Search results

Wish we could be there. Maybe next year. Harv

Very nice job SB_Surf! Where can I find these parts?

Jim, very good analysis and very accurate based on my usage data as well. As you said, many factors play into the scenario and what will actually work but generally, your recitation of what is needed is spot on.

The second set of wires from the camper back plug, simply connects to the same terminals on the MPPT SunSaver like the roof top panel. Essentially in parallel. As for placement of the movable panel, I just put it wherever the sun is shining. I like the front windshield if thats where the sun is...

As a reminder, anyone thinking of going Lithium should look at this Kickstarter project. It is ending soon and based on the previous project, this will make the integration of a Lithium solution much easier.

I agree with DesertDave's analysis. Your setup with the additional panel to the same controller should work fine. I have the same Morningstar with a roof top 150 w Grape Solar and a Renogy 100w flexible panel. I too plug in the flexible panel when the truck is in the shade. Perfect combination...

Thanks Tim. I go out for a 7 day trip at the end of the month to Lone Pine, Bishop and Death Valley and give it a real test. So far I've been only testing consumption with the Hawk sitting in the garage by running the Dometic 24 hrs/day for the last three days. By the next morning, the battery...

Your Stark battery is a self contained unit so it's hard to tell what BMS functions are built in. I would guess, if sold as a drop in unit, it should handle most situations. I looked at the website to see if I could get more information but a technical manual is not there. Might pay some...

I think the problem with using the alternator is managing the current from it. Too high a current can be problems to the battery. I don't have a way to manage that so, I chose to keep the alternator disconnected. The Morningstar controller will cut off the charge current once it hits 14.2v thus...

Lithium's a are showing up in various applications more. Those jump starters for cars are amazing for the size and amps it can pump out. I believe Lithium adoption is making a bigger inroads in the boating industry and in the very early stages for RV's.

I just posted on my website my recent adventure in installing a Lithium LiFePo4 Prismatic cell in my camper. A little different from the recent active post by cdbrow1 as my install involves using solar panels. I kept the IOTA installed for those times I need to recharge if power is available and...

Both the main 30 amp breaker and 15 amp converter breaker along with the main DC switch must be on.

In order for the battery to receive a charge, the DC switch, (the one that is a plunger) must be pulled out (on) in order for the battery to receive the charge from the IOTA. Pushing it in will disconnect the battery from the main fuse buss thus rendering no charge current to be sent to the battery.

Nice note to remind us to check everything before a trip. Have a safe one! Harv

Yes, I'm hopeful that he will complete his SBMS100 as well. I like the wifi addition and 2nd input. In the mean time, I'm still waiting for his second batch of SBMS4080. I went ahead and purchased a 100ah LiFePo4 and now working on getting my existing Morningstar MPPT solar controller to work...

Just thought I would make those techie enough know that Dacien Todea has started a new Kickstarter project on his second version of his Solar BMS. His first version last year did very well and with the prices of Lithium technology becoming more attractive, it is starting to get some attention...

Could the Separator be stuck in the closed position? Disconnect all connections to the Separator. Check for continuity between the truck battery post and the camper battery post. Should be open (no continuity). As for the 0.5 amp drain, I assume this is measured from the Xantrax? Best to use a...

In preparation for my Lithium install, I did a wire trace of my Hawk electrical hook up and called Brenda (FWC) to confirm somethings. The 12v disconnect switch only removes the camper battery from the 12v circuit of the camper. The IOTA connects directly to the fuse buss and allows power to the...

Power wiring in Hawk 2013

Good point DrJ. This is such a tough subject because it is not necessarily the voltage of the either batteries but rather what the separator see's as a voltage. The voltage it will see is a combination of: 1. each battery voltage's 2. what the alternator is putting out 3. what is turned on and...

The separator will not engage if it senses the charge system is below 12.8 v being drawn down by the truck and camper batteries. This will prevent the camper battery from further drawing down the truck battery. However, with the truck running, the alternator should bring the system voltage above...

Hate to say it, but that Ctek (4.2amps) charger may be too small for a 100ah battery. May want to try the IOTA, which can put out 30 amps.

that is correct. You don't need to get the voltage that high. In fact, it is perfectly fine to not charge to 100%. The battery much prefers a lower charge of 90%. You should get more from the "plug in" time, with either the solar or shore power. I just got my LiFePo4 100ah and will be posting...

Sorry. It's been sold.

***SOLD***This is a table top support/mount for your camper/rv. I replaced this original table support from a FWC Hawk. The base mount attaches to a wall. The arm inserts to the base and is adjustable. The table top adapter screws to the bottom of the table and is inserted into the rotating...