R-pod Owners Forum : new converter/charger and shunt http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : new converter/charger and shunt Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 03:30:36 +0000 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 14:29:24 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=15470 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ new converter/charger and shunt : Thank you all for your responses.... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=150020#150020 Author: bmaddux
Subject: 15470
Posted: 09 Nov 2022 at 2:29pm

Thank you all for your responses. This confirms that I'm on the right track and will start getting it together over the winter.]]> Wed, 09 Nov 2022 14:29:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=150020#150020 new converter/charger and shunt : We don't have any of the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149995#149995 Author: jato
Subject: 15470
Posted: 05 Nov 2022 at 8:13pm

We don't have any of the following in our 177 (it was special ordered this way back in January 2011) no A/C, entertainment system or microwave/convection oven) as we usually camp where there is no electricity. 

Batteries we carry: a pair of 12v.  #1 is a Trojan T-1275 golf cart battery, weight is 85 lbs and gives 166 aH at the 100 hr. rate and 150 aH at the 20 hour rate. It is just over a year old.  Our other dependable battery is an Interstate group size 24 deep cycle which will turn 12 years old next April - been a real workhorse over the years and still holds a great charge.  We expect 6 days total out of both batteries when night temps are in the mid-low 40's and the furnace runs quite a bit (we like to keep it 58-60 when sleeping).  Battery is run to 50% S.O.C. or 12.2v and then changed out to the other fully charged one.  As we travel the low battery is charging off the tow vehicle's generator.  This has worked very well for us over the last 12 years of travel across the U.S.A.  No generator or solar utilized.  We travel light and simple.
]]> Sat, 05 Nov 2022 20:13:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149995#149995 new converter/charger and shunt : I think you'll be happy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149994#149994 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15470
Posted: 05 Nov 2022 at 5:02am

I think you'll be happy with two 6v GC2 size batteries. Your tow vehicle is fine for the tongue weight increase, which will be around 60-70 lbs or so vs a single group 27 battery which is probably what you have now. Don't settle for 195 amphours, you can readily get 210-220 AH GC2 batteries.

 Remember that you don't want to discharge beyond about 50%. That gave us about 2-3 days boondocking capacity running either the fan full time or the heater at at around 50% duty cycle, a few hours of TV and lights in the evening, and other normal  12V usage including some USB device charging. Roughly around 30-50 amphours a day total  No 120V inverter operation, that can kill your energy budget. I swapped out the TV for a dual 12/120V  one, I recommend doing the same, rather than run an inverter. 

My 2kw (now they're 2.2kw)  Honda would maintain the batteries in about 1 hour daily runtime or so.. I suggest daily as that minimizes battery cycling, but you can certainly go 2 days and run longer.

Unless you mostly camp under tree canopy then I'd also get a 100-120 watt or larger solar module and charge controller. If you do that you will only need to run the generator during cloudy periods. 

If you run the Honda a bit while preparing breakfast and or dinner you can run the microwave  at the same time and get your hour a day charging done simultaneously   The generator will be limited in charging  rate by the converter not the total load on it, unless you run the a/c. If you want to be able to do that if needed (why would you not?) then the 2 or 2.2k Honda is still fine,  but you should install an Easystart in the a/c to reduce compressor startup current. That approach is better that getting a heavier generator unless you have a really strong back  

Overall, dual GC2 batteries, a 2.2K Honda, or other high quality inverter generator of similar size, an  Easystart, a 12V TV, and a 120W plus portable solar setup makes for a reasonably low cost, flexible boondock package. Keep a second propane cylinder in the truck as well and convert the Honda to run on that, much more convenient, no worries about bad gas,  and cleaner that carrying  gasoline, and you have backup for the rpod propane appliances. You can also use the Honda and propane cylinder at home for emergencies.  The whole setup will cost maybe around $2k. You don't have to buy a name brand solar module, any glass/aluminum frame 12V module will be fine  Avoid the so called flexible solar modules, they aren't.  The solar cells will eventually break in those things  I used to manufacture them 

If you have room in the truck  you can often get a 250-300  watt or so  residential solar module cheap left over from a project. Check Craigslist. That will still only weigh around 40-50 lbs so not a back killer, and you might almost never need  to run the generator, it will produce around 25-35  amphours even on a cloudy day.  Get an MPPT type charge controller if you get one of those modules  the MPPT will step the voltage from the larger solar module down for 12V charging.  

Ditto the batteries, you don't need expensive name brand AGM's as long as youre willing to keep an eye on electrolyte levels in inexpensive flooded batteries every few weeks. Either way they will last about 4 or 5 years probably  Lithium batteries are much better and very reasonable now but the need to change your converter and vehicle charge system, and to keep the batteries warm makes it too expensive and complex for most folks. Spend the money getting a good quality generator and an Easystart instead. 

Have fun boondocking. We rarely stayed in campgrounds with hookups, the more primitive ones are generally so much quieter and more private. And much cheaper, you'll pay for the boondock stuff in a month or two of off grid camping. 


