gotaflat
1st May 2012, 05:07 PM
Forum 12v gurus,
I am working through my plans for the D4 in regards to running cable(s) and installing a dual battery system. As a starter I will be ordering a Traxide D4 (Kit 5) with High current extension (unless this changes from any discussions), pretty basic start, but that’s where it ends….
I want….would like that is, the high current extension to charge my 60AH Thumper in the back of the D4, however there are occasions where I would like to have the (or another) high current lead available to powering a camper battery and or charging the Thumper in and off road trailer. (FWIW Don’t have a camper yet – do borrow a friends occasionally, but plans are in place). We do run Bushman fridge in the back of the D4 or in the trailer (thus the Thumper) and have an exisitng 50A charger/isolater which came with the unit already installed (50a Anderson plug in the back of D4, running of main cranking battery). I guess I can use this some how along side or in conjunction with the Traxide system and second battery under the bonnet...?
Secondly, I am would like to run power up to the roof and to my Pioneer Platform rack as to power the 4 planned HID lights. I have the platform rack and 2x IPF 900 converted to HID (but not mounted or powered… and I may change over to some smaller 4” or 6” units for up there).
Thirdly, I am looking at powering an inverter, of which might be up to 1200watts. :eek: and can I have a chocolate cake, with icing and few strawberries….:D
Anyway, trying to work out what cables I may need, I tried to calculate the Amp draw of up to 4 x 55watt HID lights. From what I can find, a 35watt HID drags about 3.5A per light (steady rate, and 55w would be higher?) – However I don’t know what the draw is like when starting the lights – particularly when on a ‘cold start’.
Then I guess the size of cable will depend on how long the run is….on a quick measure and assuming light power goes to the back of the car then up to the back door to the roof, and then along the rack to front of the rack, I am looking at a run of 9-10m.
My questions specifically are:
What power cable(s) do I need
Do I need to run multiple cables
Can I run one larger size and split in the back some how
Can I run them all through the car?
Can I utilise one of the Traxide power outlets (instead of having 2 power outlets have one and use the other line for lights on the roof?). Or can I modify a Traxide unit to help achieve my power needs….wishes.
Am I unrealistic in wanting to get this size inverter powered from the rear of the D4? – Should I pop the bonnet and run a short lead to power the inverter and then run what I need from there?
Just to finish – I don’t need to run all things at once, i.e. the power to trailer will not be required if I am using say an inverter in the back of the D4 – or at least I can maybe run it from a power outlet or Thumper in the trailer, if that makes sense?
Anyway – would appreciate any feed back/advice/experiences.
Cheers
I am working through my plans for the D4 in regards to running cable(s) and installing a dual battery system. As a starter I will be ordering a Traxide D4 (Kit 5) with High current extension (unless this changes from any discussions), pretty basic start, but that’s where it ends….
I want….would like that is, the high current extension to charge my 60AH Thumper in the back of the D4, however there are occasions where I would like to have the (or another) high current lead available to powering a camper battery and or charging the Thumper in and off road trailer. (FWIW Don’t have a camper yet – do borrow a friends occasionally, but plans are in place). We do run Bushman fridge in the back of the D4 or in the trailer (thus the Thumper) and have an exisitng 50A charger/isolater which came with the unit already installed (50a Anderson plug in the back of D4, running of main cranking battery). I guess I can use this some how along side or in conjunction with the Traxide system and second battery under the bonnet...?
Secondly, I am would like to run power up to the roof and to my Pioneer Platform rack as to power the 4 planned HID lights. I have the platform rack and 2x IPF 900 converted to HID (but not mounted or powered… and I may change over to some smaller 4” or 6” units for up there).
Thirdly, I am looking at powering an inverter, of which might be up to 1200watts. :eek: and can I have a chocolate cake, with icing and few strawberries….:D
Anyway, trying to work out what cables I may need, I tried to calculate the Amp draw of up to 4 x 55watt HID lights. From what I can find, a 35watt HID drags about 3.5A per light (steady rate, and 55w would be higher?) – However I don’t know what the draw is like when starting the lights – particularly when on a ‘cold start’.
Then I guess the size of cable will depend on how long the run is….on a quick measure and assuming light power goes to the back of the car then up to the back door to the roof, and then along the rack to front of the rack, I am looking at a run of 9-10m.
My questions specifically are:
What power cable(s) do I need
Do I need to run multiple cables
Can I run one larger size and split in the back some how
Can I run them all through the car?
Can I utilise one of the Traxide power outlets (instead of having 2 power outlets have one and use the other line for lights on the roof?). Or can I modify a Traxide unit to help achieve my power needs….wishes.
Am I unrealistic in wanting to get this size inverter powered from the rear of the D4? – Should I pop the bonnet and run a short lead to power the inverter and then run what I need from there?
Just to finish – I don’t need to run all things at once, i.e. the power to trailer will not be required if I am using say an inverter in the back of the D4 – or at least I can maybe run it from a power outlet or Thumper in the trailer, if that makes sense?
Anyway – would appreciate any feed back/advice/experiences.
Cheers