I created a solar setup in my truck camper based on the info on Will's website. It uses 2 Battleborn 12VDC 100aH batteries in series. It all works great with the exception of the truck camper jacks. These are the 4 jacks that are used to remove/install the truck camper from the truck. They run at about 40-50 amps when all 4 jacks are running at the same time, although that draw is load dependent.
I used the uxcell 552watt (40A) 24/12VDC buck transformer recommended in the website (actually, I selected the 13.8VDC output instead of the 12.0VDC, but essentially the same device). The controller shuts down when running a single front jack (heaviest load w/ a measured draw of about 15A). I believe the problem is the inrush current at startup is causing a low voltage condition that shuts down the controller (atwood 85439). I don't have the tools to measure the inrush current, but I suspect that is the issue.
I tried putting a 1 Farad power capacitor in parallel with the output of the buck transformer 13.8VDC output. I still have the same issue, although it seems to help with operation of the rear jacks with a lower load.
Do I need a bigger power capacitor, bigger power supply, or both? How big is sufficient? I don't mind a little overkill in the solution, but size and cost are best minimized.
Thanks for all input.
Jim
I used the uxcell 552watt (40A) 24/12VDC buck transformer recommended in the website (actually, I selected the 13.8VDC output instead of the 12.0VDC, but essentially the same device). The controller shuts down when running a single front jack (heaviest load w/ a measured draw of about 15A). I believe the problem is the inrush current at startup is causing a low voltage condition that shuts down the controller (atwood 85439). I don't have the tools to measure the inrush current, but I suspect that is the issue.
I tried putting a 1 Farad power capacitor in parallel with the output of the buck transformer 13.8VDC output. I still have the same issue, although it seems to help with operation of the rear jacks with a lower load.
Do I need a bigger power capacitor, bigger power supply, or both? How big is sufficient? I don't mind a little overkill in the solution, but size and cost are best minimized.
Thanks for all input.
Jim