Community Forums

BSE · 11-17-2017, 09:33 AM

Hello,

I see that similar projects have been posted in the past a bit about installing inverters and solar panels but I'm trying to find the best way to run 2/0 cable from my batteries into my pass-through storage. I was thinking of trying to fish the wire where battery cable goes through now between the front cap and the pass-through wall and come out where the battery disconnect switch is.

Just wondering if anyone has done this type of installation and did you find that a new insertion hole is necessary?

Thanks
2015 Creekside 23BHS

xbigblue · 11-17-2017, 09:42 AM

I recall seeing discussions about getting cable off the roof into the rig or storage bins and the refrigerator vent was used. You might check yours for usability.

Rocky Larson · 11-17-2017, 10:11 AM

I drilled new holes in back (to combine battery banks) and sides (to connect inverter to batteries) of basement compartments.

Separate runs for positive and negative. Rubber grommets inserted to protect wire.

Waterproofed inside and out with silicone.

crosscheck · 11-17-2017, 11:49 AM

You did not mention what the 2/0 cable from the batteries was going to power. If it is for an inverter, the closer to the batteries, the better which means drilling a hole somewhere through your cap into your pass through for +- battery cables and caulk well inside and out with silicone.

In my case, I ran 2X 10/2 wire through flexible plastic conduit, from the inverter to the converter fuse panel on bottom of TT and used the same hole as the battery cables.

R.B · 11-17-2017, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crosscheck

You did not mention what the 2/0 cable from the batteries was going to power. If it is for an inverter, the closer to the batteries, the better which means drilling a hole somewhere through your cap into your pass through for +- battery cables and caulk well inside and out with silicone.

Also, if it's for an inverter, check its installation manual. It may actually want 4/0 wire. For example, the Magnum MSH3012:

Quote:

Battery cables should be no less than #4/0 AWG (107.2 mm2) for 12-volt and #2/0 AWG (67.4 mm2) for 24-volt systems. Crimped and sealed copper ring terminal lugs with a 5/16 hole should be used to connect to the DC terminals on the inverter.

egwilly · 11-17-2017, 02:28 PM

"no less than" is the key phrase here....

Bigger wire is always better if you are moving lots of energy. Think of it as a water hose.....small hose=small volume.

Unless you're planning on a 24/48 volt system, 4/0 cable would be fine.

My first hole I drilled in our new trailer was painfull. The rest were easy.

bucknaz · 11-17-2017, 06:03 PM

I was able to fish 2/0 from the battery to the inverter mounted under the bed storage. < 6 feet. I ran the cables in the space just under the floor, same space as the heat duct resides. Since the heat duct is off to the side a little there was plenty of room. The inverter works just fine and I have never noticed a drop in voltage to the inverter enough to cause it to kick out. I went with the go power 2000 watt inverter.
Good luck

BSE · 11-17-2017, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crosscheck

You did not mention what the 2/0 cable from the batteries was going to power. If it is for an inverter, the closer to the batteries, the better which means drilling a hole somewhere through your cap into your pass through for +- battery cables and caulk well inside and out with silicone.

In my case, I ran 2X 10/2 wire through flexible plastic conduit, from the inverter to the converter fuse panel on bottom of TT and used the same hole as the battery cables.

My plan was to have a 1500 watt inverter and run 14/2 cable to a designated receptacle. Max load would be an appliance of 1200watts.

Quote:

Originally Posted by R.B

Also, if it's for an inverter, check its installation manual. It may actually want 4/0 wire. For example, the Magnum MSH3012:

I believe 2/0 will be fine for this application according to manual.

Thanks for replies and advice

brulaz · 11-17-2017, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crosscheck

You did not mention what the 2/0 cable from the batteries was going to power. If it is for an inverter, the closer to the batteries, the better which means drilling a hole somewhere through your cap into your pass through for +- battery cables and caulk well inside and out
...

This is what I did, aiming for as short a connection as possible between the Inverter and batteries. Covered the cables with plastic protective sheathing and caulked with polyurethane.

I used 1/0 cable for a 1000W inverter at 12V, then used the same cables and upgraded to a 2000W inverter at 24V. The cable run is about 12' total pos+neg. Pos lead is fused at 150A at the battery, more than the Inverter will ever draw, but about right for that cable's ampacity.

Wilson 1 · 12-05-2017, 09:28 AM

I have been building and racing cars forever and we use a "bulkhead battery connector" when going thru the firewall of a race car. One reason is vibration and the potential for a short which isn't too likely with wood in a travel trailer, but the reason I bring it up is the pass thru connection has built in grommets which seals on both sides. You can also remove the connections from either side making it easier to manage cables. Just another idea to consider.

IdahoBob · 12-05-2017, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wilson 1

I have been building and racing cars forever and we use a "bulkhead battery connector" when going thru the firewall of a race car. One reason is vibration and the potential for a short which isn't too likely with wood in a travel trailer, but the reason I bring it up is the pass thru connection has built in grommets which seals on both sides. You can also remove the connections from either side making it easier to manage cables. Just another idea to consider.

A useful product I was not aware of. Thanks for posting!

Bob

Bob_C · 12-05-2017, 07:20 PM

Check with Summit or Jegs.....

Rickeoni · 12-05-2017, 07:24 PM

Or here, marine guys have all the stuff.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/cat...ugh_Connectors

brulaz · 12-06-2017, 06:36 AM

The problem with bulkhead battery connectors is that ORV's front shell is not just a single panel. Rather there's external fibreglass+space+foam+internal plywood. Total thickness of maybe 6"?

You can dip the cables down below the fibreglass cap and back up to the pass-thru but that adds another 3-4 ft each way to the cables. So I just drilled straight through the cap to get as direct a path as possible for the cables between the batteries and inverter.