bushido41 wrote:Hello Everyone,
I have a PD4045 installed on my TTT, the AC side works great, but I have a few questions about the DC side.
1. The installation manual(which has a lot to be desire) mentions to connect the negative side directly to the PD4045. What happens to chassis ground?
2. The battery connection wires are 10 AW, a bit thin for my taste, when we are talking direct connection to the battery. I know the PD4045 is rated for 45 Amp but just curious.
3. Do you guys recommend a cutoff switch?
My main concern is the negative side connection of the battery, connect directly to chassis or PD4045?
Thank you in advance for your comments.
I'll tell you what I believe, based on my WFCO 35 Amp experience and research/reading, and maybe it will help:
1. Although some may argue, it is my understanding that the chassis ground is basically for the AC side of things. It has further been suggested that it is a good idea to let at least one of your hitch chains dangle down and touch the ground as well, when plugged into shore power, to give you a better, even safer AC grounding. However, one ground going from the converter to the chassis should be enough, assuming this is done according to the instructions given in the installation manual. With that, the converter should be able to do what it needs for both the AC and DC.
2. For my 35 Amp, the installation manual specified 8 AW, which was a little thick and difficult to work with; but I used it. I think most people here use 10 AW for the battery connection and I haven't heard where anyone has had problems; but, most people don't use more than 35 Amps. Recognize that going with a bigger size wire shouldn't hurt anything but going with a wire that is too small might. Depending on how you plan to use your electrical system and how the PD charges your battery, you may want to research further on this before you decide. I suggest you call the manufacturer and ask them. Actually, both questions 1 & 2 can be answered by the manufacturer and probably should be.
3. Yes, it wouldn't hurt to have one. A cutoff switch can stop possible battery bleeding, when the battery is not in use and not being charged. If one of your switches goes bad/shorts, and you don't have a cutoff switch stopping discharge, you could find a dead battery, the next time you are ready to use your trailer. It is said that bleeding or otherwise allowing your battery to be drained until it is empty or down to less than 30% will shorten its usable life span.
...Hope this helps.