looking for battery & charging system upgrade opinions

[23BCJT]

So to start im working with a 2023 Gladiator Diesel,

and as the title says im starting to roll some ideas through my head about possible batt capacity options, we stick to less than 4 nights of backcountry travel.

Currently I have a Bluetti AC180 solar generator (1800w) capacity, and we can use the solar bank or ciggy charge port to top up as needed ( both are quite slow)

big draws are the Iceco 47qt fridge, LED string light bulbs (costco) and the GF's hairdryer.

I could upgrade the charging system as bluetti just released a quick charge direct wire option (which is on sale)

the hole im seeing (or maybe im looking to spend bills) is running the rest of the big stuff on the truck off 1 main truck batt. (winch, lights, radio, etc etc) and not really having a back up battery in case of main batt failure (I will be doing aux batt delete ASAP)

so, opinion time. options below, lemme know what im missing or what you think

1. Bluetti + rapid charge & keep a trickle charger on the truck in case of a stranded situation

2. Bluetti + Rapid charge & Upgrade main batt to something like and Odyssey 94R850 (YUGE)

3. Genesis dual system + 2 odyssey's + bluetti (no rapid charge, Run camping accessories off bluetti) maintain large aux in dual system for charging from



i would have to slightly mod the genesis system ( not use the underseat box) as i have a full rear seat delete, i would still mount a second batt in the back & possibly run an inverter from rear batt to the bluetti....

i dunno, more power is better right?

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[Mr._Bill]

The only upgrade you can make to the factory system is to replace the Main Battery with a 94R size. Removing the Aux Battery actually lowers total capacity. The Main and Aux batteries are paralleled together all the time, except during ESS events when the system splits the batteries and specific loads are handled by each battery.

For your situation, you need to add another battery to run accessories from. One option you are already using, and that is a portable power box. Another option is the Genesis dual battery kit. An option used by many is a DIY Genesis kit with a battery mounted somewhere in back and a Redarc (or similar) charging system to keep the battery charged and isolate it from the Truck batteries.

 

[Wupper]

Idk if this is an option?

https://www.cascadia4x4.com/collect...-watt-hood-solar-panel?variant=35028713111704

 

[23BCJT]

Idk if this is an option?

https://www.cascadia4x4.com/collect...-watt-hood-solar-panel?variant=35028713111704

ive been looking at those, def an option

 

[Blade1668]

ive been looking at those, def an option

I'm one of the early adopting the Cascadia solar systems on my JT. It's been good for me overall. Now, I'm not sure it will be quite up for what you want to do. I'm sure it helped me on extending the OEM batteries life on my JT (except ESS battery) out to almost 5 years life. It has kept the batteries fully charged when the truck hasn't been started for a week or more.
For running the fridge/ freezer in mine I've got a 100 amp LiPo battery with 200 watts of solar panels for it (semi) separate from vehicle batteries.

 

[23BCJT]

I'm one of the early adopting the Cascadia solar systems on my JT. It's been good for me overall. Now, I'm not sure it will be quite up for what you want to do. I'm sure it helped me on extending the OEM batteries life on my JT (except ESS battery) out to almost 5 years life. It has kept the batteries fully charged when the truck hasn't been started for a week or more.
For running the fridge/ freezer in mine I've got a 100 amp LiPo battery with 200 watts of solar panels for it (semi) separate from vehicle batteries.

these have got to be the best option IMO for solar on a truck that hits both the function and looks check marks, id rather dedicate a small amount of hood space over a boxy unit.

I like the ability to keep the system trickle charged when im away from the truck, thanks for the review.

 

[Blade1668]

these have got to be the best option IMO for solar on a truck that hits both the function and looks check marks, id rather dedicate a small amount of hood space over a boxy unit.

I like the ability to keep the system trickle charged when im away from the truck, thanks for the review.

To further information on it the larger battery is still working and good, not the small one it was fried though.

 

[RubiWhiteGladiator]

Check out Bluetti Charger 1, its a DC to DC charger, just purchased one for my Bluetti AC200max. They finally came out with something that will charge close to 500 watts better than a solar panel.

 

[23BCJT]

Check out Bluetti Charger 1, its a DC to DC charger, just purchased one for my Bluetti AC200max. They finally came out with something that will charge close to 500 watts better than a solar panel.

i see they are on sale right now, worthwhile purchase?

how did you wire it in, from battery back to bluetti?

 

[RubiWhiteGladiator]

I haven't had a chance to wire it up yet, still trying to figure out if im going to keep my bluetti where it is or move it around. Before bluetti came out with their own Dc to DC I was gonna build my own setup, I honestly think its worth it cause you can also charge different brands from what Ive seen. Easy install and set up and not having to tweak the box.

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