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LS1FJ40
SILVER Star
My limited research says the DC doesn't like to travel long distances. Maybe this is solved by running bigger wire? I don't know.
I think for larger solar panels it is important to get the right wiring from the controller to the batter. For a 400 watt panel you get about 30 amps of current, which is a lot. And from rear quarter panel to the driver side factory battery location is about 25 feet depending on how you want to route it. So according to the current drop chart you will need #2 gauge power cable to be safe.
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Dirty Koala
SILVER Star
I plan to run panels putting out between 160 and 200 watts, which equates to about 13-16 amps. I already have 4ga cable run from the drivers side (main) battery to the rear quarter panel, it's about 17'. According to this chart, and being conservative (let's call it 20amps) that 4GA should be good for 22.5 feet.
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I did the same thing to a blue sea fuse box and I used 18feet of 4gauge. To reach the seat belt bolt area is a another 4-5 feet.
this is why I love the fuse box/outlet at d pillar area idea. It's super convenient and accessible even when the cargo area is fully loaded(I have a hard time getting to my power plugs if the cargo area is loaded). Once you have real power to the rear cargo area then possibilities are endless! Fridge, inverters, chargers, lights, blenders, rice cooker.......
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Dirty Koala
SILVER Star
Yes the options do really open up once you have power in the rear cargo area...we need a good system specifically designed for the 80! There has to be a better way than the typical hodge podge process most of us have used.
^^^^^my thoughts exactly!!!!!
For me the d pillar is THE IDEAL LOCATION for power distribution for the rear cargo area. Above and away fro the stuff we load our 80s with.
Here is another idea, either have a big built in 1000w inverter or big plugs made for big inverters. Hint hint @NLXTACY, I know you been working on the quick disconnect mounting brackets! Along with solar panels you can run hair dryer and space heaters too!
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LS1FJ40
SILVER Star
I'm probably going to run two 100 watt panels. 200 watts is a ton for what I will need. 100 watts would probably be enough but it would be symmetrical on my roof so I will do two.
I'm also thinking about how I could add AC. Put it where the driver side sliding Windows are.
GREE 0.75 Ton 16 SEER RIO Ductless Mini-Split Indoor Unit 115 V
I'm also thinking about how I could add AC. Put it where the driver side sliding Windows are.
GREE 0.75 Ton 16 SEER RIO Ductless Mini-Split Indoor Unit 115 V
Update: one small piece of the puzzle is done. 14 gauge aluminum, powder coated red, silk screened with reflective paint. Using vinyl for representation only. The pics show front and back of the insert.
I'll have more to show in a little bit
View attachment 1198815 View attachment 1198817
Such a tease!
I ran mine straight into my rear fuse panel. It's mounted on the D pillar using a piece of plastic bolted into the seatbelt bolt. Watching this thread closer now to see how your mount turns out.
He is more of a fluffer!
NLXTACY
Wits' End
- Thread starter
- #236
Alright folks, here is an update that I think will be more to your liking. I have the Power Panel about 95% wired. I have three wires that I need to confirm the wire gauge, I need to properly pack the grounds and I need to make another Metri-Pak disconnect for the entire Power Panel. Otherwise the wiring is all figured out. The panel itself assembled just as you see it here. If you guys think I am missing something please let me know and I will see what I can do about adding it. I haven't decided how I am going to label it yet but I'll figure out something.
• LED camp light- I am NOT a lighting expert so your guesses are as good as mine when it comes to lighting. I played with this one and it seemed to get the job done. I'll be making it so that you can use nearly any LED/pod that you want to use so long as the wire can support it. The light is plugged in using a Metri-Pack connector.
• Solar Charge Controller- wiring for this is limited to a pigtail so that you can just plug it right in and its just a Metri-Pack connector. I will be making a mounting panel that will tie into the back side of the D-Pillar Mount (DPM).
• 110v cable- this is also something that I have to assemble. If ANYONE know of a place that sells these exactly as you see in the pics, please let me know. I haven't been able to find one. This cable is literally an extension cord to a power inverter.
• LED camp light- I am NOT a lighting expert so your guesses are as good as mine when it comes to lighting. I played with this one and it seemed to get the job done. I'll be making it so that you can use nearly any LED/pod that you want to use so long as the wire can support it. The light is plugged in using a Metri-Pack connector.
• Solar Charge Controller- wiring for this is limited to a pigtail so that you can just plug it right in and its just a Metri-Pack connector. I will be making a mounting panel that will tie into the back side of the D-Pillar Mount (DPM).
• 110v cable- this is also something that I have to assemble. If ANYONE know of a place that sells these exactly as you see in the pics, please let me know. I haven't been able to find one. This cable is literally an extension cord to a power inverter.
LS1FJ40
SILVER Star
This is the part where someone posts a meme that says "TAKE MY MONEY!" I am not that someone. Instead I will just say, "I want one. When can I buy it please? Thank you kind sir."
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