Shore power for Ranger 21EC

[Stan and Jayne]

How do you connect shore power on the 21rc?

 

[Texas Steve]

There is a 110 volt outlet on the starboard side of the engine box that is conncected to the onboard charger. Plug a standard extension cord into that outlet (female end of extension cord.)

Texas Steve

 

[rt11002003]

The R21EC isn't really set up to handle AC power. All of the factory systems are 12 VDC. Except for input for the battery charger. And, it isn't intended to be used full time.

Some owners have opted to install an AC system to power items at the dock. I think maybe some have even tried portable gensets for use away from the dock.

I'm slowly coming around to thinking that a good house battery bank w/smart charger, an inverter for small AC requirements and solar panels may be the way to go.

But, what do I know?

Gene

 

[Texas Steve]

Gosh, Gene. I've left my charger plugged in 24/7 for the past three years. I guess I know less than you!

Texas Steve

 

[rt11002003]

Steve,

Perhaps, I "mis-spoke". 😉 I don't know Ranger's intentions, nor the battery charger manufacturer's intentions. 😱 Most of the technical reading I've done leads me to believe the "experts" don't recommend leaving a charger running 24/7 for days on end, even a smart charger. :?

My own experience has resulted in two batteries ruined (not in my Ranger). Manufacturer(s) (charger and battery) swear it wasn't their fault. 🙁 So, having been burned, I use the charger overnite, or for a couple of days, if I've used a lot of battery power.

Gene

 

[Stan and Jayne]

We also keep charger plugged in all the time. Andrew at the factory told us to do so.
Do either of you leave refrigerator on at night when on a trip? If so, do you have any issues with your batteries?
Many thanks.
Stan

 

[Texas Steve]

My wife commandeered our fridge for additional storage. It's never been used so I can't help.

Texas Steve

 

[rt11002003]

I'm not any help either. My refrigerator door hasn't even been opened. Al least not by me. Maybe my wife looked in at some time. I haven't used any of the accessories: AC, sink, stove, refrigerator, head, holding tank, spotlight etc., etc., except the stereo and horn. Tried the stereo twice, can't hear it above the engine noise. Tried connecting the iPod. Complete failure. Been messing with stereos forever, this is the only one I've never been able to get to work. Finally gave up.

My initial intention was to use the R21EC to do some TN River cruising and then elsewhere, probably the Gulf. As I've mentioned previously, after trying to access the head at the dock, I gave up on the idea of trying to use it at night. Just getting to it requires too much effort. I'd never get back to sleep after getting to it and then trying to reassemble the berth and bedding. Oh, the plight of old men. 🙁

I've put 128 hours on it, using it as a runabout on the lake where we live. Such a waste. I should sell it.

Gene

 

[SlackwaterJack]

Have you tried wearing earbuds, and Depends?

 

[dloop]

Do either of you leave refrigerator on at night when on a trip? If so, do you have any issues with your batteries?
Many thanks.
Stan

We have used the fridge on trips without the charger plugged in and have no problems. Just a day or so at a time mind you. Keep in mind the starter battery is separate from the house battery that the fridge is on.

dave

 

[Texas Steve]

I'm not any help either. My refrigerator door hasn't even been opened. Al least not by me. Maybe my wife looked in at some time. I haven't used any of the accessories: AC, sink, stove, refrigerator, head, holding tank, spotlight etc., etc., except the stereo and horn. Tried the stereo twice, can't hear it above the engine noise. Tried connecting the iPod. Complete failure. Been messing with stereos forever, this is the only one I've never been able to get to work. Finally gave up.

My initial intention was to use the R21EC to do some TN River cruising and then elsewhere, probably the Gulf. As I've mentioned previously, after trying to access the head at the dock, I gave up on the idea of trying to use it at night. Just getting to it requires too much effort. I'd never get back to sleep after getting to it and then trying to reassemble the berth and bedding. Oh, the plight of old men. 🙁

I've put 128 hours on it, using it as a runabout on the lake where we live. Such a waste. I should sell it.

Gene

Gene:

We've struggled with the head issue as well. Finally broke down and purchased Visa Portable 246 unit. It has significantly changed our ability to enjoy our tug for overnight trips. I set it inside the cabin during the day and outside at night. The other big change was purchasing the 9000 BTU LG stand alone air conditioner. Sits on the navigator seat, vent fits perfectily out the porthole and installed a drain line that drains into the sink. The Honda EU2000 generator runs it just fine. That plus cutting an IKEA mattress to fit the v-berth have made all the difference for us to enjoy our boat more than ever. We prefer to use an ice chest instead of the fridge.

Texas Steve

 

[rt11002003]

Steve, your choices make a lot of sense to me. Maybe my R21EC came with too many options that really didn't fit my situation. It might have made more sense to order a boat rather than buy one at the boat show. Who knows?

I went by the marina this AM, after being in New England and Nova Scotia for 25 days. TUGLET is still afloat. 🙂

The last time I had her out we were caught in a horrible storm about 100 to 200 yards from the marina. 🙁 I'd never seen such rain, thought I'd never get her in the slip. In fact, after my first attempt to get into the marina, I decided it was safer to go out to open water until the weather improved. I wouldn't have been surprised to find her full of water this morning. But, the bilge pump worked. The vessel wouldn't have sunk 😉 ; the marina staff keep a close eye on things. 😀

Thought about plugging in the battery charger this morning, but I'll wait a couple of days. Pulled something in my left calf and ankle while in Halifax and hobbling around isn't safe on docks and boats.

Gene