[Nut17]

As I already had a sale for the two 100 AH AGM batteries that came with our new rig, my first task was to swap the lead acid out for the newly prepared 400 ah LiFePO4 pack. The new battery fitted in the spot vacated by just one of the lead acid batteries. The task was complicated by needing to remove the the robust steel framework bolted through the floor to the chassis members to provide the 3rd and 4th passenger seatbelt mounts. Then retrofit them once the job was complete. The battery is firmly in it's final resting spot, but there is a long way to go yet with the solar, mains charger, inverter and DC - DC charger to install. There will be plenty of space for everything.

Work to be undertaken.
Fit six 200 watt perc panels x Waveinverter - Configured into three pairs.
Install three SRNE 40 Amp MPPT solar controllers to suit.
Install Renogy 60 Amp DC DC charger.
Install 2000 watt PSW inverter and have wired to auto change over relay to power whole van off grid.
Install 50 Amp Projecta "Intellicharger"
I also need about half a dozen extra USB / 12v power sockets.

Apollo have agreed to swap the Camec instant hot water service for the Swift 20lt cylinder model that was originally specified. I will have to take the rig to Auckland to have this work done.

[David Wallace]

As a matter of interest are you going to wire the solar controllers in parallel? Cheers David.

[Nut17]

Hi David, no doubt Neddy will shake his head in wonderment but the connections will be as follows. Each pair of panels will be in series to individual controllers - with the combined outputs from the controllers paralleled to the battery. I am still debating whether to stick with just two controllers - potentially running them at their maximum capacity with 600 watts (recommended max 560w) feeding each controller. With our big Jayco van I had a 1200 watt array feeding an 80 Amp MPPT controller without issue. (It was rated to a maximum array size of 1000 watts.
If I do run with two controllers, I will have three x 200watt panels in series to each controller. Much simplified wiring for a debatable miniscule variation in performance when compared to a parallel connection.

[scubadoo]

I hope you are not ladder climbing Chris. Enjoy your supervisory role and keep Ben busy.
Solar installation progress photos would be great.

[Nut17]

The panels are not yet in stock. Hope to collect them when we visit Auckland around 8 - 10th Dec. I will however get the controllers, and associated internal wiring sorted in readiness.
My ladder has imaginary age limits on each step with 70 being on the bottom. So that is my lot!! However we still have some very good mobile scaffold to work safely from and the roof is strong enough to walk around on - even for me

Having the Camec hot water service removed and replaced with a Swift 20 lt system it was meant to be fitted with in the first place.

[Andycap]

Hi Chris ,all looks to be going smoothly , Can you tell me what`s the model no. of your Menabo `a` frame `e` bike carrier ,doesn`t come up on the web-site in your 2017 post .Cheers Andy .

[Nut17]

Hi Andy - This https://www.hamco.co.nz/product/menabo-naos-tilt/ is the one I adapted to fit on the A frame. It only requires one bolt to be undone for removal and then we could put on the Jeep for day trips. I did have to mount a towball on the A frame in the original jockey wheel mounting spot.

[thecapt]

H Chris
Do you think this bike rack would would be suitable to mount on a 2009 Ducato tow bar
We are finding it hard to lift and hook our Ebike onto our existing standard bike rack Cheers
Dave