Upgrading 12v and 120v panels

[KYAvion]

I’m in the midst of upgrading both my 12v and 120v panels. I’m upgrading my 120v panel to 50 amp, and I had planned on running 6 AWG copper Romex to a junction box, and then using Polaris style connectors to attach the Romex to a 6 AWG 50 amp RV power cord.

However, an idea crossed my mind...skip the junction box and Polaris connectors and just run the 50 amp power cord directly to my new panel. This seems a bit weird to me to do—running the power cord straight to the panel—but why not?

[KYAvion]

New panels are in. I still haven’t run the feed for 50 amp, or any dedicated circuits, but the box is ready. The 12v panel is in and needs some additional breakers for my tank heaters, but other than that it’s good to go for now. The original door will fit over the entire thing once I put new hinges on.

[Razorback]

That looks really good.

[Salty]

@KYAvion Not familiar with the Polaris connectors. Pic please?

[KYAvion]

Just a fancy split bolt... https://www.jacksonelectricsupply.com/M ... /97112.htm

[Markinalaska]

I just installed a 50 amp parallax power supply. I had to remove about an inch of wood to get it in. I also just ran the cable right into the panel. I figure that way no one can steal my cable as they aren’t cheap. I’ve added a few pics of the old and the new unit. I still have a few things to do to complete the job, like cleaning up the wiring in the back and getting a 50amp dual pole breaker. No one in my Podunk town has any right now so I’m using a 30amp that came out of the old converter. The old converter still works believe it or not. I’m thinking about cleaning it up and putting it in my boat.

[Razorback]

Wow.... that old one looks dangerous! Thank you for showing all of that.

If you get a minute, can you add a list of stuff you used for that project, including part/model info and where you purchased? That sounds like a great project that I could consider for our 1987 34W.

[Markinalaska]

I bought the panel a few years ago and since I was down for a year with a torn rotator cuff I wasn’t able to get to it until this year. I don’t recall exactly what I paid but I think it was around 400.00 back then and I bought it off fleabay.

Parallax 5355

The power cord I bought was off Amazon and had the connectors on both ends because at the time I couldn’t find one without the connectors to hard wire into the panel. So I cut about a foot off the end and wired it into the panel. I’m going to add another end to the part I cut off for an adapter type plug just in case my standard adapter happens to go all fubar.

Camco power cord

It turns out it was cheaper to buy this cord with both ends than the one with only the plug end. Go figure.
The rest is standard electrical components to hold the inputs in place in the back of the panel. I now have tons of new circuits that I can run. I’m adding a new 12v run for led cabinet lights that will turn on when you open the cabinets. Should be pretty cool when complete and the leds are strip lights so you won’t even see them in the cabinets just the light from them.

[Markinalaska]

I forgot to add that the Parallax power supply is made in America using American steel. From their website. The only problem I have with this system is that the closure is made of plastic and is very fragile. I’m using a screw to hold the door closed but that’s no biggie for me. I can live with it. The folks at Paralax was kind enough to send me new one no charge last year and I’ve already broken the new one, . But their support seems to be top notch since I didn’t actually purchase the product from them and they still were more than happy to help me out.

[KYAvion]

Looks good. I had to open up the cabinet quite a bit for my install. I decided to try out a Boondocker converter and I have to say that so far I think it is quieter than the Progressive Dynamics converter I had in my previous trailer. I got it here in case you’re interested...

http://www.bestconverter.com/Boondocker ... c_154.html

I installed the converter in the open space behind the panels. There’s seems to plenty of room and enough airflow.

I also bought my 50 amp Progressive Dynamics panel from Bestconverter.com. They’ve also got separate 12v panels if anyone’s interested.

Those 50 amp cords are a bear aren’t they? Did you enlarge your electrical compartment that is accessed from the outside to make room for storing it?