Electrical questions

[SkyBound]

Hey all, just a question about the battery fuse. I see some people have an in-line battery fuse located outside the trailer up by the battery. My trailer does not have one of those. I do have two 40A fuses in the converter which I'm thinking are for that purpose, but since I'm swapping to dual 6V do I need to do anything else with fuses?

I'm also thinking I might need to upgrade the + battery wire to the converter to 4 gauge. My current + wire leaves the battery and goes to this device mounted to the front of the A-frame that has 2 terminals on it, covered with a red rubber cap. I have no idea what this device is for. Any help?

[Jmooney]

Pic of thing with red cap...?


It may be a fuse block

[Mustang65]

What TT do you have?

[SkyBound]

I have a 2014 Jay Flight Swift 198RD. I looked closer and it in fact does look like some sort of circuit protection device rated at 50A. The wiring from the battery to the converter is 6 gauge so I'm thinking that's not too bad for going to dual 6V batteries.

[Rustic Eagle]

Originally Posted by SkyBound

snip....The wiring from the battery to the converter is 6 gauge so I'm thinking that's not too bad for going to dual 6V batteries.

It's not just the gauge of the wire, but the length also. The 198RD isn't a long trailer so your existing 6 gauge wire length should work in your favor as compared to a 30ft TT.

Bob

[SkyBound]

And the converter is only half way back the unit, so the stretch of wire is probably about 12' max.

Looks like I will have to replace that 50amp current limiter device with a larger one if I upgrade converters...

[Rustic Eagle]

.... Why are you considering upgrading the converter/charger?

[SkyBound]

I just switched to dual 6V batteries and from the research I have done, my WFCO 8955 converter has some design flaws in it that will inhibit efficient charging of the batteries. It seems that the WFCO units, although "3-stage" don't actually go into the Bulk mode which is needed for quick charging. It also won't drop down into Float mode, which will cause the batteries to boil down over time.

I just ordered the Progressive Dynamics PD9260C which has the Charge Wizard and will give the battery exactly what it needs, when it needs it.

[Kellys]

Sounds like you have done your research, wire sizing looks good