enough clearance ?

[Fred L]

Thanks fellas. Will be going through both your photo essays at some point in the future. Appreciate you leading the way.

I hear you on the hole. Its not like you can just close your eyes and jump, but its along those lines.
Maybe a bottle of single malt on the table inside for when its done.

Heaviest wire I ever worked with in my house is 8gauge. 4 sounds like a pleasure to work with.,.

[Troutboy]

Hey Fred. I don’t think I’ll be getting on that platform, but I guess I could. Not a bad idea. It works great, I was easily able to get all my shop gear and power toys up there. The ceiling is 14foot, so plenty of room, as I believe the top of the AC unit is 10.5.

The wire wasn’t too bad, buy high quality wore and it bends well. Also, I bought the type that is connected red/black, and then you separate it with a knife cut to terminate. Made the runs easier. Hardest part I recall was getting it terminated into the charge controller. I used some Ferrells and some creative crimping. You might want to check with the specs on your controller to make sure it will terminate.

If not, I would suggest you terminate to a block with the 4awg, with a little slack, and then go from the block to the right size wire to the controller. That way again, you will be future proof if you decide to upgrade to a bigger charge controller.