'71 Starcraft Wanderstar- "The Hilton"

U.P. BLDR wrote:
I'll have to look at my battery to see what it's rating is. As far as power use, I bet you could power all the led lights for a weekend with a handful of AA's, they are that efficient. The only thing that draws significant power is the water pump, about 5 amps, but still has very little impact because it's used so infrequently. My radio draws 1/3 amp, again almost nothing. Point is, with old appliances that don't use power, a heater without a blower, and efficient lights I think you'll surprised how little power you'll actually use and need. I'd try with the two AGM's and see if they last a trip, or better yet add a solar panel.

Thanks, UP. Yeah, you know mine is similar to yours appliance-wise so your input is greatly appreciated. Yes, solar has been on my mind for a long time. I am actually trying to make alternative energy a larger part of my business, trying to think up new models for homeowners to adapt to alt energy and more passive systems. I bet one 230 watt panel would be about all I need. I was looking at the Unisolar "adhesive back" panels, also, since I have a good bit of real estate on the roof. They recently went belly-up so their panels are being clearanced by some of the distributors, ATM. I guess I can wait on that decision after I have all of the roof done.

Today, I finished up on the hitch wiring. I used a piece of shielded water tight conduit to connect the truck and trailer:



Also had to finish terminating the distribution terminal strip inside the box:



Using a terminal strip is a lot more work, initially, but I know this will allow me to isolate and troubleshoot any future wiring problems. I have crawled around under enough trailers in my day trying to troubleshoot wiring problems, sticking a probe through wires, trying to assess ground connectivity, etc.. Hopefuly, doing it this way will eliminate a lot of that. I hooked to the truck and all seems to be working fine. I will still have to buy a new breakaway switch, the one I had seems to have been squashed to oblivion. :R

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!