]]> Sat, 05 Nov 2022 05:02:35 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149994#149994 new converter/charger and shunt : Hi bmadduxYou ask some really... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149993#149993 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15470
Posted: 04 Nov 2022 at 4:51pm

Hi bmaddux
You ask some really good questions. Power needs during boondocking are going to differ from one camper to the next so I will give you our experiences. We have two 12V, group 24 deep cycles in parallel for 160amp hrs total, but only 80 amp hrs useable since they are flooded and only should be discharged 50%. We also have a 2000 watt inverter generator (Champion) and a GoPower 130watt portable solar kit.

We have managed a full 7 days boondocking on several occasions and in all instances, power was not our limiting factor. It was water and tank capacity. With just a generator, you will be able to power your RV until your fuel supply runs out and our Champion will easily run 8hrs on 1gal of fuel. We normally run the generator 1-2 hours a day in the summer and 2-4 hours a day in fall and winter when furnace/blower run more at night. We carry about 5 gallons on gas with us, so you can easily see that we could go weeks. Supplement with the 130 watt solar kit and power is the least of your worries. We normally plug our 179 directly into the generator. Our solar kit plus into a pig tail I have installed on the battery bank. We also have a Renogy 1000watt inverter wired in for times when we need 110 for other electrical needs.

Something you may want to consider is a battery cutoff switch. This will help isolate batteries from parasitic drain.

We have a Renogy 500 battery monitor with a regular shunt. It does the job keeping us informed of power usage. I mounted the small display on the wall along with the tank and battery monitor that came with the Rpod.

I can't speak to the use of golf cart batteries. I know some folks really like them but, like you, the added weight concerned me.

Best of luck
]]> Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:51:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149993#149993 new converter/charger and shunt : I'm in the process of looking... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149992#149992 Author: bmaddux
Subject: 15470
Posted: 04 Nov 2022 at 12:03pm

I'm in the process of looking at some of the same modifications... being adding a 195Ah 12v Golf Cart battery, a battery monitor, and a small generator (like the Honda 2200). 

I have a couple of questions:
1) Does you vehicle give your batteries a significant charge while driving?
2) How long does it take your generator to charge your batteries? Do you plug your RPOD into the generator? Or use a battery charger directly to the batteries?
3) Is there a benefit of 2 6v batteries over a single 12v? I know I'd get 15 - 30 more Ah's from 2 6v's, but that also comes with more weight. Is it worth it?
4) How many days of boondocking can you realistically get from your batteries? A small test I did looks looked like running the MaxAir fan on low, the frig on propane and one or 2 lights was using between 20 and 30 watts. With an average of 25 watts x 24 hours = 600 Wh or 50 Ah/day. So I'm guessing I'd get about 2 days without charging from the 195Ah 12v GC battery before I'd need shore power or the generator. Does that seem about right?

I started down the road of Lithium, but it all seemed to get complicated, although its not completely off the table yet.  I might still consider a single 200Ah Lithium battery and upgrade the converter/charger, along with the battery monitor and generator...

Our goal is to be able to go out for a 3 - 6 day swing through the Eastern Washington Harvest Host wineries with maybe just 1 night in a campground. Or to be able to do a longer road trip with stays at free or low cost campgrounds and/or boondock with the only real limit being tankage. At the same time, I'm trying to do the upgrades without going "all in" until we really find out how much off-grid camping we are going to do (only owned the camper for about 9 months and only had it out for 3 weekends, all with power/water).
]]> Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:03:54 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149992#149992 new converter/charger and shunt : Ditto on StephenH and OG. I mounted... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149628#149628 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15470
Posted: 22 Sep 2022 at 8:41am

Ditto on StephenH and OG. I mounted the shunt for the Renogy 500 in the lid of the battery box and added an additional splash guard I made from an sturdy old food storage container. Also, weep holes in a tongue mounted battery box are a must.]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2022 08:41:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149628#149628 new converter/charger and shunt : +1 on the weep holes. I had two... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149627#149627 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15470
Posted: 22 Sep 2022 at 6:42am

+1 on the weep holes. I had two battery boxes on the tongue and removed the cover one day to find that both had filled up with water (whether rain or that which was splashed up by travel through rain, I can't say). That is when I drilled holes in the bottom to let any water that gets in drain out.
]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:42:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149627#149627 new converter/charger and shunt : The smart shunt has an IP21 rating... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149626#149626 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15470
Posted: 22 Sep 2022 at 6:11am

The smart shunt has an IP21 rating which translates to protection from finger touch and from condensation but not rain or splash protection.So you can put it in your battery box as long as the battery doesn't touch it and the box cover protects it from rain and road splash.

If you're really concerned I guess you could get a little NEMA4x or IP66 rated box and put the shunt in that, but then you'd have to route the battery negative cable through the new box, which in turn is likely to compromise that enclosure's water ingress rating.    

