Cool Mods - Thread restored 10/18/2012
My daughter was getting a little warm in her bunk during our last camping trip, so I decided to put her a fan in to keep the air flowing. I had been wanting to add a 12-volt fan to the main livin...
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I want to play.
So I made a battery box since the trailer had only enough room for one deep cell, and the way my wife likes to dry camp (boondock) one 12 deep cell does not last through the evening and night. (we're working on it though).
The Box I made has two "banks" and Bank 1 is 2-6 volt Costco golf cart batteries, and Bank 2 is 1-12 deep cell group 27. I try to always have a back-up plan, so the idea is that the 6 volts were plan A, if plan A doesn't work, Plan B is there (Which is where my wiring comes in), and if I have a problem with plans A & B; it's easy to drop in a new easily obtainable 12 volt battery to save the day.
The Box has a standard main selector switch, and an automatic switch that charges the selected bank, once charged; the switch closes and charges the alternate bank. Assuming both banks are charged: As the batteries are drained, both banks are used to a set voltage, then the switch opens and only uses the selected bank. That way there is always a charged battery to switch to if the first bank doesn't make it. The switch has a slight draw, I installed an on/off switch for storage.
I don't think I have seen others do this, but I'm sure I'm not the first. Since I have done this modification, the 2-6 volt cart batteries have lasted until the next charge. We will go out for a week at a time, and I sometimes can last a few nights without a charge, if managed. (I have a big young family, so it's hard to manage).
In the box, I have also installed a small 12 volt plug so that I can hook a charger, inverter, air compressor, accessory directly to the batteries. It takes less time to charge, and it gives a better charge. It's also handy when I need to fill up the inflatable water toys. I can use my jumper cables that have the plug on one side to hook it to other batteries, or a truck to charge the banks. Endless possibilities.
I made the cover lockable, even with a weather door to the controls that also can be locked.
I have other little mods that I will share later.
Enjoy!
Joe Zeppe
So I made a battery box since the trailer had only enough room for one deep cell, and the way my wife likes to dry camp (boondock) one 12 deep cell does not last through the evening and night. (we're working on it though).
The Box I made has two "banks" and Bank 1 is 2-6 volt Costco golf cart batteries, and Bank 2 is 1-12 deep cell group 27. I try to always have a back-up plan, so the idea is that the 6 volts were plan A, if plan A doesn't work, Plan B is there (Which is where my wiring comes in), and if I have a problem with plans A & B; it's easy to drop in a new easily obtainable 12 volt battery to save the day.
The Box has a standard main selector switch, and an automatic switch that charges the selected bank, once charged; the switch closes and charges the alternate bank. Assuming both banks are charged: As the batteries are drained, both banks are used to a set voltage, then the switch opens and only uses the selected bank. That way there is always a charged battery to switch to if the first bank doesn't make it. The switch has a slight draw, I installed an on/off switch for storage.
I don't think I have seen others do this, but I'm sure I'm not the first. Since I have done this modification, the 2-6 volt cart batteries have lasted until the next charge. We will go out for a week at a time, and I sometimes can last a few nights without a charge, if managed. (I have a big young family, so it's hard to manage).
In the box, I have also installed a small 12 volt plug so that I can hook a charger, inverter, air compressor, accessory directly to the batteries. It takes less time to charge, and it gives a better charge. It's also handy when I need to fill up the inflatable water toys. I can use my jumper cables that have the plug on one side to hook it to other batteries, or a truck to charge the banks. Endless possibilities.
I made the cover lockable, even with a weather door to the controls that also can be locked.
I have other little mods that I will share later.
Enjoy!
Joe Zeppe
