Help - Statpower 40

M

mr.c

New member
Jul 11, 1998
494
0
0
See my message about the one from the firm in Kansas. Mine works great.
al

> Netters
>
> I still have the very large and heavy single battery in my 75 PB. I can't pull
> it out to service it, by myself. Is there a sliding tray that will handle it and
> fit in our space? I seem to remember someone at Marion, NC, GMCI Convention that
> was showing sliding trays, but at that time, I had higher priorities. Thanks for
> the help....
>
> Wayne Newland F9300 75 Palm Beach
>

>
> > I have one and it works great. Now it is easy to check the water level on my
> > 2 golf cart batteries --- something that I neglected to do before the tray.
> > Gary
> > North Bend, Oregon Coast
> >

> >
> > > > Arch, I'm glad you said that. I was ready to order a Ragusa
> > > > tray thinking that it would give me full access to both
> > > > batteries. It looks like I might be back at "square one"
> > > > and will have to make something up myself.
> > >
> > > > Or does anyone know of another source for a battery
> > > > tray that pulls all the way out? Richard
> > >
> > > What do you folks think about mounting the Ragusa sliding tray on a
> > > sliding platform that slides out in an interleaved fashion? Is there
> > > room vertically? Can it be mounted securly enough, so it will not sag or
> > > bend?
> > >
> > > --
> > > Regards,
> > > John 74 Glacier
 
Arch

Glad to hear that you were not injured. I have no advice to offer, but will
anxiously await your findings as to possible cause. I also have one of the
refurbished Statpower 40's (purchased direct via their web site); have yet
to install it, and am less motivated today than yesterday. (Read "If it
ain't broke, don't fix it?")

Please keep us informed.

Visited your Great Cardboard Boat Regatta site today - http://www.gcbr.com/

Very interesting event, and great job on the web site.

Chuck
77 Kingsley
North Idaho

>I have a problem. Yesterday I was working on my motorhome. The house
>batteries were charged but the auto battery was low because I had been
>using it. I plugged in the Statpower 40& that I have owned for about 4
>months. It was charging the auto battery at about 15 amps. I turned the
>engine key on to turn on the compressor (which is new) to bring up
>the suspension. The Statpower had been charging the battery for about
>5 min. The fan was not running. After about 1 min of the compressor
>running I decided to look and see how much the unit was putting out.
>I dont think the fan was running but not sure. As I started to look into
>the cabinet where the Statpower unit is located it exploded. With fire
>coming out of the front of the unit. Then smoke for about 1 min.
>I am going to check all circuits today but I dont think there is any
>problem with them as I have run all of the lights and other equipment
>with no previous problems. Please advise as to what I should do.
>I purchased the unit from West Marine.
>
>Thank You
>
>Richard E. Archer
>Gcbr
>
 
A few months after I installed my Statpower 40 and 1000 watt inverter
my house batteries failed. It's probably because the PO installed the
batteries in such a manner as to make it virtually impossible to check
their water level. Consequently, I have not checked the water levels during
the last year of ownership. I've always planned on getting new batteries
and redoing their installation. I plan on installing the new batteries
on a slide out tray for easy servicing. Now I will be doing that sooner then
later.

On the other hand could it have be a problem caused by the new stuff?
By the way I have not run anything off the inverter except the TV and VCR.
Richard Waters '76 PB, TROY, MI
- --

> Arch
>
> Glad to hear that you were not injured. I have no advice to offer, but will
> anxiously await your findings as to possible cause. I also have one of the
> refurbished Statpower 40's (purchased direct via their web site); have yet
> to install it, and am less motivated today than yesterday. (Read "If it
> ain't broke, don't fix it?")
>
> Please keep us informed.
>
> Visited your Great Cardboard Boat Regatta site today - http://www.gcbr.com/
>
> Very interesting event, and great job on the web site.
>
> Chuck
> 77 Kingsley
> North Idaho
>

