Thank you for sharing. I should have added in the context that the Van comes from Ford with a dedicated upfitter system since they are designed in many cases to have a lot of external items added when built out (ambulances - etc). So the charging system comes with dual high output alternators from the factory. And the connection point for adding external loads to the system has its own dedicated controller that limits max output to 175 amps (@12V), and has ranges of output available for time limits that the system controls (ie 160-175amps for 10 mins, 140-160 for 15 mins, 120-140 for 20 mins) and allows for up to 120 amps continuous. So my plan was to have the 4 parallel Orion units draw just under the 120 amps (@12V) at max. The Ford system controls shutting off the connection point and limiting output so I don't have to do anything there. I will configure the Orions to not draw higher loads at lower speeds/rpms as a secondary protection measure beyond the Ford system limiting output to protect the alternators/start batteries.Unless you have are using a dedicated alternator designed to charge batteries, I believe 30A is a reasonable limit. Victron is huge in the high end RV and boating world. If it was a good idea in general to draw more than 30A from an alternator, then Victron would make a charge converter that did this. They are THE class act in this world. Just because a lower tier vendor choses to offer something doesn't mean that it is a good idea to do that.
Also, keep in mind even 30A is a lot unless the vehicle is moving. Drawing serious amps from an idling engine is a bad idea. If you need to charge when stationary then carry a small Honda Generator and charge up from that. You will save money and your engine will last longer.
I am using a Blue Sea 7157, 50A short stop breaker on the incoming power to my Orion-TR.
Be sure to use the appropriate sized wire for 50A service and you should be good. The wire should also be specified for use in an engine compartment (oil, gasoline, heat). I am using ANCOR Marine grade 6/2 AWG duplex cable for this. It is rated for 105 degree C and the jacket is incredibly tough.
Yah, its overkill, 8 AWG is probably fine, but I not into squeaking by. And 6 AWG will let you run longer wire which can make installing your system less difficult.
Awesome, thanks for these links and info I'll look into these more!