Yuck, Converter is integrated into the distribution panel.
I must have missed the white wire pic. Disconnected prior to you attempting this?
No, I disconnected it so i could run the buck converter to that screw lug as a test this morning. As I said, everything has been working fine.
There it is. That's a major amp load point to tie in DC negative return.
That was never in question. I've been saying everything goes to the chassis. The problem is that the buck converter's instructions say NOT to. That is the whole point of this thread.
Was there also a heavy red wire screwed into the front side of the panel? I suspect this is where both battery and converter supply DC+ In your drawing, it's labeled "aux batt" Do you have a generator with a starter onboard?
Yes, the red and white wires go from the dc panel to the battery, which makes it both an input and an output.
It looks like those two terminals on the right side may be your connection points for the new converter. That's basically the bus bar. I'd check to make sure they're the correct polarity they seem.
Yes, I know. I tried it. It didn't work. Because the new buck converter is not connected to the chassis.
Don't get too hung up on the whole "chassis" thing. It looks like most everything is tied to the chassis. That's ok.
Yes, I know. I've always known that. It seems you needed to be convinced of that. Sorry if that sounds ungrateful, I'm not.
What the manufacturer is likely cautioning is a high amp 12V negative return on some spindly little high resistance wire. They want you to tie into something robust with low resistance like a battery cable or bus bar. Just because there's a connection to chassis doesn't mean you're connecting to it. You're connecting to a low resistance heavy conductor.
The instructions clearly state not to connect to the chassis. I can't go ahead and do so based on the above reasoning.
60A 12VDC is some serious current. Those heavy amps will choose to return on a least resistance path. Unless you force them to take a skinny wire to get back home. Then they'll bring the heat.
Yeah, no kidding. Which I why I need clear answers from somebody who actually knows the answers. Which I why I made the post.
While I appreciate your help, all the time and effort you've given me to understand my situation, my questions are still unanswered.
Why can't I connect this thing to ground as stated clearly by the instructions? Could be multiple things. I need to know why specifically. Hasn't anyone on here already gone through this?
What workarounds exist to allow me to safely do so, if any?
I'm not going to just go for it and have a nasty surprise somewhere.
Sorry, tired, hoped to square this away today.
Hopefully I'll get good answers from the seller, but I'm not keeping my hopes up.