Redundancy and flexibility.. add a second panel that is independent but have the wiring/switching flexibility to have one integrated unit. I have double Anderson plugs in the 'trol and will do so in the CT, one for single system, the other to crossover and make the banks combined. I'd like to just have an old 3-way switch (marine) but thought it would look odd. I might mount one in the CT, have one in the CSU which I will move to the CT.
I'm gonna borrow Lucas30's panels for this trip. As I am in two minds on how to go about it. And the mob I want to buy the panels off, I where I got my current 180W set, is on break until the 12th.
I do the same as ET mentioned, we leave out 80 ltr at camp with 2x110ah batts charging with 1or2 120w panels depending on the duration of the stay and we leave the 50 ltr in the car.
If we are driving/exploring a lot I leave it unplugged until night time but if we are staying put and relaxing I have a 10m Anderson plug extension I can plug the car to the camper and link the car aux so the two fridges run off 3x 110ah and the solar will charge all 3 batts
I have a bright blue strap I wrap around the drivers mirror as an indication it's plugged in as it can be forgotten easily!
Yep...It's just like the front hatch on a Tvan... everybody forgets about it... onceQuote:
Originally Posted by megatexture
Surely nobody would be that stupid!Quote:
Originally Posted by the evil twin
Hehehehe, knew I'd getchaQuote:
Originally Posted by Cuppa
You've got me intrigued here. Do you have the lead with the anderson plug directly to the aux battery in the car then connect to one of the two batts in the camper? Two weeks camping with NO mains power I just want to be prepared... Dib, Dib, Dib.Quote:
Originally Posted by megatexture
Dunno about Mega but I just have a lead with an Anderson at each end.
Park the car within reach of the camper and plug 'em in.
During the day the Solar can now 'see' the Vehicle Aux and, if like me you use Dual sense VSR's, it will also charge the Cranker if it needs it.
So direct from Aux battery to one of the batteries in the camper will work?Quote:
Originally Posted by the evil twin
Yep, sure will.Quote:
Originally Posted by mudski
There are a few different options depending on how an individual setup is wired and what solar regs, DC/DC devices are in use etc. but simplest way is just hook the sucker up in parallel.
Keep the lead as short as is convenient say 3 to 4 metres max and use reasonable gauge cable say 12 to 10 gauge and you won't have much voltage drop at all over the extra distance to the vehicle aux.