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Topic: Battery Monitor Install (Read 595 times) previous topic - next topic

Battery Monitor Install

I'm researching installing a Bogart Trimetric TM2030A and was looking for additional help. I want to install it on the same panel (below) as the Powerwatch and Taytronics controller, but having a hard time locating how to remove the panel. How is it fastened? ('93 U280)
AKA Chuck
1993 U280 40' WTB, Build 4345, CUM 8.3 "Falcor", 2010 Honda CRV TOAD (Spock), 970W solar on roof
Full-Time traveler between Quartzsite AZ, Longview WA, Ellendale ND, and Lake City SD
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Re: Battery Monitor Install

Reply #1 –
Chuck,
I have a different floor plan but the wood panel on my coach cannot be removed.  It's built just like all the other cabinetry.  I added a TM2020.  I pulled out the inverter controller so I could explore the space with a mirror and flashlight and cut a hole for the Trimetric.  Another option is to remove all the existing "equipment" (i.e. controller, AC monitor and outlet) and add a larger panel (made out of wood, metal, Corian, etc.) that covers the entire face with a new layout of all the new controllers.  I had to do that when I updated my inverter and the new controller just wouldn't fill the old cutout.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Battery Monitor Install

Reply #2 –
Quote from: JohnFitz –
Another option is to remove all the existing "equipment" (i.e. controller, AC monitor and outlet) and add a larger panel (made out of wood, metal, Corian, etc.) that covers the entire face with a new layout of all the new controllers.
Photos of your setup?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Battery Monitor Install

Reply #3 –
I used 1/4" thick Corian for the new panel.  It used to be the stove top cover until it fell off the chair.  So I re-purposed it.  I also updated the switches for the water pump and water heater (LP and AC).
I threw in a photo of the kitchen area when we bought it (2001) so you could see where the original inverter controller was.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Battery Monitor Install

Reply #4 –
Better picture of my current setup and layout. It's by the sink. It's an extension that protrudes 3" out from the wall, and can't find screws above or below.
AKA Chuck
1993 U280 40' WTB, Build 4345, CUM 8.3 "Falcor", 2010 Honda CRV TOAD (Spock), 970W solar on roof
Full-Time traveler between Quartzsite AZ, Longview WA, Ellendale ND, and Lake City SD
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Re: Battery Monitor Install

Reply #5 –
Look closely along the sides next to the wall, bet there are some small screws in there. That's what I found on a similar panel beside my driver seat.
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss

Re: Battery Monitor Install

Reply #6 –
I mounted our TriMetric on the side of the kitchen base cabinet.  I can see it from my seat and was an easy install as I took the wire through the floor under the cabinet and mounted to wall. 
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Battery Monitor Install

Reply #7 –
Re-writing personal message from Pamela & Mike PM to me here for all to benefit (with permission)

Chuck,

Now I understand what you want to do.  If I remember correctly there are 4 screws and RTV that hold that cover in place.  If you remove the 120 VAC plug and the Taytronics controller you can look down in the hole that is left and see the 2 screws that hold it to the wall.  You will need an razor knife to cut the RTV that is used to seal the wood to the cabinet surface.  Now the top 2 screws, we had to remove the shelves in the little cabinet  and the false floor to find the screws that hold the top to the floor of that little cabinet.  Our false floor was held in with a couple of hidden screws that are in the corner of the cabinet.  You will have to feel around on the carpet in that cabinet to find those little screws.  That is how ours was attached on our '92.

You will need a square head bit along with an extension about 6" long to be able to reach the one that is hid behind the 120 V plug. Once you find the top 2 a regular square head driver will reach them.

Pamela & Mike

I'll pull the false bottom in the cabinet first, then remove the Taytronics panel and have a look see. Actual work won't be until this weekend.
AKA Chuck
1993 U280 40' WTB, Build 4345, CUM 8.3 "Falcor", 2010 Honda CRV TOAD (Spock), 970W solar on roof
Full-Time traveler between Quartzsite AZ, Longview WA, Ellendale ND, and Lake City SD
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Re: Battery Monitor Install

Reply #8 –
The monitor is installed. For those of you looking to modify the panel (like in my 40' U280), there are 3 hidden screws under the cabinet bottom shelf. Mine had 6 nails holding the bottom in the cabinet and had to be pried out. Once the shelf bottom was loose, the 3 screws require a short square bit (I used a 1/4' drive with the square bit). Once those are out, remove the caulking around the bottom and remove the screws to the Powerwatch, Taytronics, and power outlet. There were 5 screws that held the cabinet to the wall, and can only be accessed by taking out the panels. Then slide it out.

I cut the insert for the Trimetric and an additional hole for a 12v outlet (for those 12v appliances like a crock pot). I restained the cabinet after doing the cutting, and reinstalled it with the new gadgets.

I put the Trimetric between the other panels after shaving it a little. Pulled the Trimetric wires (and a new 50' HDMI and CAT 6 cable at the same time) from the end of the bed cabinet. Still deciding if I want the PMW controller in there, but will finish the cables and install the shunt tomorrow.
AKA Chuck
1993 U280 40' WTB, Build 4345, CUM 8.3 "Falcor", 2010 Honda CRV TOAD (Spock), 970W solar on roof
Full-Time traveler between Quartzsite AZ, Longview WA, Ellendale ND, and Lake City SD
The selected media item is not currently available.