36 replies to this topic

[Kerschbaumer]

Does the trolling motor connector have an Amperage rating?  Wouldn't want to exceed that.  That said, you are unlikely to be pulling more than 40A through it unless you get a very large DC-DC converter.  

 

Otherwise, yes, running thicker wire now makes sense.

Not that I could see.  I ended up throwing in the wire I had and figure I can swap it out later without much problem.  I got bunged up trying to figure out crimping rings etc to heavier guage wire and just wanted to get it done.

[PaulT]

If you can visually identify your the connector here, you should be able to get the amperage rating & wire size.

https://www.westmari...tor-accessories

Paul

[Kerschbaumer]

If you can visually identify your the connector here, you should be able to get the amperage rating & wire size.

https://www.westmari...tor-accessories

Paul

Thanks - didnt see it exactly but closest one I saw said 70A - I will email Gary at FWC to ask what they sold me.

 

BTW - Where exactly should I measure the Amperage of the truck charging.  I put my multi meter on the camper battery terminals while truck was running and didnt get a reading

[PaulT]

A multimeter is usually limited to measuring 10 amps or so and requires disconnecting the positive or negative terminal from the battery and inserting the meter into the circuit. Because 10 amps is relatively low current, it is likely that you may blow the multimeter fuse.  With the multimeter set to volts, you cannot measure current.

 

Your best choice is to install a Baterry Moniitor.  These typically use a current shunt to measure current going into the battery and coming out of the battery. It adds up the current readings over time and also determine the battery's state of charge. Energy being supplied by the battery to the various devices subtract from the state of charge and energy going into the battery from solar, truck alternator, and shore power add to the state of charge. This gives you realtime knowledge of how much energy is stored in the battery at any time.

 

You get both the current going to and from the battery and the total energy stored in the battery. You will be able to determine how much longer you can remain camping with a cold fridge of if you need to find shore power to keep your food safe.

 

There are several makers of these devices. One popular among the forum members is Victron.

 

Paul

[Kerschbaumer]

Another question please,

 

Aparently the Gen 3 Tacomas have  a slightly taller bed and when I have camper in the truck it seems some or most of the weight is on the bed rails which I presume is no bueno.  I bought another rubber bed liner that is 3/8" thick and now I have about 1/8" gap between camper and top of bed rails, I can slide a piece or cardboard between the 2 with a bit or resistance.  Is that enough or could the truck be flex and give me problems down the road?  My gut sais it should be fine unless doing rock crawling type stuff which I really dont do.

 

BTW - is there a trick or hack to make the turnbuckles easier - or is it some sadistic hazing ritual for newb FWC owners to figure out?

[Jack]

When I installed my Fleet on my 2019 Ranger, I needed to raise the camper and I recall that a minimum 1/2" was recommended.

 

10 years ago I invested in TorkLift Derringer FastGuns and have never looked back. They are about $105 now, and you may only be able to use them on the front two tie downs with the Tacoma. You will also have to play with different sized links to fit them. After installing them though, you need to check them once after driving some rough roads, and that's it.

 

With our Eagle on a 2005 Tacoma which needed turnbuckles for the back two tie-downs, I mounted outward facing screw eye bolts below the access door. Heavy duty re-usable plastic ties through the screw eye and the turnbuckle kept the turnbuckles from loosening. I did have two ties break over the years, so a visual check now and again is needed.

[Kerschbaumer]

When I installed my Fleet on my 2019 Ranger, I needed to raise the camper and I recall that a minimum 1/2" was recommended.

 

10 years ago I invested in TorkLift Derringer FastGuns and have never looked back. They are about $105 now, and you may only be able to use them on the front two tie downs with the Tacoma. You will also have to play with different sized links to fit them. After installing them though, you need to check them once after driving some rough roads, and that's it.

 

With our Eagle on a 2005 Tacoma which needed turnbuckles for the back two tie-downs, I mounted outward facing screw eye bolts below the access door. Heavy duty re-usable plastic ties through the screw eye and the turnbuckle kept the turnbuckles from loosening. I did have two ties break over the years, so a visual check now and again is needed.

Awesome - thanks - will look into that.  Wonder if there is enough room in there to  clamp it down.   Would be nice if there was some sort of closing gate on the turnbuckle hooks - like a carabiner,  

 

If I need a half inch I would have to go get more rubber I guess.