Adding an ammeter to my TV
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: Non-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Same as podmods, just... not for pods
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8008
Printed Date: 03 May 2025 at 10:53pm
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Topic: Adding an ammeter to my TV
Posted By: TheBum
Subject: Adding an ammeter to my TV
Date Posted: 23 May 2016 at 9:27pm
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One thing I remember from growing up with a father who towed a camper and was an electrical designer is the ammeter he had in the car to monitor trailer battery charging. I'd like to add one to my TV.
What is the maximum charging rate in amps of two 6V golf cart batteries in series? I found some ammeters with internal shunts that will handle 10A but I'd have to add an external shunt if the charging rate approaches or exceeds 10A. |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 24 May 2016 at 7:48am
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It isn't the 1950's anymore. Your tow vehicle will take care of it. The max charge rate, in bulk mode, of a pair of GC2's is probably around 110A. (.5C C=capacity) My tow vehicle is rated/fused to send 30A max to the trailer. What is your tow vehicle? It's possible Torque or one of the other OBD monitors can give you the reading, provided it's something the vehicle monitors. Cutting into the wiring harness of a modern computer controlled vehicle is not for the faint of heart. ------------- |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 24 May 2016 at 12:52pm
| If I didn't boondock so much, I wouldn't worry about it. However, an ammeter combined with a voltmeter would give me a good indication of the charge state of the batteries and their overall health. |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 24 May 2016 at 1:18pm
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Charging of the trailer battery is limited more by the TV and its wiring than the TT battery. Most TVs are wired with #10AWG at best, smaller at worst. That long run of #10 limits the charging current to 15A or so. I would think a 25A shunt would be adequate and could be wired into the battery charging line pin 4 of the 7 pin Bargman connector. The best thing you could do to improve charging is to parallel a #8 or two #10 wires with the existing lines back to the TV disconnect relay.
------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 24 May 2016 at 7:48pm
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Unfortunately most are 12 gauge. If they were 10 gauge they would almost be ok. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 24 May 2016 at 8:20pm
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Just another quick plug for the best stranded wire I have bought and can find anywhere: http://powerwerx.com/red-black-bonded-zip-cord - https://powerwerx.com/red-black-bonded-zip-cord Coupled with the http://https://powerwerx.com/anderson-power-powerpole-sb-connectors - Anderson Powerpole connectors , I really don't think you can find anything to compete. If there is, I'd sure like to know. fred ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |
Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 25 May 2016 at 11:20pm
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The Powerwerx wire is "GPT" PVC insulation, bare copper stranding -40°C to +80°C (-40°F to +176°F) low voltage DC power cable.
I would recommend using UL 1015, Tinned Copper stranding, -40°C to +105°C (-40°F to +221°F) Voltage Rating: 600 Volts. It is sometimes listed as boat cable BC-5W2 (105°C dry 75°C wet) per UL 1426 and meet SAE J378b, USCG, ABYC and NMMA requirements. This is what I use on the trailer for DC and AC. It has the same stranding as the Powerwerx but it does not come as a bonded zip cord. You can get it as a Duplex Marine Cable with a white jacket. GXL-GENERAL PURPOSE CROSSLINKED POLYETHYLENE, bare copper stranding, -40°C to 125°C (-40°F to +257°F) 60 V DC or less. This is what the vehicle manufactures are using for engine compartment. I will use GXL wire on my truck as soon as the warranty runs out. My Honda only comes with a 12 gauge wire. I will just run a 10 gauge in parallel with the 12 gauge and so the 2 wires will equal close to an 8 gauge. ------------- JandL 2013 Honda Ridgeline 2012 177 2 Paynes in a Pod |
Posted By: fwunder
Date Posted: 27 May 2016 at 4:22pm
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Thanks JandL! Great info. I used the Powerwerx wire for a bunch of 12 V extensions, adapters, etc. I liked the zipcord instead of wire ties, tape or jackets for what I was doing. If I do any more permanent wiring inside or outside I would definitely look at the Ancor Marine Duplex. That looks like good stuff! fred  ------------- 2014 RPod 178 => https://goo.gl/CV446f - MyMods and Buying Habits 2008 4Runner Limited 4.0-liter V6 Yes, those are wild ponies dining on grass while dumping tanks! |