R-pod Owners Forum : soft start

R-pod Owners Forum : soft start https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : soft start Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 14:13:13 +0000 Tue, 25 May 2021 14:30:31 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14660 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ soft start : Sounds like you have group 27... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142835#142835 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14660
Posted: 25 May 2021 at 2:30pm

Sounds like you have group 27 batteries. The batteries should fit in these cases, check that the outside dimensions will work.

batt box]]> Tue, 25 May 2021 14:30:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142835#142835 soft start : No worries, Hunter. My concern... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142833#142833 Author: campman
Subject: 14660
Posted: 25 May 2021 at 1:54pm

No worries, Hunter. My concern had to do with the possible addition of a 2nd box in addition to your 2 battery planned install. It all adds up, I guess I was getting at.

I am also planning on a 2 battery install on our new trailer when it arrives...I will leave only 1 propane tank on the A frame to reduce tongue load as a 192 has quite a hefty tongue load from what I have read.

I also have a Sherline tongue weight scale to monitor actual weights as I don't like guessing. I have plenty of room as well as capacity to carry extra load in the back of my cap-covered truck box so that gives us loading options.

Have a great day,

Andy]]> Tue, 25 May 2021 13:54:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142833#142833 soft start : Thanks for all your info... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142832#142832 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14660
Posted: 25 May 2021 at 1:39pm

Thanks for all your info Andy. I will look into the weight stuff although I am only adding the weight of one more battery to the tongue and see that many have already done this without problem.

]]> Tue, 25 May 2021 13:39:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142832#142832 soft start : This is what I was originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142831#142831 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14660
Posted: 25 May 2021 at 1:28pm

This is what I was originally planning to do but I cannot find two boxes 12.25 long. Everything seems to be 11 or then go up to 13,14". The batteries are 12.17'" long. Will keep looking. Thanks]]> Tue, 25 May 2021 13:28:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142831#142831 soft start : Hunter, you may want to consider... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142821#142821 Author: lostagain
Subject: 14660
Posted: 25 May 2021 at 8:34am

Hunter, you may want to consider something other than a battery box. There are various tongue boxes that will easily hold two batteries. I mounted this one on my 172 and it worked very well. https://www.harborfreight.com/231-cu-ft-steel-trailer-tongue-box-61602.html?_br_psugg_q=tongue+box It'll take a little drilling for wires and self drilling screws to attach. Be sure to sue rubber grommets where you make holes for wire. Only bad thing is that it costs about $35 more than what I paid.]]> Tue, 25 May 2021 08:34:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142821#142821 soft start : Ok, the issue is the box not the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142819#142819 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14660
Posted: 25 May 2021 at 8:15am

Ok, the issue is the box not the batteries. The plastic battery boxes are flexible and will slide into place. Battery case sizes are standardized. Look up the group size of the batteries you have (or check by the case dimensions) and then look on line for the outside dimensions of boxes designed for that size. Just get two of those (they're not expensive) and strap
them to the rack. ]]> Tue, 25 May 2021 08:15:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142819#142819 soft start : There have been earlier threads... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142809#142809 Author: campman
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 6:52pm

There have been earlier threads that highlighted the light weight frames RPODS are built on. Very in depth.

OG has put forward a strong argument that great care must be taken not to overload the A frame. So, please consider the weight (and the resulting tongue load on your TV as well) you wish to load in that area.

You can utilize the search function if you are interested in order to search OG's prior posts.

Andy]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 18:52:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142809#142809 soft start : The two batteries that I have... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142802#142802 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 5:41pm

The two batteries that I have will fit on the existing rack without a box. I cannot find a box that will handle the two batteries and the available space at the same time. So if I raise the rack I will have space for two boxes. Another solution I have been thinking about is just to build my own box. ]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 17:41:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142802#142802 soft start : Maybe we need a good pic posted... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142801#142801 Author: campman
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 5:12pm

Maybe we need a good pic posted of 2 12 volt dedicated deep cycle batteries wired in parallel, showing the connections. As well, showing how the trailer connection is connected.

As for the power loss issue, what kind of battery is it? It must be a deep cycle battery, not a dual purpose boat battery or worse yet...a battery designed for starting a vehicle! Your battery may be a deep cycle but it may be toast due to age, over-discharge, freezing etc.

With no 120 volt loads and a fair sized solar panel in half decent sunlight you shouldn't be having a problem. You may need to get the battery load tested at a shop to confirm its serviceability.

If you do go for 2 new deep cycle batteries, make sure they are exactly the same make, model, capacity etc. This is to maximize their life and so they share the power load when hai g them.

Definitely see of the inverter switch is working, no need to invert power except when you need it for charging your phone, perhaps using a cpap machine, etc...turn it off when it isn't needed.

Andy]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 17:12:39 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142801#142801 soft start : Why do you have to raise the battery... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142800#142800 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 3:04pm

Why do you have to raise the battery rack? Two batteries should fit in the existing rack. You can rotate them a little so they slide in if you need to. In Any case it's not a big deal to extend a battery cable if you need to, just use a butt splice with self sealing heat shrink. ]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 15:04:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142800#142800 soft start : Sorry for not being clearer... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142799#142799 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 2:53pm

Sorry for not being clearer . I am thinking of raising the battery rack to make room for two 100ah batteries and am concerned about having to splice connections to the camper so I had was wondering if I could just put the pos and neg connections to the camper on the nearest battery.

]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 14:53:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142799#142799 soft start : Thanks for your response.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142798#142798 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 2:45pm

Thanks for your response. I appreciate the thought that when I am in a campground without power they will not allow the generators to run at night. So far this is the extent of my off grid camping so the larger generator is not necessary until I am boondocking away from campgrounds. This will be awhile I suspect.

