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cdbrow1, wonder if it would be better to remove the IQ4 LED/logic from the IOTA to eliminate the Lead Acid Charge protocol. This would make the IOTA less like a lead acid charger (bulk, absorption, float) and more like a constant voltage/current charger? Your thoughts?

You may want to check with some of the hotels along Century Blvd. Many offer parking for LAX, usually more expensive but secure and some in covered parking. When I was working and traveling, I would use Sheraton LAX but I know others are available. Some offer an overnight package for early...

Looks good Bill!

That is correct. Remove the charge source once you've reached full charge. You may want to check with Stark if the BMS (battery management system) does that for you. The BMS I'm getting from Electrodacus, does that as part of the management system. I've been looking at my current 2xAGMs, solar...

cdbrow1, thanks for sharing. I assume you left all the components installed by FWC as is. All you did was to remove the AGM battery and replace with the LiFePo4 battery? So this would mean, the IOTA converter/charger, and solar panel/controller is still hooked up?

This is great! I am also in the process of planning to replace my two 75AH AGM batteries with a 100ah LiFePo4 prismatic cell system (28#'s). I also believe this will easily double my power output due to the efficiency of the Lithiums and last 3 times longer than the AGM's. These batteries are...

I've had my Hawk on my Ford F150 Crew Cab with 5.5' bed for over 18 mos. now with no issues. FWC advised during my plan to pickup the camper that it was my choice if I wanted to keep the tailgate on. Note that if you keep the tailgate on, rocks flying up from the rear wheel will likely damage...

I had an email chat with Dacian last night. He is making more of the SBMS4080 this month but also offered more info on his next generation version. I'll wait to see what that will look like in March. I'm thinking about the 100AH version of the LiFePo4. How did you bind the 4 cells together?

Sounds like a super cool setup. Do you know if his current BMS is available for purchase? I looked around his kickstarter info and didn't find an option to secure a board. (I guess I could email him.) Yes, with the angle of the panels on the roof, the production from them diminishes quickly if...

Thanks for the post! I'm interested in this bms after seeing MJLorton's review of the Electrodacus SBMS4080 a few months ago. I missed his kickstarter but understand that he will be starting another Kickstarter later this year for version 2. I'm not clear on how you manage the power coming from...

Would love to hear more about your LiFePo4 battery and the Electrodacus battery management system. How's about a new thread on that?

To me, it looks like you have a bad strut. If the pressure is uneven, it will most likely show up during the lowering of the back. During the lowering of the front, the back supports the side to side balance, but once the front is down, no support to keep a level descent except from the struts...

I have the 500 amp shunt. The brackets came from AM Solar. They come in two sizes, 40mm and 35mm. I think the 100w panels from Renogy is 35mm (I'm assuming your referring to the standard rigid panels). These brackets are made very well and fit the panels like a glove. My roof is smooth and it is...

I purchased from AM Solar in Oregon. Go to amsolar.com under accessories. They have two sizes and your panel needs to be one of these sizes to fit. Good luck.

Thank you for the build thread. Amazing job on the install! I can imagine a nice panel on my Hawk.

Hodkaguy, who fabricated the aluminum mount for you? Very nice job on the fit and finish!

I'm fairly new to truck campers and took delivery of our new Hawk in May 2013. We've since put on about 30 nights of experience. Mine was ordered with the solar plugs on the roof and back and two AGM batteries. I wasn't sure how much solar I needed and based on my preliminary review of cost, I...

Hey Bill and Veronica, it was great seeing your handy work on your camper in So Cal last month. Congratulations on the anniversary! Harv and Jan

Bob, where did you get those clips for mounting the pole under your cabinet? Harv

Best to seal the connection with Silicon Tape. This one. This tape becomes waterproof as you stretch and wrap around the electrical connection. As you stretch and wrap the tape around it's self, the tape will self bond and create a very good water seal. To remove, use a razor and lightly cut and...

It doesn't necessarily affect the current. The amount of current entering the panel side will come out on the controller side. Ultimately, what matters is the total wattage that ends up at the controller. Thats volts x current. If voltage is lost, then the net wattage (power) that is entering...

In order to accurately measure the drop in voltage due to wire size, you need to have a load connected that is drawing current. If you simply measure the voltage at the solar panel and then at the end of the attached wire with no current being drawn, you will only get the same reading. The...

Jim, nice job on the install. Thanks for all the performance data. That information will help other's still trying to size their system. Thought I mention that my cable layout on the roof was similar to yours but a little shorter. As I recently removed my 100 watt panel, I discovered that wind...

Nice Jim. Look forward to seeing the finished product in November. Harv