Best Of
Re: Powerstation to power the campers DC system directly.
Another way to do this is through the 7 pin plug. With a properly wired 7 pin "adapter", you can plug in a "spare" battery the same way that @JamesDow discusses in his post. I can also connect my solar controller/panel through the 7 pin plug with my "adapter". (I don't use it often, but it was a nice project and I am glad to have it as an option).
I've used the 12V to 12V cable and it works pretty well. I used to use this more often when I carried a spare lead acid battery: I could charge on with solar while the other ran the trailer. My portable solar panel was set up to be able to charge one or the other.
This Tab Forum thread shows several examples of using the 7 pin plug.
Re: Powerstation to power the campers DC system directly.
Replace Battery cut off swich with a 3 way switch. 1 to battery and 2 to the power station with the 12v SAE cord above. That way you would not be using power station to charge your battery also
Re: Replacing T@g microwave with storage
Well, I decided to remove my microwave and convert that area to storage like several of you have already done. The microwave removal was easy as detailed in another forum post (just be careful of those edges - they are sharp!). A friend with a home carpenter shop built me these storage drawers to replace the microwave. Looking forward to an upcoming trip to try them out!
Re: Exhaust fan for AC
The purpose of the ac fan is to expel heat build-up in the area behind the AC since there's no window for the back of the ac to stick out of. They pull air from the cowbell like vents on the side of the T@G and push the heat out the bottom. I turn that ac fan on before I turn my ac on so that I can be sure the fan is running and doing its' job. Side note: Those cowbells on the side of the T@G can be a source of dust while traveling in dusty areas. We put sponges in ours while traveling to keep dust out. And, of course, added removing them to the setup check list.
Re: Adding Second Battery _ DYI Building Power Station
@2022TAGowner
The Trolling Motor Power Center looks interesting. I did see on reviews that said it doesn't work with lithium batteries and that the battery meter may have issues. Recheck the reviews. I cannot guess why it would not work with a lithium battery. The green/red bars may be off for lithium. A battery meter that just measures voltage does little good with lithium batteries anyways. I also noted the measurements of the battery length and the box are a close fit. Pay attention as to the type of connectors used for charging with the Power Center. That may require an adapter of some sort to match up to a lithium battery charger.
I do not know type details of your cooler or Dewalt batteries but can make assumptions.
With your fully charged 165Ah LiTime battery you should have no problems powering your BougeRV Cooler, charging phones and Dewalt batteries. I would feel comfortable for 4-5 days without any recharge (maybe longer). Do not know if your LiTime battery is a Smart battery, but that makes little difference, just some assurance that everything is charged and utilization tracks to meet your needs.
I assume your BougeRV cooler operates at 45-watts or less. Charging phones, say 30-watts and charging Dewalt batteries maybe around 35-watts. That puts you at a total of 110-watts or around 9.2 amps. Should not trip the 10amp circuit breaker of the Power Center. As for needing an additional 12-volt plug, you could simply get a Car cigarette lighter (12-volt accessory port) splitter. Costs $7-20.
I do not know how you would charge up Dewalt batteries without an inverter. All of my Dewalt batteries charge by a Dewalt charger that plugs into a 120-volt wall outlet. You could buy a cheap 100-150-watt car inverter for <$25. and solve that issue.
Have fun with your tent camping.
The Trolling Motor Power Center looks interesting. I did see on reviews that said it doesn't work with lithium batteries and that the battery meter may have issues. Recheck the reviews. I cannot guess why it would not work with a lithium battery. The green/red bars may be off for lithium. A battery meter that just measures voltage does little good with lithium batteries anyways. I also noted the measurements of the battery length and the box are a close fit. Pay attention as to the type of connectors used for charging with the Power Center. That may require an adapter of some sort to match up to a lithium battery charger.
I do not know type details of your cooler or Dewalt batteries but can make assumptions.
With your fully charged 165Ah LiTime battery you should have no problems powering your BougeRV Cooler, charging phones and Dewalt batteries. I would feel comfortable for 4-5 days without any recharge (maybe longer). Do not know if your LiTime battery is a Smart battery, but that makes little difference, just some assurance that everything is charged and utilization tracks to meet your needs.
