Solar issues while on the road!!! Truck alternator too??

[Vic Harder]

The Surepower in this camper could be functioning just fine, but the undersized wiring is limiting charge and causing isolator cycling due to voltage drop.

+1 - Yup, and the more discharged batteries are, the heavier the draw, the more likely the SurePower will drop the connection because the voltage drop is too great. Then, no draw, the voltage pops back up to where the SurePower thinks it should/can connect again. Current surges, voltage drops, and repeat ad nauseum.

A DCDC will attempt to compensate for this, but would be far more efficient with fatter wires.

 

[pawleyk]

+1 - Yup, and the more discharged batteries are, the heavier the draw, the more likely the SurePower will drop the connection because the voltage drop is too great. Then, no draw, the voltage pops back up to where the SurePower thinks it should/can connect again. Current surges, voltage drops, and repeat ad nauseum.

A DCDC will attempt to compensate for this, but would be far more efficient with fatter wires.

Sure, but a voltage sensitive unit like the Victron Orions will cycle on and off just the same.

 

[pvstoy]

It won't cycle if the camper batteries are under the voltage threshold value. Won't even send charge to the camper batteries.

 

[pvstoy]

WHY BUY A SURE POWER BATTERY SEPARATOR?

1. SIMPLE INSTALLATION (instructions can be found below in the "Documentation" section.
   5-connections (3 required) :
   Main Battery to Solenoid (POST/STUD). Solenoid to Auxiliary Battery (POST/STUD). Ground Wire (.250 tab).
   (Optional) : There is one .250 tab for the indicator light, which shows when the "Auxiliary Start Function" is operating.
   (Optional) : Auxiliary Start switch (.250 Tab). Typically connected to the vehicle ignition switch, this can be connected to any properally rated switch.
2. PRIORITIZED BATTERY CHARGING
   The Battery Separator (1314A) waits until the battery connected to the active charging source reaches 13.2 Volts before paralleling and charging the remain batteries. The system disconnects at approximately 12.8 Volts.
3. MULTIPLE BATTERY CHARGING
   The battery separator allows multiple batteries to be charged from one charging source (usually, but not necessarily, an alternator). When the batteries are not being charged, the Battery Separator separates or isolates the batteries.
4. START ASSIST FEATURE
   An optional input from the key switch or a manual switch will program the Battery Separator to parallel the batteries during starting. This feature will only engage if the auxiliary battery has sufficient power available to assist in starting.
5. PREVENTS CHARGE SYSTEM OVERLOAD
   If the current requirements are greater then the charging source can produce, the Battery Separator will automatically separate the batteries, thus directing all available charge current to the battery directly connected to the charging source. The system will then reset and re-attempt charging the auxiliary battery. A time delay prevents false switching

 

[pvstoy]

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://fourwheelcampers.com/Sure_Power_%25201314A_Battery_Separator.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwidlpaQt5eNAxV7M0QIHaruICQQFnoECCAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3q8dZIEO8EXUnbgyD_Akl5

 

[Vic Harder]

Sure, but a voltage sensitive unit like the Victron Orions will cycle on and off just the same.

I think that depends on how you set the engine shutdown detection or if you use the trigger wire. In theory one could set the shutdown detection off and the input voltage lockout low enough that you could charge your camper batteries with a very dead truck. Not that you SHOULD, but you could.

 

[goinoregon]

hi sage,
when i was new to pop ups, and 12v wiring, i was lucky enough to find a wtw member that lived close by. the fellow drew up a 12v schematic of my electrical build-out. it was super helpful. all the 12 names are very different than household elec. and it is easy to get lost in all the terminology. and folks call the same thing different names.... ugh.
anyways, a schematic is helpful.

 

[Sagefemme]

You are all so helpful! I need to get my spouse to read this whole thread, since he already understands electricity, batteries, etc., he's just very busy with work. I need to get better versed in how the whole thing is strung together. It is frustrating to be on the road and feel helpless to understand your problems.

And yes, a schematic would be worth a thousand words!

 

[AWG_Pics]

With all apologies to people that understand camper solar 12V stuff, it is all arge-bargle to me. So I found this pdf which I hope will help people like you and me get our feet on the ground. I admire people with more knowledge that can throw around terms like 'trigger wire' and know what that means. But that ain't me.

See if this pdf helps.

 

[Vic Harder]

That’s a decent diagram. What i wish for when using diagrams like this to explore some new (to me) system is more pictures in situ… meaning, they show where the wires and components are IN MY RIG. It’s a bit like if the love of my life asks me to get the whatsit from the kitchen. Where in the kitchen? Which drawer? What Color is it? How big? Hiding under what? Oh, there it is. Kinda like a trigger wire, i suppose.

 

[AWG_Pics]

Yup. I just came back from shooting a bunch of photos of the electrical stuff in our camper. Now I will spend the time only a retired guy has working on a diagram for our camper. Should be fun. But it won't be quick.

 

[Sagefemme]

Thank you AWG Pics, that looks like a great diagram. If Dr Electric thinks it's ok, I'm gonna study it!