trombetta solenoid

[happycamper1]

The original solenoid on my 05 was not working and after reading all the info located within, I purchased a Trombetta solenoid. Well, it is too large and will not fit in the black box in my battery compartment. I then did the next best thing and purchased a Cole Hersee and , wonders of wonders, it is now charging the chassis batteries just fine. I would sure like to use the Trombetta due to everyones thoughts on it. I would like to keep the Cole Hersee as a backup. Was hoping that someone has install the Trombetta and can share how they did it.

[MonacoMama]

Happycamper1...Which model Trombetta did you purchase? We do not own an Alpine -but I believe ours is in the battery compartment. (SacsTC has gone to bed - otherwise I would verify the location)

[EngineerMike]

HappyCamp- there are many people still running on the Cole-Hersee (silver in a metal case) solenoid w/4 or 6 batteries and have gotten good service from it. If you expand to 6 large (250+ amp hour) or to 8 house batteries, the larger solenoid would be a better fit electrically. If you wanted to upgrade to the Trombetta and there is literally insufficient room, you could get longer cables & locate the solenoid on the rear (left) bulkhead of the batt compartment ot elsewhere outside the black box; you would have to lengthen the coil wires as well.

[Wayne R]

Always an exception to everything. 8 batteries and still on original solenoid. I carry a spare but still have not used it

[EngineerMike]

Wayne- what do you have in solar panels?

[Wayne R]

2 50 watt units. I actually was thinking about putting a switch on just before the controller. So I can shut them down in the summer when I am parked at the lake for several months hooked to 50 Amps. I suspect they are overcharging my batteries at times.

[Ted III]

I replaced my Cole-Hersee from the orig. to an upgrade Cole-Hersee before the great Trombetta. I bought a spare Cole but have yet to use it.

[happycamper1]

Monaco Mama - It is a Trombetta Bear Model #114-1211-020. From all the posts, this is the best. Thanks to all for you responses. A friend suggested I have the cover on my Black Box cut and weld on a box extension so the Trombetta fits (it is abour 1/2" longer than the Cole Hersee) with enough room so it doesn't short out with contact on the cover. Although, you have made a good case for the Cole. I have six coach and two chassis batteries. Time will tell. The first one lasted five years and this new Cole Hersee is supposed to be better built than the original.
I think I will keep the Trombetta and purchase another Cole as a spare. If the one in the coach goes out quickly, I will probably replace it with the Trombetta, in the same location but with the expanded box cover. That way, if it goes bad, I can replace with the second Cole.
Am I over thinking this?