I assume your BougeRV cooler operates at 45-watts or less. Charging phones, say 30-watts and charging Dewalt batteries maybe around 35-watts. That puts you at a total of 110-watts or around 9.2 amps. Should not trip the 10amp circuit breaker of the Power Center. As for needing an additional 12-volt plug, you could simply get a Car cigarette lighter (12-volt accessory port) splitter. Costs $7-20.
I do not know how you would charge up Dewalt batteries without an inverter. All of my Dewalt batteries charge by a Dewalt charger that plugs into a 120-volt wall outlet. You could buy a cheap 100-150-watt car inverter for <$25. and solve that issue.
Have fun with your tent camping.
Re: Window screen fix
LuckyJ...as we'll be going to UCamp18 we said we could wait rather than them having to send them across the border...how many more days any ways...will have a project at UCamp for an afternoon...wonder if we'll have helpers...
Re: Awning Options
Yes, it will fit over the 6 wide but not the Boondock because it’s higher. We also bring a Hasika for one night stays. The Coleman is very versitle with two zip on solid panels and 4 screen sides.
Re: Powerstation to power the campers DC system directly.
@josephkruger;
I have a 2018 standard 5-wide nuCamp T@G with a 12-volt lithium battery (Renogy).
Two methods come to mind.
My first thoughts would be to back feed from your Bluetti 12-volt accessory port directly into one of the 12-volt accessory ports of your T@G. (inside or galley)
i.e. use a male-to-male 12-volt cigarette lighter/accessory adapter. (suicide cord) This would feed into your converter (WFCO?) and should feed to all other 12- volt sources, such as refrigerator and USB outlets.
You would want to limit your capacity usage as to only draw 120-180 watts (10-15 Amps). Your biggest draws would be your refrigerator, FanTastic vent fan and water pump.
»» It would be important to turn off your main electrical battery switch, (do this first before connecting up the Bluetti) otherwise your Bluetti would want to charge up the trailer battery. I would think you should have minimal issues. Always carry some extra fuses for the converter and the accessory cord.
Another option (not the best) would be to use a 12-volt male accessory cord to a SAE adapter. (This assumes you have one on (SAE) the side of your tongue box) In this case the main battery switch would need to be on. The Bluetti would then be charging up the trailer battery as well as providing power to the entire trailer. This method would drain the Bluetti faster. In my case this may not be a bad option with my lithium battery, since I can shut off my battery, eliminating any attempt of the Bluetti charging it. With your marine lead-acid battery, you do not have the option to shut off the battery, besides cable disconnect.
My best upgrade was replacing my marine lead-acid battery with lithium. Costs have come way down. For $200-$250, you can get a very good lithium battery these days.
Good luck on whatever decision you make.
I have a 2018 standard 5-wide nuCamp T@G with a 12-volt lithium battery (Renogy).
Two methods come to mind.
My first thoughts would be to back feed from your Bluetti 12-volt accessory port directly into one of the 12-volt accessory ports of your T@G. (inside or galley)
i.e. use a male-to-male 12-volt cigarette lighter/accessory adapter. (suicide cord) This would feed into your converter (WFCO?) and should feed to all other 12- volt sources, such as refrigerator and USB outlets.
You would want to limit your capacity usage as to only draw 120-180 watts (10-15 Amps). Your biggest draws would be your refrigerator, FanTastic vent fan and water pump.
»» It would be important to turn off your main electrical battery switch, (do this first before connecting up the Bluetti) otherwise your Bluetti would want to charge up the trailer battery. I would think you should have minimal issues. Always carry some extra fuses for the converter and the accessory cord.
Another option (not the best) would be to use a 12-volt male accessory cord to a SAE adapter. (This assumes you have one on (SAE) the side of your tongue box) In this case the main battery switch would need to be on. The Bluetti would then be charging up the trailer battery as well as providing power to the entire trailer. This method would drain the Bluetti faster. In my case this may not be a bad option with my lithium battery, since I can shut off my battery, eliminating any attempt of the Bluetti charging it. With your marine lead-acid battery, you do not have the option to shut off the battery, besides cable disconnect.
My best upgrade was replacing my marine lead-acid battery with lithium. Costs have come way down. For $200-$250, you can get a very good lithium battery these days.
Good luck on whatever decision you make.
Re: New 2025 T@G member
@Faye - welcome! BTW, photos now resize automatically.