>
> >I have a problem. Yesterday I was working on my motorhome. The house
> >batteries were charged but the auto battery was low because I had been
> >using it. I plugged in the Statpower 40& that I have owned for about 4
> >months. It was charging the auto battery at about 15 amps. I turned the
> >engine key on to turn on the compressor (which is new) to bring up
> >the suspension. The Statpower had been charging the battery for about
> >5 min. The fan was not running. After about 1 min of the compressor
> >running I decided to look and see how much the unit was putting out.
> >I dont think the fan was running but not sure. As I started to look into
> >the cabinet where the Statpower unit is located it exploded. With fire
> >coming out of the front of the unit. Then smoke for about 1 min.
> >I am going to check all circuits today but I dont think there is any
> >problem with them as I have run all of the lights and other equipment
> >with no previous problems. Please advise as to what I should do.
> >I purchased the unit from West Marine.
> >
> >Thank You
> >
> >Richard E. Archer
> >Gcbr
> >
 
Richard:

Where did you mount your inverter? What brand?

Do you plug your TV & VCR into the outlet(s) on the inverter or do you have
a separate, remote receptacle?

What gauge wire did you use to hook up the inverter?

I have a 600 watt inverter to hookup one of these days. Enough questions
for now.

Paul Bartz

From: Richard Waters [mailto:digitek]
Sent: Monday, August 23, 1999 1:54 PM
Subject: Re: GMC: Help - Statpower 40

A few months after I installed my Statpower 40 and 1000 watt inverter
my house batteries failed. It's probably because the PO installed the
batteries in such a manner as to make it virtually impossible to check
their water level. Consequently, I have not checked the water levels during
the last year of ownership. I've always planned on getting new batteries
and redoing their installation. I plan on installing the new batteries
on a slide out tray for easy servicing. Now I will be doing that sooner then
later.

On the other hand could it have be a problem caused by the new stuff?
By the way I have not run anything off the inverter except the TV and VCR.
Richard Waters '76 PB, TROY, MI
- --

> Arch
>
> Glad to hear that you were not injured. I have no advice to offer, but
will
> anxiously await your findings as to possible cause. I also have one of
the
> refurbished Statpower 40's (purchased direct via their web site); have yet
> to install it, and am less motivated today than yesterday. (Read "If it
> ain't broke, don't fix it?")
>
> Please keep us informed.
>
> Visited your Great Cardboard Boat Regatta site today -
http://www.gcbr.com/
>
> Very interesting event, and great job on the web site.
>
> Chuck
> 77 Kingsley
> North Idaho
>

>
> >I have a problem. Yesterday I was working on my motorhome. The house
> >batteries were charged but the auto battery was low because I had been
> >using it. I plugged in the Statpower 40& that I have owned for about 4
> >months. It was charging the auto battery at about 15 amps. I turned the
> >engine key on to turn on the compressor (which is new) to bring up
> >the suspension. The Statpower had been charging the battery for about
> >5 min. The fan was not running. After about 1 min of the compressor
> >running I decided to look and see how much the unit was putting out.
> >I dont think the fan was running but not sure. As I started to look into
> >the cabinet where the Statpower unit is located it exploded. With fire
> >coming out of the front of the unit. Then smoke for about 1 min.
> >I am going to check all circuits today but I dont think there is any
> >problem with them as I have run all of the lights and other equipment
> >with no previous problems. Please advise as to what I should do.
> >I purchased the unit from West Marine.
> >
> >Thank You
> >
> >Richard E. Archer
> >Gcbr
> >
 
Arch,
I'm glad you said that. I was ready to order a Ragusa
tray thinking that it would give me full access to both
batteries. It looks like I might be back at "square one"
and will have to make something up myself.

