Jump to content


Photo
- - - - -

FWC Victron DC to DC charger upgrade help / 2017 Hawk

victron FWC alternator charge

  • Please log in to reply
37 replies to this topic

#31 Jollyrogers

Jollyrogers

    Senior Member

  • Members
  • 147 posts

Posted 30 August 2023 - 08:13 PM

When i first bought my truck and camper, intended to mount a permanent connector in the bed wall, but had so many other things to figure out at the time I punted and just made a 6 awg pigtail with split loom over it that comes over the top of the front bed wall. I used an SB50 connector with the optional rubber environmental boots. I stow the pigtail under the bed when the camper is off for a long period.

I decided I like it that way and that is now my permanent method. The connection is completely out of sight, and the wires coming over the front wall are not noticeable unless you look for them.


This what i did also, I use a reusable zip tie to stow it. Plus since I didn’t drill my bed, if I replace the truck or sell
camper, I can just pull the wires and reuse.
  • 0

#32 rubberlegs

rubberlegs

    curmudgeon

  • Members
  • 560 posts
  • LocationEverett, WA

Posted 31 August 2023 - 01:13 AM



 about mounting the Anderson power pole connections to the truck bed and camper.  Does anyone have photos of a good way to affix these terminals?

I'll dig around on my other computer for some photos in a few daze [EDIT: couldn't find the photos]. Basically I used the existing hole that the Four Wheel Camper installer drilled. But I turned the 6awg wire and Anderson connector so it plugs in pushing forward (instead of outboard). I figured next time I remove the camper and forget to unplug, it'll pull out going backwards without damage. Yes, I bent our previous plug! Yes, I have a camper remove/replace checklist. No, I didn't use it...

 

As a bonus, I can plug/unplug through one of the turnbuckle doors. It ain't easy plugging in because I'm a weakling, but I can just do it. I like to unplug the last two days of a trip, so the battery comes home at about 50% charge.


Edited by rubberlegs, 01 September 2023 - 02:15 AM.

  • 0

Tacoma/Fleet 2018.


#33 RHarries

RHarries

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 31 posts
  • LocationDurango, CO

Posted 05 September 2023 - 01:52 PM

Thanks all for the guidance and helpful information.  One (hopefully) last question: Is the thermal breaker that was installed for the original camper install still necessary, or does the Dc-DC charger now provide this functionality? 

 

I am trying to make the wiring as simple and direct as possible while maintaining proper functionality.

 

Attached Thumbnails

  • thermal breaker.jpg

  • 0

'15 Tundra Double cab with '09 Hawk side couch


#34 Dipodomys

Dipodomys

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 63 posts

Posted 05 September 2023 - 04:41 PM

When running your 6AWG (or bigger) wires, remember to add breakers at both ends so that a short won't cause a catastrophic disaster.  I used Blue Sea 285 series surface mounts on mine.  

I’m sure this has been explained somewhere, but I can’t find it. I clearly understand why a breaker/fuse is needed, but why one at each end?


  • 0

#35 RHarries

RHarries

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 31 posts
  • LocationDurango, CO

Posted 05 September 2023 - 05:07 PM

I am planning to include a 60 amp fused connection at both battery terminal ends (as specified by Victron).  I understand that one at each end is necessary to ensure the current is interrupted at its origin location (which could be either battery). 

 

My limited understanding of the thermal breaker function is to act as a "check valve" that will allow current to only flow downstream from the truck power supply.  I believe this functionality is also inherent to the Orion DC Charger (assuming it is set up properly)


  • 0

'15 Tundra Double cab with '09 Hawk side couch


#36 Vic Harder

Vic Harder

    Doctor Electric

  • Site Team
  • 4,897 posts
  • LocationCalgary, Alberta

Posted 05 September 2023 - 11:08 PM

There needs to be a fuse on either end IF there is a battery/power source on either end.

When there is no a (edited) DCDC converter in the circuit path, then there is no “battery” at the camper end, and no need for a breaker/fuse there.

Thermal breakers like what FWC used are inexpensive and just one type of breaker. If installing a BlueSea breaker, you don;t need to keep the existing thermal breaker, which is only rated at 30A anyway. For a 30A DCDC charger you want at 40-50A breaker.


Edited by Vic Harder, 07 September 2023 - 09:30 PM.

  • 0

#37 RHarries

RHarries

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 31 posts
  • LocationDurango, CO

Posted 06 September 2023 - 12:51 AM

Thanks Vic,

To save space, I was planning on installing a simple terminal fuse blocks on the truck and camper batteries  like this:

https://a.co/d/56xoKry

However I like the idea of the Bluesea breaker to avoid the need to carry spare awkward fuses.

 

Per Victron recommendations, I am planning on 60 amp fuses/breakers at BOTH  batteries for my 30 Amp Orion Dc charger. 

 

I don't understand your statement, "When there is no DCDC converter in the circuit path, then there is no “battery” at the camper end, and no need for a breaker/fuse there."   Is this correct?  it seems that a fuse WOULD  be required at the camper battery if no DC charger was present (?)  

 

Apologies for my simple questions, I am very appreciative for your and others patience as I learn more about this complicated discipline. 

 

 

 


  • 0

'15 Tundra Double cab with '09 Hawk side couch


#38 Vic Harder

Vic Harder

    Doctor Electric

  • Site Team
  • 4,897 posts
  • LocationCalgary, Alberta

Posted 07 September 2023 - 09:29 PM

Good catch

 

Thanks Vic,

To save space, I was planning on installing a simple terminal fuse blocks on the truck and camper batteries  like this:

https://a.co/d/56xoKry

However I like the idea of the Bluesea breaker to avoid the need to carry spare awkward fuses.

 

Per Victron recommendations, I am planning on 60 amp fuses/breakers at BOTH  batteries for my 30 Amp Orion Dc charger. 

 

I don't understand your statement, "When there is no DCDC converter in the circuit path, then there is no “battery” at the camper end, and no need for a breaker/fuse there."   Is this correct?  it seems that a fuse WOULD  be required at the camper battery if no DC charger was present (?)  

 

Apologies for my simple questions, I am very appreciative for your and others patience as I learn more about this complicated discipline. 

Good catch.  Yes, if no DCDC then a fuse is required at both ends, because both ends have batteries on them.


  • 0




0 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 0 guests, 0 anonymous users