Community Forums

Dogpatch · 10-07-2015, 08:14 AM

We just bought our first 5th wheel.

Ours is a Cardinal 3450RL. It comes pretty well fitted out but I see some things I liked in our DP's we've owned. Ours only has (2) 12v batteries. No solar. Only an inverter charger.

We don't hardly ever boondock unless overnight in a Walmart enroute to a destination.

What are the essential mods you have done to your unit?

I see some deep cycle 6v batteries and a converter as possibilities in the future. Maybe a solar panel and charge controller.

Looking for ideas.

Half Dimes · 10-07-2015, 08:56 AM

We have an onboard generator (a factory option) for the convenience at rest stops or a rare boondock. Like being able to run the air and microwave whenever we want it. It's a pricey option but worth it to us. They're usually standard equipment on a MH, but seem rare on fivers. Also suggest an electrical management system like Progressive Industries products that protect against surges, low and high voltage, and other shore power problems.

We replaced our 12v batteries at the end of their lives with two 6v Trojans. More amp hours and are truly deep cycle batteries. Also have a 55 watt solar panel that helps keep the batteries up.

Walt Bennett · 10-07-2015, 11:15 AM

You've most likely got a converter, unless you've a residential refer. To add solar, you've got to also add a solar charger, and even if you've a small inverter, a larger one to handle both the refer and a larger current drain for other AC things. If you do have an inverter now, you wouldn't need a converter as either it or something else has to be charging the batteries you've got now.

As for batteries, you're correct in thinking about 6v ones. I've 400 watts of 12v solar panels, a PWM solar charger, four Trojan T-105s and a (much larger than I really needed, but the price was tooo good!) 4kw inverter. Still occasionally use the old converter when on shore power to begin charging the battery bank when they are down to 80% or less (by a Triminic battery monitor) as it charges at a lower amperage than that big inverter. Overall, the system works quite well and we can overnight generator free (if we don't need air conditioning), watch tv and have a table fan running all with the batteries getting recharged the next driving day.

SkiSmuggs · 10-07-2015, 11:23 AM

LED lights are worthwhile even for the occasional Walmart camping. At least convert the ones you would use most.

**NLOVNIT** · 10-07-2015, 11:26 AM

When we had our 5-r, the 1st 2 things we added were a PI power protector & MorRyde pin box. 2 very essential upgrades for peace of mind & travel comfort.

L-

Dogpatch · 10-07-2015, 03:13 PM

Our unit has a 65 amp converter/charger so I would be looking to add an inverter to power the 110v items I'd want to use. Thus the deep cycle 6v batteries I'd put in.

I wouldn't pay for the onboard generator as it would become proprietary to the 5er and would look to something portable that would run what I need when required.

Yes, I would likely change out the main lights I would use to LED's. The remaining standard 12v bulbs could remain for when I'm plugged in as they would not typically be used on an overnight stay. I may be able to get a bulk buy and just change them all and be done.

I already have a SSP50 Smart power surge protector I think from Progressive I used from my DP days. It tests polarity as well so I've got that covered.

Thankfully, having come from a Class A I have most of the essential things figured out but wanted to pick everyones brain in case I was missing something.

Thanks to all so far!

jacknife · 10-16-2015, 07:46 AM

Upgrade your suspension with a moryde 4000 when you can . It is a do it yourself install about also upgrade. the shackles to the moryde they are twice thickness of factory and the whole system has zerts . Up to 4" of suspension travel. What kind of tires are on it?

Dogpatch · 10-16-2015, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacknife

Upgrade your suspension with a moryde 4000 when you can . It is a do it yourself install about also upgrade. the shackles to the moryde they are twice thickness of factory and the whole system has zerts . Up to 4" of suspension travel. What kind of tires are on it?

2 year old 16" F rated. 12 ply I believe.

vsheetz · 10-16-2015, 07:55 AM

Often used lights to LED
Power protection
Solar if boondocking
Generator, built in is convenient but spendy, portable as 2nd choice - ensure it will run AC

jacknife · 10-16-2015, 07:55 AM

Sounds like you are good there what brand..look close E and F. Look alot alike just saying.

Dogpatch · 10-19-2015, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacknife

Sounds like you are good there what brand..look close E and F. Look alot alike just saying.

They are Duro DS2100's - 235/85/R16. F Load Range
I have them at 80psi.

shane wood · 11-21-2015, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogpatch

Our unit has a 65 amp converter/charger so I would be looking to add an inverter to power the 110v items I'd want to use. Thus the deep cycle 6v batteries I'd put in.

I wouldn't pay for the onboard generator as it would become proprietary to the 5er and would look to something portable that would run what I need when required.

Yes, I would likely change out the main lights I would use to LED's. The remaining standard 12v bulbs could remain for when I'm plugged in as they would not typically be used on an overnight stay. I may be able to get a bulk buy and just change them all and be done.

I already have a SSP50 Smart power surge protector I think from Progressive I used from my DP days. It tests polarity as well so I've got that covered.

Thankfully, having come from a Class A I have most of the essential things figured out but wanted to pick everyones brain in case I was missing something.

Thanks to all so far!

all of your lights in the trailer ate 12v whether led halogen or incandescent

jacknife · 11-21-2015, 11:30 PM

Generators come out easier then they go in The Fella l go camping with bought a new 5 er and had the dealer pull his gen out and put it in the new one. Port gen are much cheaper to buy . Just depends on your camping plans. IMHO

rarebear.nm · 01-02-2016, 01:12 AM

We bought a used Excel a year plus ago and have done many mods. Some important and others because I wanted to. I agree with the replies above, especially about Progessive Industry power protection, it has prevented problems more than once. The big items to me is the rolling gear under your trailer. Tires are top of the list, I use Goodyear G614 tires, G rated inflated to 110 lbs. But always match your tire requirements to the loaded weight of the trailer and adjust the tire pressure in accordance with the inflation charts for that tire. Find it and print it. Study the threads about this. Proper tire inflation is vital, I check all tires prior to starting every day. In tires you tend to get what you pay for. I also upgraded from standard electric breaks to disk breaks. This makes such a difference I'll never own an RV with standard electric breaks.