21 replies to this topic

[bfh4n]

I've seen the CTEK charger in my Fleet/Tacoma pumping about 50 Amps at 14.4 Volts into the camper batteries from the truck at 13.6 Volts, for a little while after starting the engine. It soon settles to a steady 20 Amps until the battery nears 100%. I have no way to tell what part of that might be from solar. The truck-to-camper wiring is 4 AWG, but I doubt it would really need to be quite that big.

 

- Bernard

[trikebubble]

I’m asking because for over a year I never had an issue, living in SoCal I’m spoiled and my 275 watts of solar always keeps things tip top.

But after a trip north and a week of full clouds and rain, I couldn’t keep the batteries topped off.

I ran some tests and did some things but curious what others are getting and their setups before I finalize my “fix”

Thanks

 

Alas, long live the propane fridge for us up here in BC. I do have the dual batteries and standard 160 watt solar panel, which do'nt seem to drain much as they don't have to worry about a 12V fridge at all. I also have 150 watts if portable solar panels I could use (have not yet, but will be in 2 weeks when I try to use my portable pellet grill with the camper for the first time and want to max out my electrical input).  When I was ordering my Hawk, I was set on the 12V fridge, until our Canadian dealer suggested that given where we live, and where we will be camping/adventuring the majority of the time to really consider the propane fridge. I'm honestly really glad I did. It sips propane, and keeps things ice cold all the time.

[So Cal Adventurer]

Alas, long live the propane fridge for us up here in BC. I do have the dual batteries and standard 160 watt solar panel, which do'nt seem to drain much as they don't have to worry about a 12V fridge at all. I also have 150 watts if portable solar panels I could use (have not yet, but will be in 2 weeks when I try to use my portable pellet grill with the camper for the first time and want to max out my electrical input). When I was ordering my Hawk, I was set on the 12V fridge, until our Canadian dealer suggested that given where we live, and where we will be camping/adventuring the majority of the time to really consider the propane fridge. I'm honestly really glad I did. It sips propane, and keeps things ice cold all the time.

I know you love your propane fridge, you’ve told me many many times...

I’ve heard 10x many people dislike than like then though, soooo

But what does that have to do with this post? Hehehe

Edited by So Cal Adventurer, 03 October 2019 - 11:47 PM.

[ClimberRob]

6.6L Duramax, 4 AWG copper wire to Blue Sea SiACR to AGMs, I was getting between 14 and 83 amps. 

 

I have since changed my setup to a single LiFePo battery and a sterling marine charger, and get a consistent 28 amps.

[trikebubble]

I know you love your propane fridge, you’ve told me many many times...

I’ve heard 10x many people dislike than like then though, soooo

But what does that have to do with this post? Hehehe

I don't know who this 10X person is, but he obviously lives in a sunny desert. And do t worry, I'll keep mentioning things that don't really have anything to do with your post for awhile...... or at least until you start geotagging again. [emoji6][emoji106]

[So Cal Adventurer]

I don't know who this 10X person is, but he obviously lives in a sunny desert. And do t worry, I'll keep mentioning things that don't really have anything to do with your post for awhile...... or at least until you start geotagging again. [emoji6][emoji106]

I’m going to Geotag your Skottle

[Vic Harder]

last month.  100 AH Li battery, Duramax 6.6 connected via Blue Sea ML-ACR 

 

[So Cal Adventurer]

last month. 100 AH Li battery, Duramax 6.6 connected via Blue Sea ML-ACR

Nice!!

What is your wiring from alternator to batteries?

[Vic Harder]

2 gauge

[PaulT]

Piker! You can’t be getting more than 60-80 amps from your alternator with those small cables.
Shoulda gone with 2/0 cable..

Paul