Or does anyone know of another source for a battery
tray that pulls all the way out?
Richard

> In a message dated 8/23/99 12:54:08 PM Central Daylight Time,

>
> > a manner as to make it virtually impossible to check
> > their water level. Consequently, I have not checked the water levels
> during
> > the last year of ownership. I've always planned on getting new batteries
> > and redoing their installation. I plan on installing the new batteries
> > on a slide out tray for easy servicing. Now I will be doing that sooner
> then
> > later.
> >
> Richard
>
> If you are going to get a slide out tray be sure to get one that comes
> all the way out. I bought the Ragusa one and it only comes out
> enough to have access to one battery.
>
> Take Care
> Arch
 
> Or does anyone know of another source for a battery
> tray that pulls all the way out?

IIRC, Dave Greenberg built his own using a couple of stainless steel
full-extension drawer slides that he picked up at a marine supply house.

Patrick
 
I have one and it works great. Now it is easy to check the water level on my
2 golf cart batteries --- something that I neglected to do before the tray.
Gary
North Bend, Oregon Coast

> > Arch, I'm glad you said that. I was ready to order a Ragusa
> > tray thinking that it would give me full access to both
> > batteries. It looks like I might be back at "square one"
> > and will have to make something up myself.
>
> > Or does anyone know of another source for a battery
> > tray that pulls all the way out? Richard
>
> What do you folks think about mounting the Ragusa sliding tray on a
> sliding platform that slides out in an interleaved fashion? Is there
> room vertically? Can it be mounted securly enough, so it will not sag or
> bend?
>
> --
> Regards,
> John 74 Glacier
 
Netters

I still have the very large and heavy single battery in my 75 PB. I can't pull
it out to service it, by myself. Is there a sliding tray that will handle it and
fit in our space? I seem to remember someone at Marion, NC, GMCI Convention that
was showing sliding trays, but at that time, I had higher priorities. Thanks for
the help....

Wayne Newland F9300 75 Palm Beach

> I have one and it works great. Now it is easy to check the water level on my
> 2 golf cart batteries --- something that I neglected to do before the tray.
> Gary
> North Bend, Oregon Coast
>

>
> > > Arch, I'm glad you said that. I was ready to order a Ragusa
> > > tray thinking that it would give me full access to both
> > > batteries. It looks like I might be back at "square one"
> > > and will have to make something up myself.
> >
> > > Or does anyone know of another source for a battery
> > > tray that pulls all the way out? Richard
> >
> > What do you folks think about mounting the Ragusa sliding tray on a
> > sliding platform that slides out in an interleaved fashion? Is there
> > room vertically? Can it be mounted securly enough, so it will not sag or
> > bend?
> >
> > --
> > Regards,
> > John 74 Glacier
 
Paul,
I think my my problem is that I have never checked the water level
of the batteries. I think my installation is fine.

> Richard:
>
> Where did you mount your inverter? What brand?
>

I mounted my refurbished PortaWatz 800 from Statpower in the
unused area between the back of the coach and the generator
compartment. That location provided close access to the batteries.
I ran a 12 AWG Romex from the inverter to the converter compartment
to minimize the use of heavy DC wiring. I have a relay connected
that allows automatic switching from the inverter to AC power
whenever there is power present from shore power or the Onan. I
also installed a remote switch to turn the inverter on and off that is
located near the monitor panel and Onan remote switches.

>
> Do you plug your TV & VCR into the outlet(s) on the inverter or do you have

> a separate, remote receptacle?
>

The only thing that is plugged into the inverter is the cable
that goes to converter compartment. I have all the outlets
in the coach wired in such a way that they are connected
to the inverter. I also added additional AC outlets so that
I can plug the TV in to AC at the front of the coach and
the I can also plug in the VCR in the dinette locker into
AC. In order to do this I had to make sure the fridge was
not in that circuit. It was before I did the installation.

>
> What gauge wire did you use to hook up the inverter?

I bought some 2AWG cable (actually battery cables) that
were about 6 feet long. They work fine. What makes it all
work is the remote on/off panel for the inverter.

