I'm taking the plunge on a dual battery drawer, and air compressor upgrades on my 08 200. I have a local shop doing the actual install, but I wanted to get some advice on my final list of components before I sign on the dotted line. My power needs are not too demanding, and my electrical knowledge is novice. I'm looking to power a National Luna Legacy 72L Fridge, charge a couple of phones and Ipads. No excessive lighting, drones, or laptops needed. I also would need to be able to stay at a camp for 2-3 days without driving, which means solar charging is also needed. Trying to keep it simple, but I'm also wanting to skip a really basic setup that I would end up upgrading in a couple of years. Rather buy once cry once......within reason. Money is still an object, and this is a big expense at one time, just want to spend in the right places that matter the most. Had some long in-depth conversations with the shop doing the work, the specific electronics list is mostly per his advice, which Is why I wanted to run it by this forum for the 200 specific advice
Drawers:
1) Dobinsons Rear Dual Roller Drawer System:
Looked at all the options (Trekboxx, GooseGear, Ironman, Frontrunner, ARB, Big Country 4x4). Trekboxx would be great, but way outta range for my wallet. My top 3 contenders, in the end, were Dobinson, ARB, and Big Country 4x4. Big Country 4x4 I'm intrigued by them being South African made and reasonably priced, but as far as I've seen not 1 US 200 install yet, so I'd be nervous buying into a brand new US vendor with no reputation here. So where I landed, Dobinsons just seems like the best bang for my buck. I liked the different configurations on the ARB, but the end result is I wanted a flat surface with a roller top instead of a fridge slide, which is what the Dobinsons only option is, at a lot less $$$ than that same ARB configuration. This also works best between trips so i can take the fridge out and just have a nice flat clean cargo area.
Air:
1) ARB Twin Air Compressor
Mounted on the Slee Mounting Bracket, Line and Air Chuck ran to rear Bumper.
Briefly considered some of the ExtremeAire products, but the ARB twin definitely wins for most popular in the 200 world.
Electronics and Solar:
1) Redarc BCDC 1240D
2) Slee 2nd Battery Tray (with Redarc Mount)
3) Switch-Pros SP9100
4) Blue Sea USB & 12v Plug w Battery Monitor
5) Blue Sea Dual USB Plug and Mount
6) Odyssey 35-14400 AGM Battery
7) Solar Port Plug on Rear Bumper
8) National Luna Dual Battery monitor
9) 2 - KC C2 lights (roof rack mounted camp setup lights)
10) Nomad 100 Solar Panel
I know solar can easily fill up a whole thread on it's own. The Nomad 100 Solar Panel was per the shop's advice. They said it's very compact and a good deal at that price point. I've heard some negative reviews on it in general, and don't love the proprietary connectors that Goal Zero uses. I wanted something portable that if we're parked for a few days, I can move the panel around to get in the sun. If i had a fixed roof panel it'd be a pain to keep having to move the truck. We tow a offroad trailer with a RTT, so also usually don't unhitch if we're just staying put. Open to input on this especially, as i'd rather spend the money on a non Goal Zero option if there is a better way to go. Switch-Pros vs sPod sounds like a mixed bath of who prefers who. This particular shop does a lot of Switch-Pros installs, so I figured let them rock with that since I don't have a strong preference either way.
Lithium vs AGM I know has also filled up many threads on it's own, I was very on the fence about which way to go on this. The $900 battery (like Battleborn) is hard to stomach, but i do hear all the advantages (weight, size, usablle Amp hours, how many charges ect) and was planning to put in the wing of the drawers. Wasn't sure in the end if it'd do so well in Arizona, and don't know anybody personally that has gone that route here. It regularly gets up to 115+ degrees Faranheight in the Phoenix summer, so who knows how hot it is in the parked truck. Figured even with all it's disadvantages, the AGM route was at least tried and tested all over, and free's up my entire drawer wings for more storage. Curious if you think i should add shore power to be able to plug in at home. Don't plan on having the fridge in between trips. I drive very little most days, so with 30ish minutes, a day is that enough on its own to keep the AGM in shape?
Feedback and your wealth of knowledge much appreciated, I'm planning on pulling the trigger within the next couple of weeks on the parts order.
Drawers:
1) Dobinsons Rear Dual Roller Drawer System:
Looked at all the options (Trekboxx, GooseGear, Ironman, Frontrunner, ARB, Big Country 4x4). Trekboxx would be great, but way outta range for my wallet. My top 3 contenders, in the end, were Dobinson, ARB, and Big Country 4x4. Big Country 4x4 I'm intrigued by them being South African made and reasonably priced, but as far as I've seen not 1 US 200 install yet, so I'd be nervous buying into a brand new US vendor with no reputation here. So where I landed, Dobinsons just seems like the best bang for my buck. I liked the different configurations on the ARB, but the end result is I wanted a flat surface with a roller top instead of a fridge slide, which is what the Dobinsons only option is, at a lot less $$$ than that same ARB configuration. This also works best between trips so i can take the fridge out and just have a nice flat clean cargo area.
Air:
1) ARB Twin Air Compressor
Mounted on the Slee Mounting Bracket, Line and Air Chuck ran to rear Bumper.
Briefly considered some of the ExtremeAire products, but the ARB twin definitely wins for most popular in the 200 world.
Electronics and Solar:
1) Redarc BCDC 1240D
2) Slee 2nd Battery Tray (with Redarc Mount)
3) Switch-Pros SP9100
4) Blue Sea USB & 12v Plug w Battery Monitor
5) Blue Sea Dual USB Plug and Mount
6) Odyssey 35-14400 AGM Battery
7) Solar Port Plug on Rear Bumper
8) National Luna Dual Battery monitor
9) 2 - KC C2 lights (roof rack mounted camp setup lights)
10) Nomad 100 Solar Panel
I know solar can easily fill up a whole thread on it's own. The Nomad 100 Solar Panel was per the shop's advice. They said it's very compact and a good deal at that price point. I've heard some negative reviews on it in general, and don't love the proprietary connectors that Goal Zero uses. I wanted something portable that if we're parked for a few days, I can move the panel around to get in the sun. If i had a fixed roof panel it'd be a pain to keep having to move the truck. We tow a offroad trailer with a RTT, so also usually don't unhitch if we're just staying put. Open to input on this especially, as i'd rather spend the money on a non Goal Zero option if there is a better way to go. Switch-Pros vs sPod sounds like a mixed bath of who prefers who. This particular shop does a lot of Switch-Pros installs, so I figured let them rock with that since I don't have a strong preference either way.
Lithium vs AGM I know has also filled up many threads on it's own, I was very on the fence about which way to go on this. The $900 battery (like Battleborn) is hard to stomach, but i do hear all the advantages (weight, size, usablle Amp hours, how many charges ect) and was planning to put in the wing of the drawers. Wasn't sure in the end if it'd do so well in Arizona, and don't know anybody personally that has gone that route here. It regularly gets up to 115+ degrees Faranheight in the Phoenix summer, so who knows how hot it is in the parked truck. Figured even with all it's disadvantages, the AGM route was at least tried and tested all over, and free's up my entire drawer wings for more storage. Curious if you think i should add shore power to be able to plug in at home. Don't plan on having the fridge in between trips. I drive very little most days, so with 30ish minutes, a day is that enough on its own to keep the AGM in shape?
Feedback and your wealth of knowledge much appreciated, I'm planning on pulling the trigger within the next couple of weeks on the parts order.
