Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation (Read 1668 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #25 –
In case one wonders, DO NOT USE ACID CORE SOLDER, Use Rosin core solder instead, in case your wondering.

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #26 –
Alternator/Generator repair shops will typically have the hardware needed to source, makeup and/or repair cable (the longer the shop has been in service the better).  Fixture the connector sos to fill with solder and you will have the preferred method  If you want a professional appearing cable finish up with a shrink wrap over the junction.

I recently rebuilt my battery(s) terminal harness and used the old cable, just replaced the connectors and saved myself over $120.
Looking for Cable.. check with NAPA, look through their store catalog rather than the web catalog. 
I'd be interested to know what FT charges for the 3 battery (post type) harness pair.  NAPA wants $64 per cable FWIW. 
S/W Houston 95" U320C SE/40' 
Build #4778  Cummins M11
Repairs & Covered RV Parking (BAO)
PPL is close..

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #27 –
RE: " I'd be interested to know what FT charges for the 3 battery (post type) harness pair. NAPA wants $64 per cable"

We replaced original triple or dual Optima battery cables with Military heavy-duty connectors and separate cables that have a little extra slack so new short cables have a slight arc between batteries. Later we replaced the cables with a bus bar, but I recommend the short cables over bus bars. Using Military connector, the connector can be replaced without changing cables when the post connector breaks or is stretched too much.

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #28 –
Trent, I cut it with the proper shaped side cutters (blades have 1/2 round shape) and make a beautifull clean cut. Lucky me has a neighbour with them.. I then soldered all the terminals on, and used glue shrink sleeves. Looks neat that way.
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #29 –
I just crawled under there to look at the wiring closer. 

Both of my existing main battery wires are 3/0...not 4/0 as I thought.  So I am thinking that buying and installing 3/0 (if I can't find a suitable copper bar) would be easier to move around than the 4/0.  Any problems with my thinking? 
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #30 –
Quote
Both of my existing main battery wires are 3/0...not 4/0 as I thought.  So I am thinking that buying and installing 3/0 (if I can't find a suitable copper bar) would be easier to move around than the 4/0.  Any problems with my thinking?
I'd use the same gauge as the batteries unless you intend to change your inverter-charger to one that requires 4ot (like some of the larger Magnums).
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #31 –
Quote from: TulsaTrent –

John,
 
Speaking of 4/0 cable, how do you cut it?
 
Trent
You need the proper size wire cutters. I had to purchase both cutters and crimpers when I re-wired my battery connections when installing my Trimetric.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Battery cable terminals like 2/0, 4/0 are hard to crimp and get a good electrical connection.

I had to attach some terminals under the coach, soldering was not practical. I purchased the proper size tool and crimped the terminals. Worked great but not cheap.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #33 –
I think I found a good source of custom cables, but I am not positive of the shipping costs yet. 

I first placed a 6" 4/0 cable into my online "cart" over the weekend and the price was $11.21 each, with about $1.25 shipping via USPS.  I emailed and asked if they had 3/0 and they responded that a 6" 3/0 cable would be $9.15 plus shipping (they don't show the 3/0 prices online). 

Sounded great, but they didn't identify shipping in their email, so I went back to the website to verify the USPS option (since they were closed by the time I got the response).  I was gonna share their info here, but today the only shipping options for the 6" 4/0 cable were UPS...from $15.79 up!!!!  Hopefully tomorrow they will give me a shipping quote that will make it reasonable, as I first found.  I'll share the details here if they do.  I'm sure I can beat $25 locally for a 6" 3/0.
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #34 –
Brad, mine were 3/0 too but I changed up to 4/0 as I had so much of it. I do not think it will make any difference but as I had it I did not want to not use.. If you want to wait about 3 weeks I will send you 1ft of it when I get home from this trip and send it UPS to you. Your dime.
john
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #35 –
Instead of using a crimping tool for the big lugs, you might want to try these.
Quick Cable: Fusion Solder MagnaLug Straight Lugs
FWIW,
Regards,
JON TWORK KB8RSA
Full Time RVer (10+ Years) & Dedicated Boondocker
Retired, Unemployed, Homeless Transients
1996 Foretravel U270-36 w/24' Timberwolf Trailer
I firmly believe that tomorrow holds the possibility for new technologies, astounding discoveries, and a reprieve from my remaining obligations.
Welcome to WeRV2 (Under Construction)
Find Jon: Via Satellite Tracker Datastorm Users
The Second Amendment is in place in case they ignore the others.
 

Re: Trimetric 2025-RV Installation

Reply #36 –
Thanks John and Jon. 

I missed your earlier response, John.  Thank you for the kind offer.  I ended up purchasing a 6" cable from http://www.pacergroup.net/Categories3.aspx?Id=Battery_Cable_Assemblies . They ship generally via UPS, but I asked them if they would use USPS.  They fit my 6" cable (they measure cable and then ADD the ends, so it is more like 8" long) into a small USPS flat rate box and billed me $9.15 for the completed cable and $5.15 shipping.

When I saw that the end connectors were generally $3.50-$5.00 each, this seemed an easier way to go.  They were very fast and my shunt installed easily.  This length worked perfectly to install to the ground terminal under my fiberglas sheet and allow the shunt to lay flat and horizontal on the wall (a little velchro), with the negative battery cable bent down to the other side. 

After I got the trimetric working, I disconnected it as I search for the "best" placement and wire routing, but it worked fine while temporarily sitting in the basement.  More data!!!  Gotta love it.
 
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)