Nice job DrJ! Also, a very realistic analysis of the system sizing. I am curious on what kind of panel is that new one? 12v or 24v and what is your charge controller?
Thanks for your report. I'm making the journey to the White Rim trail in mid October. I'm hoping for good weather at that time. How were the trail conditions? Interested in hearing more about your trip. Any challenging areas to be aware of?
I don't have any experience with this specific battery but I do have a Lithium LiFePo installed in my Hawk and it runs very well. I replaced two Exide 75Ah (110#) with a single Lithium 100Ah (28#s) battery. This is not a drop in replacement as advertised by this Smart Battery. The drop in...
Sorry to hear that. Sounds like the hum is caused by the frequency of the PWM controller. I don't have that issue and I'm not sure how you can determine if any given controller will do that. I guess I was lucky. I would try writing to the vendor and see what they say or just try your luck on...
I have a Grape solar 150 watt rigid panel on the roof tied to a Morningstar MPPT 15L Controller. I also have a Renogy 100 watt flexible panel mounted on a foam core insulation for use during those times of less than ideal sun conditions. (this is plugged into an additional plug at the back of...
Sorry to hear of the same problem with the new controller. If you decide to get the Morningstar Sunsaver MPPT, that is what I am currently using until I get my copy of the new Electrodacus SBMS100 Solar/Lithium controller on Kickstarter. I would be happy to share my file setup for the Sunsaver...
You may want to checkout this Kickstarter for Solar/Battery Management device made for Lithium's. His previous version did very well and is available for purchase, or you can get the new one he is developing for release this October.
Hey Guys, when you get your PWM controller, it may not have english notation on the circuit board to tell which is the 12v in and motor out connections. I wrote to the vendor of the eBay link I placed here and they sent this photo of the proper connection points.
Here is a link to one of many to choose from. I couldn't locate the one I got but this is pretty close relative to the amperage and physical size needed...
I thought I would post this modification I did recently on my Fantastic Fan for anyone that might be interested. I’ve been frustrated with the speed of this fan as the three settings seem to make the fan run 1.fast, 2.faster, and 3.fastest. Too much air movement and noise for night time usage...
I would recommend using 3M VHB tape to secure the edges only. I'm using this tape on the bottom of my AM Solar rocker mounts on four corners of my 150w, 30# solar panel. It's been there for a couple years and no issues of blowing off yet. Just make sure you clean the surface with alcohol prior...
Depending on what kind of controller you have will determine whether the panels be in parallel or series. If using a PWM controller, those panels should be in parallel. A MPPT controller can take advantage of the higher voltage, so you can use a series hookup and not lose any power.
A PWM...
That is one awesome looking system! No doubt, 300 watts will do it with some room to spare. At 9 amps net after the draw from the refrigerator, you should be able to recover from the night before with ease.
My only other suggestion is to monitor those MC4 solar connectors. The wind, while...
I would agree with Bwth4x4. The output from a 100 watt panel will barely handle the refrigerator during the day.
I'm curious, what brand/make of solar panel controller did you find that would handle the requirements of a Lithium battery?
I had a similar problem with my Hawk. The battery was at the end (near the entry door) of the Hawk. The Hawk installed on my F150 had an overhang of 12 inches pass the tailgate area. Not the best for 110#s (two AGMs') of batteries and center of gravity. I have since replaced the AGM's with a...
It was recommended to me by Stan, that using a small drill bit, drill tiny pilot holes from the interior through the wood slats attached to the aluminum ribs.
Thank you all. I think I'll just keep the existing one and replace the rubber one. I don't like the idea of having to exit the camper to close the door.
I'm thinking of replacing that rubber socket/metal plunger door holder with the new one being delivered today. Mine can't hold the door anymore and probably needs a new rubber socket. I'd like to hear some feedback on the new one. Thank you.