]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 14:45:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142798#142798 soft start : One question, where and when during... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142796#142796 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 12:58pm

One question, where and when during the day do you want to use the a/c? If you're in a designated campground with no hookups and want to use it at night you're likely to be disappointed, most places have quiet hours and dont allow generator operation at night. ]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 12:58:59 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142796#142796 soft start : Not sure I follow your question... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142795#142795 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 12:39pm

Not sure I follow your question but if you put two batteries in parallel then you will be running the 12v system in the trailer from both batteries. That is fine and is what you want. As for length you will need to try it and see. I think it will probably be fine.

You'll likely be fine with your 2500 watt generator, install the Easystart and try it and see. Be sure to turn off your other ac loads (like your water heater ac element) and put the fridge on propane. Pick a hot day and let the a/c cycle a few times to be sure the generator holds.

It doesn't sound like the inverter is running anything so that's good.

]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 12:39:31 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142795#142795 soft start : Just one more quick note, the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142794#142794 Author: campman
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 12:16pm

Just one more quick note, the above notes I made are if you are boondocking. If you are using shore power it will provide your power and your power converter will give you your 12 volt power and charge your battery at the same time.]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 12:16:35 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142794#142794 soft start : Sorry I meant to say easystart.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142793#142793 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 11:56am

Sorry I meant to say easystart. The air conditioner is a 15k. It was pre ordered by another person that then decided to not buy the camper so I ended up with it. If the easy start reduces the initial draw by 2/3

then I think as you say the 2500 gen would work. Thanks for getting back to me! I guess with the batteries then I cannot run the camper connection off one battery if I have two batteries in //? The // jumpers are both the same length. I am trying to find all this out before I bu buy the 2500w. Thanks for your help!

]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 11:56:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142793#142793 soft start : Thanks for your reply Andy.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142792#142792 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 11:46am

Thanks for your reply Andy. I do have the 100 watt solar panel. The only thing I am running off the electricity when off the grid is the water pump,lights, and fan in bathroom when needed that i know of?I have no appliances that I am using. As I said I do not know what the inverter is running? The switch to turn it off does not work so I guess I will try and check the wiring. The inverter I suspect is where the draw is coming from. Everything you mentioned is running off propane.

]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 11:46:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142792#142792 soft start : You say you are using a lot of... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142790#142790 Author: campman
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 9:57am

You say you are using a lot of power from your battery(s) and have the inverter option. Do you also have the 100 watt solar panel affixed to your roof to try to keep your batteries topped up?

It sounds like you currently have been depending on a single 12 volt deep cycle battery for not only 12 volt loads but also providing you with 110 volt power? You need to verify what your loads are in your trailer...write them down as propane, 12 volt load and 110 volt. This is just to help you (and us) figure out where your power is going and how your systems work together. Am example of a energy hog is if you have a coffee maker that plugs into your 110 volt receptacle. If it is rated at 1000 watts, in 30 minutes it has used 500 watts of energy which on its own will take, say, 5 hours of good sunlight to replace, maybe more. (Just rough figures for example purposes! There are engineers who can give you precise numbers but I am not that guy. :-)

Now, if you have NO solar panels and you are boondocking and using your 110 volt power you only have so much energy available in your battery. A solar system has to be sized properly to be able to consistently provide you the power you need.

Inverters take 12 volt battery power and provide 110 volt power but in doing this, due to inefficiencies inherent to the conversion, they lose about 10 to 15 percent. This will also help empty your battery quickly and you don't want to go any lower than 50% charge to prevent damage/shortened life of the battery. A 100,amp hour battery only had a max of 50 amp hours of energy that is useable.

End of story, you need to know where you are using your electricity. You should be running everything you can on propane (water heater, fridge/freezer) and nothing on 110 volt if you have no solar panels...I would suggest turn off your inverter as well to save wasting energy when it isn't needed.

You could let the forum know your power usage (as well as if you have solar panels their size/wattage) for more specific thoughts/recommendations. You will quickly figure out what is going on!

Have a great day,

Andy]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 09:57:24 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142790#142790 soft start : Put the pos from the trailer on... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142787#142787 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 9:14am

Put the pos from the trailer on one battery and the neg from the trailer on the other battery, plus of course the positive jumper between the batts and the negative between the batts. By doing it that way the cabling between each battery and the trailer will be of equal length.

Get an Easystart (not a simple soft start capacitor) which will reduce your startup current by about 2/3. I believe you actually have a 13.5 kbtu a/c. At least that's what the specs say. My Honda 2kw starts and runs the 13.5kbtu a/c fine with the Easystart, so I don't think you'll need to lug around the 1200 watt genny, even if you could parallel it with the 2500 which I'm not sure is possible.]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 09:14:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142787#142787 soft start : I have a couple of questions.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142786#142786 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14660
Posted: 24 May 2021 at 8:45am

I have a couple of questions. First if I am setting up two agm batteries in // do I have to run the connections to the camper two both batteries or can I put the pos and neg on one of the batteries if I have set up the pos to both batteries and the neg to both batteries. I am thinking of raising the batteries up on another rack so I can fit two 100ah agm batteries on the trailer and concerned about the length of the existing wires to the camper.

The second question is if I put a soft start on the 15k air conditioner how much will this reduce startup demand? I would like to run a 1200w and a 2500w generator in // to reduce the weight of what I have to move around?

Thanks in advance. YOU guys have been so helpful!

Oh another question the 2021 rpod 196 comes with an inverter 1000w. Anyone know what it runs on the camper. I have noticed that I am using up power faster than I want to.

]]> Mon, 24 May 2021 08:45:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14660&PID=142786#142786