So my 2010 17z came with a single group 24 battery rated @ 140 minutes RC @ 25A. And when you wanted to disconnect the battery when the trailer was not being used, you had to pull an inline fuse. I was not please with this setup.
Initially I was going to run dual batteries, but there is not a lot of space available on the front of a 17z without relocating the propane tanks and getting creative, plus a 17z does not allow you to add much extra weight. With this in mind I went for the next best thing, a single group 30 rated @ 220 minutes RC @ 25A. I had to get a bigger battery box and to make it fit I had to slightly bend the sides of the battery tray, but it fits nicely.
Next, I did not want to always be pulling a fuse to disconnect so I bought a 50A 12VDC switch and installed it inline on the positive cable. I mounted the switch to the battery box, now it is just simple on and off. On the cable from the switch to the battery I still have an inline fuse for safety. I currently put in a 20A fuse, but I can increase it to 25 or 30 if need be. Someday I will use my amp meter in place of the fuse to test the draw.
Finally I thought it would be nice to trickle charge the battery when the trailer is in storage, so I mounted a small solar panel to the lid of the battery box and wired it to the terminals. In Ontario, these solar panels frequently go on sale at Canadian Tire for about $10.
A pretty simple project and to me much better then the factory setup. The new battery has 57% more capacity so it was a good compromise vs the dual setup.
One can never have to much battery capacity...., looks like a clean installation and with the battery mounted in front of the LP tanks makes it easy to service.
I like your mods ... I am currently trying to do the same type of thing with my X213. But, I am installing a 15 watt panel on the roof to charge the single battery. Running wire outside of TT and into the battery box with a regualtor mounted to the inside of the battery box lid.
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John
2011 Jay Feather Ultra Lite X213
2000 Chevy 2500HD Silverado
I like your mods ... I am currently trying to do the same type of thing with my X213. But, I am installing a 15 watt panel on the roof to charge the single battery. Running wire outside of TT and into the battery box with a regualtor mounted to the inside of the battery box lid.
After looking at this mod ...just seems like a better solution so going this way instead of the 15 watt panel. Thank you for the post and saving me lots of work.
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John
2011 Jay Feather Ultra Lite X213
2000 Chevy 2500HD Silverado
Finally I thought it would be nice to trickle charge the battery when the trailer is in storage, so I mounted a small solar panel to the lid of the battery box and wired it to the terminals. In Ontario, these solar panels frequently go on sale at Canadian Tire for about $10.
A pretty simple project and to me much better then the factory setup. The new battery has 57% more capacity so it was a good compromise vs the dual setup.
Hello. I was looking at your charger set up and was wondering what size solar charger you bought. Would a 1-Watt charger be adequate or should I go with a 5-watt?
The size of the panel depends on the capacity of your battery. Typically a single group 24 thru 31 battery will need no more than a watt or two. I suggest you do some internet searches to assist in your decision. Too large can harm the battery.
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