110v to 12v converter...

[Eric Adams]

I saw one in JC Whipme and plan to use it to power my 12v items when on a hook-up. Probably make the front of my teardrop have a closet to house my fuse block and batteries. Or should I do this in the galley?? Venting problem if up front?

[JamesW]

It sounds like it is just a power supply. Are you planning on having a battery system in the TD? ( I recommend ) If so, there is no need for a DC power supply...

[Eric Adams]

It sounds like it is just a power supply. Are you planning on having a battery system in the TD? ( I recommend ) If so, there is no need for a DC power supply...

I plan on having a battery in the TD. I'll use the converter (12v female on 1 end 110v plug on other) for when there is a hook-up, thus avoiding running down the battery.

[Arne]

Is there a problem with putting a 12v bat. (new sealed type) in the galley (separate compartment, vented outside)? Seems a potential theft problem on the tongue.....

[JamesW]

Not at all! I am putting mine in the cabin under a bench seat. Keep in mind that the battery gives off explosive and corrosive gas. Since you have the cabin vented it should be no problem. make sure you have nothing above the battery (same compartment) that is metal or it will corrode.

[Chuck Craven]

You are asking for big trouble if the battery is in any compartment that is not vented directly to the outside. Make sure that there are no electrical devices that can make a spark in that compartment. Or some day you will have a BOOM. The best way to handle that battery is to put in a battery box with a main fuse. The sub fuse panel and the charger in side the closet. As a battery gets older it will give off toxic gasses, as well as the normal explosive gas. The harder you charge a battery the more gas it produces. This does not make any difference on the type of battery, they all generate gas when being charged and discharged.

Chuck

[mikeschn]

Hey Chuck,

I put my battery in a battery box in the tongue chest, with a vent to the outside.



However, the Hawker line of batteries is completely sealed. It doesn't emit any gasses when charging or discharging. I wonder it that's the battery that the guys are talking about??? What do you know about these batteries???

http://www.batterymart.com/battery.mv?c=odyssey

Mike...

[Eric Adams]

Hey Chuck,

I put my battery in a battery box in the tongue chest, with a vent to the outside.



However, the Hawker line of batteries is completely sealed. It doesn't emit any gasses when charging or discharging. I wonder it that's the battery that the guys are talking about??? What do you know about these batteries???

http://www.batterymart.com/battery.mv?c=odyssey

Mike...

Mike, could you explain what all is in the box there? Looks cool.

[mikeschn]

Sure... clockwise starting with the white battery box...

1) Battery box with size 24 battery
2) Battery charger
3) Sealed Hawker battery
4) 7# propane bottle
5) 110V plug with switch
6) All sitting inside a 4' wide tongue chest!



Mike...

[Eric Adams]

Sure... clockwise starting with the white battery box...

1) Battery box with size 24 battery
2) Battery charger
3) Sealed Hawker battery
4) 7# propane bottle
5) 110V plug with switch
6) All sitting inside a 4' wide tongue chest!



Mike...

Few newbie questions...

110v Battery charger for when there is a 110v hookup? What is a size 24 battery?

What oven do you use with the propane tank?

[mikeschn]

Yes, 110v charger when ever I have access to a shore line!!!

The propane is for my grill stove...



And the battery sizes...

Some common battery size codes used are: (ratings are approximate)
U1 34 to 40 Amp hours 12 volts
Group 24 70-85 Amp hours 12 volts
Group 27 85-105 Amp hours 12 volts
Group 31 95-125 Amp hours 12 volts
4-D 180-215 Amp hours 12 volts
8-D 225-255 Amp hours 12 volts
Golf cart & T-105 180 to 220 Amp hours 6 volts
L-16 340 to 415 Amp hours 6 volts

http://www.wheelchairjunkie.com/batteries.html

Mike...

P.S. If you have any questions our in house electrical expert Dean, will be happy to answer any questions...

P.P.S. Dean, how else are you going to learn!

[Chuck Craven]

Even the Huwker battery will out gas.. Even the Nicad’s will out gas. The Hawker batteries as they get older out gas. The batteries have a gas relief valves. The gas may discharge at any time, even if just sitting in the sun. The gas is Hydrogen and Oxygen very explosive. The picture you have of the battery box is what you should have for the Hawker type batteries as they do not out gas as bad as most ‘maintenance free’ or deep cycle batteries do. But if the normal deep cycle batteries are used you need an upper and lower vent, or a full perimeter vent like boat battery boxes. The Hawker battery does have a shorter life than a true deep cycle battery does. Be very careful if one uses the liquid Nicad batteries, as they will start on fire if shorted. Gel cells also out gas bay a releff velve. I use gel cells and have had them on fire when the chargers failed.

Chuck

[mikeschn]

Even the Huwker battery will out gas..

But if the normal deep cycle batteries are used you need an upper and lower vent, Chuck

Thanks Chuck,

It sounds like you know your batteries...

BTW, that white box has a 2" vent hole in the bottom as well...

I guess I'll plan on putting my battery on the tongue again, in a battery box...

Mike...

[Chuck Craven]

I have been working with battery power for many years. Tried all kinds and found the wet deep cycle barterers the best and have the longest life, but require some maintenance.
The way to build a battery box is to have the battery at the side of the box with vents on top and on the bottom. My plan is for the battery on the tong of the trailer. The box will have a liner of concrete backer board sealed with fiberglass and epoxy. The battery will be accessed from the side, with a to be designed locking device. The Neg. leads to the frame and the Pos. lead to a fuse holder, which can be replaced from out side the battery box. There are some new pause chargers now that will extend the life of any led acid type of battery. I would still fuse the output of the charger at the max current of the charger. Do not use the fast chargers, as all they do is shorten the life of the battery.

Chuck

[campadk]

Hey Chuck,

I put my battery in a battery box in the tongue chest, with a vent to the outside.



However, the Hawker line of batteries is completely sealed. It doesn't emit any gasses when charging or discharging. I wonder it that's the battery that the guys are talking about??? What do you know about these batteries???

http://www.batterymart.com/battery.mv?c=odyssey

Mike...

Hey Mike you have the same tongue box as me! I see you added a plywood bottom as I have also. Same propane tank too... good job!