When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm getting ready to install the Orion XS 50 in my 2012 F350... since the wire is expensive, what's the best way to measure length of wire needed from the engine bay (passenger side) to the back of the box (drivers side) for a slide-in camper? I was thinking about using a fiberglass reel tape measure but maybe there is an easier way? I don't want to order the wrong length and be too short
I used a measuring tape, then added the spit ball factor of 15%. The challenge is that you won’t know exactly how much you will need until you start routing the cable under the truck and around the engine bay. You will end up routing the cable into and around things to avoid heat and sharp edges.
The other way is to run some twine or cheap nylon cord over the path you may use then measure it and order your cable. Not free but not that expensive either.
Use a piece of string or rope about the diameter of the wire you plan to run, should cost a few bucks, and you will get the exact length run the way you will run it. Zero waste, and you get to practice running it too.
Pro tip if you mark the rope in 1 ft increments you can get the length and leave the rope in place to help getting the wire snaked through tight / or awkward places too.
A 12 inch piece of coat hanger or stiff wire taped to the rope will help a bunch with routing it too.
I saved myself some labor. I installed the back plane on standoffs (used 5/8" shelf standards) then mounted the equipment by driving long screws through the back plane into the plywood wall. I also got the idea from Tundra; worked great.
How deep is the 5/8" shelf standard? I've found some that are 1/2" deep and like this idea you guys used
Don't want to hijack this thread. If I need to start a new one I would be glad to. Seems like a lot of knowledge within this one.
I actually started with this crude layout.
Trying to do something and not getting any results. Surprised I haven't fried the TC. 😁
Trying to introduce this 3 way switch into the battery system so that I can go between 2 different size 12 volt batteries (300AH and a 560AH). In a perfect world I would like to be able to select which battery I need for the load and if possible have the the other battery taking a charge from the alternator if the truck is underway.
You don't have to isolate the two batteries because they are different capacities. Charge/discharge will work OK with the two batteries in parallel. Do you have a link for that switch?
I think that your requirement to be able to charge one while discharging the other is going to make for a complicated system. It's possible, but I think a second switch would be needed. But that's just me spitballing.
You don't have to isolate the two batteries because they are different capacities. Charge/discharge will work OK with the two batteries in parallel. Do you have a link for that switch?
I think that your requirement to be able to charge one while discharging the other is going to make for a complicated system. It's possible, but I think a second switch would be needed. But that's just me spitballing.
I have no issues introducing a second switch into the circuit(s). I actually have 2 of the 3 ways and one of their on/off switches at my disposal. I have all the proper gauge wiring that has been terminated with lugs.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
