Hi everyone, I've been doing research and have made designs for two variations of a solar/battery setup for my truck and camper. I'd appreciate any input on design or components, things that might work better, etc. Fuse and wire size selection are definite concerns.
I recently installed a Superpacific Switchback on my Tacoma which is basically a commercial grade topper with an integrated roof top tent. I use it mostly for dispersed camping on mountain bike road trips. I tend to move spots every couple days so using the alternator for charging will be built in. Keeping a Dometic CFX3 45 fridge powered continuously is the main goal of the system. Lighting, a fan, and usb chargers will also be installed and used. I'm not planning on installing an inverter; if I did, it would likely only be used for powering my laptop on longer trips. I may install a We-boost down the road. I'm sure I'll come up with other additions once the option is there : )
The setup I'm considering is fairly simple: charging one 100Ah LiFeP04 battery from the alternator with top up from one 175W solar panel.
First design - mostly Renogy components including the DCC50S DC-DC charger which has an integrated MPPT charger. So it can handle charging from solar panels and alternator. Monitoring via BT-2 bluetooth module.
Second design uses mostly Victron components, and has separate DC-DC and MPPT chargers. Monitoring via Victron monitor or other.
I don't have personal knowledge or preference between brands but Victron and Battleborn seem to be the most highly regarded, although more expensive. I do like the idea of keeping most components the same brand to minimize need for different monitoring apps, and hoping they'll play well together. Renogy will come out $2-300 cheaper.
Let me know of any questions or things I could clarify. Thanks for looking!
I recently installed a Superpacific Switchback on my Tacoma which is basically a commercial grade topper with an integrated roof top tent. I use it mostly for dispersed camping on mountain bike road trips. I tend to move spots every couple days so using the alternator for charging will be built in. Keeping a Dometic CFX3 45 fridge powered continuously is the main goal of the system. Lighting, a fan, and usb chargers will also be installed and used. I'm not planning on installing an inverter; if I did, it would likely only be used for powering my laptop on longer trips. I may install a We-boost down the road. I'm sure I'll come up with other additions once the option is there : )
The setup I'm considering is fairly simple: charging one 100Ah LiFeP04 battery from the alternator with top up from one 175W solar panel.
First design - mostly Renogy components including the DCC50S DC-DC charger which has an integrated MPPT charger. So it can handle charging from solar panels and alternator. Monitoring via BT-2 bluetooth module.
Second design uses mostly Victron components, and has separate DC-DC and MPPT chargers. Monitoring via Victron monitor or other.
I don't have personal knowledge or preference between brands but Victron and Battleborn seem to be the most highly regarded, although more expensive. I do like the idea of keeping most components the same brand to minimize need for different monitoring apps, and hoping they'll play well together. Renogy will come out $2-300 cheaper.
Let me know of any questions or things I could clarify. Thanks for looking!