I need more power Scotty!

[ntsqd]

If the DC-DC charger sees that it is getting too hot it will start dialing back ("throttling") how much current it passes on to the battery(ies). This may be an active part of it's programing or it could simply be a function of increased resistance due to the conductors inside it getting hot.

 

[Jollyrogers]

Wallowa
Ambient temps were 87F. I couldn’t touch the charger for more than a count of 5 after it started charging within 5 minutes. It had started at just under 30a, was in bulk, throttled to 24amps pretty quick. I think it’s something to be aware of and check if charging bulk, if you see it throttled, it’s doing its job, but not as efficient and hot.

Also, I camp in NFs a lot with no sun to speak of, so mostly rely on a Honda1K or truck for charging. If I do have sun, I keep things topped off with a 200w solar suitcase that seems to do the job.

 

[brentano]

I did the Victron Orion DCDC upgrade along with 6AWG wiring to the camper.

I terminated the 6AWG on an Anderson SB-50 connector inside a Trailer Vision flush mount in the truck bed. As with Vic, I also wired my OEM BlueSea ACR (#7611) in parallel with the DCDC.

I control the mutually exclusive devices using an ignition signal from my truck and a relay for the ACR. As a companion mod, I am swapping out the FWC OEM Iota DLS-30 with internal IQ4 ACDC converter for a programmable Victron IP-22 12/30 (1) model.

The IGN signal is passed via the FWC OEM 10/2 cable terminated on the Attwood connector in the bed. In other words, I kept the FWC engine bay to camper 10 AWG wiring and re-purposed it for signaling instead of power.

 

[Vic Harder]

clever, and clean work. Nice.

 

[Hoopy]

thank you for your write up.....I have come to the conclusion after three years of hard use on my AGM's that I need to be doing somthing in the charging system to get the full benefit of battery life. I have learned alot thank you hoopy

 

[Vic Harder]

FYI I watched this video today... the guy is pretty much right on...

 

[craig333]

I haven't carried my portable solar panel for years now. Probably will when I start going taking longer trips.

 

[TacomaAustin]

Hey Vic, thanks for posting the video.

 

[JWL]

Very well done. Thanks!