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Oops, didn't see that he said truck battery.

Vic, Not sure what you mean about the D250SA not allowing charging by solar panels. But, I do acknowledge the point about its 20A capacity. Cheers.

https://www.ctek.com/uk/products/leisure-sport/d250sa No need to replace the wimpy wiring Replaces the cheap separator and controller Handles smart alternators and solar panel

I would NEVER do anything that stupid.

I also have a lifted Tacoma (TRD Offroad) and Bobcat. We used a tiny step and step ladder, but neither was very satisfactory for us. I was looking at the WeatherTech 81BS1 receiver step, because it is plastic and is said to double as protection against bumping into things. But, before I could...

Are you suggesting that tightening such a connection will lower it's strength (resistance to failure)?

I was told by ATC that using a lever to aggressively could actually cause damage and only hand tighten. But half a turn with a screwdriver sounds more sensible to me.

Old Crow, you've done my homework for me. The manual wasn't supplied with the camper, and I didn't think to try to find a copy. Not sure where the ground goes, but it's not to the battery post. Anyway I can move forward now with some peace of mind. Thanks!

Help, please. I am finally installing a CTEK D250SA in my ATC Bobcat, and have discovered a mystery wire. It accompanies the green and black wires from the solar panel, which go directly to the solar controller. A third, thinner black wire (with the blue coupling) goes into the isolator...

The UTP data cable for the BMV-700 series has RJ12 connectors (see here). Victron actually sells a number of different lengths from 30 down to 0.3 m. (Too bad you don't get a choice with the unit.) The soap box oration was much appreciated. I am definitely getting the monitor, so in my case...

Indeed, how did it get so bloody complicated? JoeKan asks a simple question and it spirals out of control. :wacko: While kindly offering his advice to JoeKan, Vic happened to mention an issue with Toyota alternator outputs. I have a Tacoma with 130A alternator and have never been happy with...

I think you are right - either change wiring or install charger - no need for both. The CTEK manual suggests only AGW10 from the alternator for 15' and AGW8 for 30'. Interestingly, for the Smartpass, which will take a lot more amperage form the alternator, it suggests AGW1 for both those...

I will probably not be systematic and go ahead and change both the wiring and add the charger, because I have very limited time to work on the rig between uses (long story). And will definitely put the charger in the camper next to the battery, not under the hood. Thanks everyone. I'm...

Two good points, rando. You know, I had actually thought to be systematic and just change the wiring to see the effect, and only spend money on the charger if the problem wasn't solved. And funnily enough, I had realized not long after posting tha the Vitronic BMV-712 is a better choice than...

The Trimetric installation guide is slightly more informative, including connection of "CHASSIS GROUND (IF APPLICABLE)". F. Load side of Shunt. Negative WIRES from ALL charging sources and loads CONNECT HERE TO MEASURE CURRENT including SOLAR PANELS, CHARGE CONTROLLER, ALTERNATOR, INVERTER, AND...

Not sure about being better educated, but isn't the battery grounded if the shunt is in-line on the negative side of the battery? See Fig. 4. https://www.victronenergy.com/upload/documents/Quickinstallsheet_BMV70x_part1_2.pdf

Thanks Old Crow. Finally about to make some purchases, so am re-reading everyone's helpful posts. Like you I am going with the D250SA alone, at least for now. I think I can live without the Smartpass, despite its ability to deliver >20A during the bulk charging phase and to top up the truck...

Sorry JoeKan. I seem to have hijacked your thread a bit. To address you initial questions, I have a relatively simple system sold with the camper: one house battery charged by the truck's alternator and a small, 85W solar panel. A simple voltage-sensitive relay controls current flow between...

Another case of me not having RTFM'd. I misunderstood what was meant by not one, but two things - jump starting and trickle charging. I thought of both in the 'conventional' sense, i.e. using another vehicle or battery pack to start the engine, and an AC trickle charger to keep both batteries...

Thanks Vic. Your thread was on my list to read, and I should have done so before jumping in. It is SO useful and covers in detail the fixes you list, especially the CTEK D250SA charger and Smartpass relay. Hopefully they will solve the charging problems with my Tacoma + ATC Bobcat with solar...

Vic Harder: Nice setup! I have a Tacoma. How does one resolve the charging voltage issue you mentioned?

smlobx Any recommendations for lithium batteries?

Lunch, Like you I have some concerns about overloading, but unlike you I acquired them after buying the rig, and so far have probably come down on the 'cavalier' side. I have a 2014 Tacoma TRD Off Road with access cab and an ATC Bobcat with factory-installed solar panel, one house battery...

You could drive it over their big shiny office in Colorado Springs and show it to them. ;)

All of this is good advice, and there are loads of threads on specific aspects (like suspension mods) to read, but here's my 2 cents. Our starting point was a rig to get a bit further off the beaten track at the expense of creature comforts. We went for the Tacoma with access cab to get the...