Battery & Solar System Design Help

[HereWeGo]

I wish there was a sub-forum specifically for battery and solar systems. I've searched extensively and have not found what I'm looking for. I'm a novice at battery systems and could use some help with basic design, component selection, etc. I have decided on the KickAss Slimline 120AH battery and tray. If fits perfectly in the space between the wheel well and tailgate. I know I need a DCDC/MPPT controller, but I don't know what other components are needed to complete the system. Also looking for the best routing for the cables from the main back to the bed. Can anyone point me to some good posts that outline what I need to know?

thanks

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[K6ghl]

Check out renogy.com and look for their Solutions page. They have various types of installations and you can see solutions for different needs. You don't have to get their products but lots of good information.

 

[cranbiz]

And if you do decide to buy something from Renogy, you are getting quality stuff. I have always used Renogy panels and charge controllers in all of my campers, they have performed flawlessly. A buddy of mine has 3 panels on his barn with a 30A controller and 2 group 4D batteries, he runs his ham shack off of it.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I wish there was a sub-forum specifically for battery and solar systems. I've searched extensively and have not found what I'm looking for. I'm a novice at battery systems and could use some help with basic design, component selection, etc. I have decided on the KickAss Slimline 120AH battery and tray. If fits perfectly in the space between the wheel well and tailgate. I know I need a DCDC/MPPT controller, but I don't know what other components are needed to complete the system. Also looking for the best routing for the cables from the main back to the bed. Can anyone point me to some good posts that outline what I need to know?

thanks

Something like this would handle the charging from the solar panels and from your truck battery in one device:

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Charg...17e03685&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

Really, you don't need anything else unless you want to monitor the system remotely:

https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-BT-2-...90210917&sprefix=renogy+charg,aps,185&sr=8-32

Or remotely and at the truck:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RP5B5P...866AVMPY&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it

And then of course suitably sized cables. I don't have the chart handy on what size wiring per length per amp load though.

You can route cables along or through the passenger side frame rail, or along the bottom of the passenger side cab, then up between the firewall and the passenger side front fender liner to the battery.

 

[teamblkdog]

Definitely recommend a DC to DC + MPPT charge controller. If you're out for multiple days w/o regular full sun on your solar panel(s), it's nice to be able to rely on your alternator to charge your aux battery while driving. I'm a Redarc fan but they are expensive. Attaching my wiring diagram for review.

 

[Gvsukids]

I wish there was a sub-forum specifically for battery and solar systems. I've searched extensively and have not found what I'm looking for. I'm a novice at battery systems and could use some help with basic design, component selection, etc. I have decided on the KickAss Slimline 120AH battery and tray. If fits perfectly in the space between the wheel well and tailgate. I know I need a DCDC/MPPT controller, but I don't know what other components are needed to complete the system. Also looking for the best routing for the cables from the main back to the bed. Can anyone point me to some good posts that outline what I need to know?

thanks

Have you looked in the overland sub forum?
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/solar-panels.70022/

 

[Cimatu]

I have the kickass battery box, 100amp litium battery from Amazon, redarc bcdc 50amp, 100w renogy panel. Powers all my lights in my Alu cab canopy, runs my iceco 75vl pro, charges all my devices too. I plan on wiring a mini power box to the cab eventually so I have constant power in the cab. I’ll post pictures in a bit

 

[Free2roam]

What I have going on. I have 2 100 watt solar panels from Renogy permanently mounted on top of my camper. Another 2 as a solar suitcase. 2 100ah Renogy batteries with a 40A mppt controller. Going to be running in parallel. I'm planning on not tying into the trucks electrical system at all. The 2 top panels will charge batteries when I'm driving. Then deploy the suitcase when camp is made. I also have the 400 watt inverter so I can run my Iceco VL60D while traveling if I want. So all items VL60D, lighting, water pump, fan to stay cool, and diesel heater in winter to stay warm. I should be able to stay out for an extended amount of time.
https://mowgli-adventures.com/400-watt-solar-panel-wiring-diagram/
The site I used to model my system after.

 

[HereWeGo]

Thanks everyone for the replies!! My system can be minimal to start, but expandable. I have an IceCo VL45ProS and a couple lights now. I can charge phones from the IceCo and in the cab. I may add a heater or AC and water pump at some point.

Here is what I'm thinking so far.
KickAss 120AH Slimline LFP battery and tray
Renogy DCC50S 12V 50A DCDC/MPPT with One Core & BT2 (Renogy package special $319!)
SolarHawk 110w solar panel for the iKamper RTT (the only panel that fits the iKamper)
50A fuses for main and house battery.
6 Gauge cables from main to house.

Now I'm looking for a compact distribution panel with about 6 lug bus bar and a couple cig sockets. Any ideas? I could DIY this, so ideas here are appreciated too.

 

[ChrisNLA]

Thanks everyone for the replies!! My system can be minimal to start, but expandable. I have an IceCo VL45ProS and a couple lights now. I can charge phones from the IceCo and in the cab. I may add a heater or AC and water pump at some point.

Here is what I'm thinking so far.
KickAss 120AH Slimline LFP battery and tray
Renogy DCC50S 12V 50A DCDC/MPPT with One Core & BT2 (Renogy package special $319!)
SolarHawk 110w solar panel for the iKamper RTT (the only panel that fits the iKamper)
50A fuses for main and house battery.
6 Gauge cables from main to house.

Now I'm looking for a compact distribution panel with about 6 lug bus bar and a couple cig sockets. Any ideas? I could DIY this, so ideas here are appreciated too.

I build new fire trucks (wiring them for 12 years or so). Well - I did. Now I work at a desk at the place that builds new fire trucks. 'Moving up'

Anyway, when a customer needs power distribution that they can hook wires too, they almost always go with one of these. #5025 is most common here:

https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/16/61/Fuse_Blocks/ST_Blade

And we just mount them in the body or cab compartments, or behind the seats for them to hook odd and ends to. It gives you power with a local fuse, and a ground bus as well.

Then we put a panel like this usually in the dash, or higher up near the seats for your normal electronics like phones and things. #4363 I see a lot.

https://www.bluesea.com/products/ca...s/Accessory_and_Circuit_Breaker_Switch_Panels

Blue Sea in general has a ton of cool odd and ends for doing projects like this.

 

[HereWeGo]

https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/16/61/Fuse_Blocks/ST_Blade

https://www.bluesea.com/products/ca...s/Accessory_and_Circuit_Breaker_Switch_Panels

Blue Sea in general has a ton of cool odd and ends for doing projects like this.

This is exactly what I'm looking for!! Thanks!

 

[Cimatu]

View attachment 329577 View attachment 329578

 

[Cimatu]

 

[Cimatu]

Please let me know if I’m missing anything in my wiring ?

 

[HereWeGo]

Please let me know if I’m missing anything in my wiring ?

How did you get the solar panel wires into the canopy?

I looked hard at the KickAss system, but I didn't want to take up space in the main bed area. And I wanted just a little more than 100AH so the fridge will run for two days without any charge.

This battery and tray will fit between the wheel well and tailgate, tucked away so it doesn't interfere with the main part of the bed. I'll have a slide on one half and fridge on the other half of the bed. Behind the fridge will be storage.
Battery - https://kickassproducts.com/collections/batteries-systems/products/kickass-lithium-120ah-battery-fg
Tray - https://kickassproducts.com/collections/batteries-systems/products/tray-for-battery-ka12120slim

Your first post seems to have two attachments, but they don't open anything. What are they?

thank you!!

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