>
>
> I have a 600 watt inverter to hookup one of these days. Enough questions
> for now.
>
> Paul Bartz
>
 
> Arch, I'm glad you said that. I was ready to order a Ragusa
> tray thinking that it would give me full access to both
> batteries. It looks like I might be back at "square one"
> and will have to make something up myself.

> Or does anyone know of another source for a battery
> tray that pulls all the way out? Richard

What do you folks think about mounting the Ragusa sliding tray on a
sliding platform that slides out in an interleaved fashion? Is there
room vertically? Can it be mounted securly enough, so it will not sag or
bend?

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
>if you use the Ragusa tray on top of another slide setup you would
>be introducing quite a bit of sag in the system. By the way, a good
>battery tray to catch acid, etc is a couple of aluminum cookie sheets
>over a 3/4" plywood board fastened to the drawyer slides. Emery

Since you put it that way...

- --
Regards,
John 74 Glacier
 
Justin,
You were able to put 3 batteries in the front? That would be good
to be able to use the space in the back that the batteries occupy now.

My problem is that I already have an inverter installed near the
batteries, and I don't relish the idea of moving that. It needs to
be fairly close to the batteries, but not in the engine compartment.
So I am stuck I think with the current setup of house batteries in
the back.

Neat that you have the space the batteries took up for other storage.
That's a bonus!
Richard

> I moved my two 6V golf cart batteries up front next to the engine battery.
> There is room, believe it or not. Had a base for them welded in place. Now
> they can be checked easily. Used the same cable from back that came up
> front. Now it feeds elec to start the Onan.
> Justin
> And of course the extra storage room in back sure comes in handy.
 
Paul,

my inverter info:

>Richard:
>
>Where did you mount your inverter?

In the space below the electrical cabinet. It just fits if you remove the
kitchen sink drain close-out.

What brand?

Prosine 1000 watt

>
>Do you plug your TV & VCR into the outlet(s) on the inverter or do you have
>a separate, remote receptacle?

I bought the permanent installed version. Hardwired to batteries and AC
branch circuit.

>
>What gauge wire did you use to hook up the inverter?

1/0 marine grade tinned copper stranded wire.

>
>I have a 600 watt inverter to hookup one of these days. Enough questions
>for now.
>
> Paul Bartz

I took the branch circuit out of the exiting breaker box thaat goes to the
galley and dinette area. This is wired to the inverter through a secondary
breaker box.

Henry
 
>
>-- [ From: Eugene Fisher * EMC.Ver #3.1a PRODIGY ] --
>
>wish henry was here, but he had one put on by Nor-cal Classics 415-456-
>1904. I am not sure what one they use, but he went there special for
>this.
>

I'm sort of here. Nor-Cal custom builds the trays using very heavy duty
ball bearing slides. The unit fits in the space behind the genset where the
original 8D battery went. It slides pretty well, but 130lbs of batteries
still takes some effort. OTOH, I can now see the electrolyte levels pretty
easily. I still need to use an inspection mirror for the last two cells.

Henry
 
Word of Warning!!!!
If you are mounting your Statpower up front it must be protected from
the elements, i.e. rain, road spray and moisture. If it gets wet you
will short it out and it will die! Possible mounting points could be,
under the passenger seat. Under your sofa or under your dinette seat.

J.R.Wright
GMC Greatlaker
77 Eleganza II
Michigan

>
> In a message dated 8/23/99 8:28:20 PM Central Daylight Time, digitek

>
> My problem is that I already have an inverter installed near the
> batteries, and I don't relish the idea of moving that. It needs to
> be fairly close to the batteries, but not in the engine compartment.
> So I am stuck I think with the current setup of house batteries in
> the back. >>
> Could you move your inverter to the other side up front? I have no idea how
> large it is and if that would be close enough to the batteries. My two 6V
> batteries are turned sideways as close to the fender wall as possible at the
> front part of the curve, and the engine batt is along side in its original
> position.
> Justin
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GMCMI Fall 2026 Rally
Get your shine on at www.cruzingear.co

Share this page

Share this page
Top Bottom
Back