There's nothing worse than a watertight electrical box that leaks around the cable glands and ends up filled up with rainwater or condensation. Happens all the time. Personally, after opening up all kinds of "watertight" boxes over the years while troubleshooting failed solar power systems, and having water run out, I prefer rain shielded self draining NEMA 3R type enclosures, which is pretty much what a plastic battery box is if you drill some weep holes in the bottom.

I'd just put the battery shunt in the battery box, be sure to have some weep holes and the cover on tight, and leave it at that. ]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2022 06:11:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149626#149626 new converter/charger and shunt : We use the Renogy 500 and really... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149625#149625 Author: gpokluda
Subject: 15470
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 8:48pm

We use the Renogy 500 and really like it. You need to throw the directions away because they are useless and watch the Youtube video to configure it, but once you get that figured out it's easy to use. ]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 20:48:40 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149625#149625 new converter/charger and shunt : This is the one I used along with... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149623#149623 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15470
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 6:43pm

This is the one I used along with an extension cable so I could put the display where I wanted to:
https://www.amazon.com/AiLi-Voltmeter-Ammeter-Voltage-Motorhome/dp/B07FGFFHC6/

I did not feel like I needed a "smart" monitor. The simple one costs a lot less money and does the job for me. Renogy offers one for a bit more. I would probably opt for that if I were to purchase one now. It has some good features and even offers one made for "smart" Lithium batteries.
http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-500A-Battery-Monitor-Programmable/dp/B07RP5B5P7/
]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 18:43:37 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149623#149623 new converter/charger and shunt : thanks for the info-Stephen is... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149622#149622 Author: Pod People
Subject: 15470
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 5:24pm

thanks for the info-Stephen is correct-I transposed the number-indeed it is a 8955 charger/converter. also thanks for the install tip.
I have explored the websites for Victron and Progressive.  I will eventually talk with salespeople from both companies, but want to learn more first.
I assume the smart shunt must be installed in a protected and waterproof location .  this seems hard to do in a plastic battery box. so that is a big question.
Still learning.
Thanks
Vann
]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:24:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149622#149622 new converter/charger and shunt : When I looked on Amazon it appears... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149621#149621 Author: offgrid
Subject: 15470
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 4:37pm

When I looked on Amazon it appears than the Victron smart shunt is about $130 and uses only Bluetooth to a phone app. The BMV712 is around $200 and has both an LCD display and bluetooth, so it seems like the Bluetooth only version without a display is cheaper. There's also a BMV700 for $140 with a display but no BT.

Here's a video link.

Victron battery monitors]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 16:37:49 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149621#149621 new converter/charger and shunt : I had not heard of a 9855. Mine... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149619#149619 Author: StephenH
Subject: 15470
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 3:58pm

I had not heard of a 9855. Mine has an 8955 unit. Yes, you need to remove the two screws that hold the front on. That will then tip off and you will see the converter on the bottom half under the breakers and fuses. It is not too hard to change. The wires to the circuit board are the hardest ones as I had to remove the circuit board to be able to run the wires and get them plugged in correctly. It is held in by clipping into the panel with no screws holding it in place.]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:58:50 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149619#149619 new converter/charger and shunt : Normal 0 ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149615#149615 Author: Pod People
Subject: 15470
Posted: 21 Sep 2022 at 1:47pm

We would like to upgrade our battery charging system and arelooking for suggestions. We boondock a lot and our power needs are moderate tolow.  We are able to keep our batteriescharged when traveling, but are looking to protect them and fullycharge/equalize them when stored at home.

 

We currently have a 2015  model 179 RPod and have the stock WFCO 9855PECcharger.  We added 2 Trojan T-105 6voltgolf cart batteries.  We use a Renogy 100watt solar suitcase system with a Renogy pwm charge controller and also a HondaEU2200 generator. 

 

We are thinking about a Progressive Dynamics converter/chargerand a Victron shunt and have just started researching both.  I know there are several options for bothdevices.

 

One question is which Victron unit to use-either the Smart Shuntor the Victron BV-712.  It seems that thedifference is the Smart Shunt has a Bluetooth remote display for your phone whereasthe BV-712 has the display adjacent to the battery or can be moved distant buthas to be connected by wiring.  The Bluetoothis more expensive, but is it worth the extra cost?  Any suggestions, observations or othermakes/models  to choose from would beappreciated.

 

When I open the Wafco converter, I don’t see the actual converter/chargingunit, so I assume it is behind the fuse/breaker panel and located on the floor. Howmuch trouble is it to change out the unit?? I recall several forum membersdoing this and would love to hear their ideas. I assume that Progressive Dynamics makes a unit that is “plug and play”and a direct replacement. Is that correct? Any specifics I need to look outfor?

Another question is whether the Charge Wizard is helpful orneeded. From what I can tell from the website, it seems that the Charge Wizard basicallytells you what charging cycle is occurring. Are there other uses or benefits to this additional device?

 

Thanks in advance for any input.

 

Travel safe and often.

 

Vann

]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:47:01 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=15470&PID=149615#149615