Solar set-ups for cold stuff.

they came recommended by a few guys that run off-grid set-ups. Im hoping to take the truck next week to start the build and mods.

 

Either I am seeing double or I read your post wrong. Did I see 4 x 6v batteries?

For those looking at doing a similar setup research the differences between MPPT and PWN. It makes a huge difference in efficiency and the cost difference is more than price alone.
https://www.renogy.com/learn-charge-controller-types/

 

You did.

Im building 2 setups. One in my truck and one in our events trailer. The trailer is getting 300 watts of panel mounted to the roof to run another sno master ex85d

 

Thats a bit overkill

I ran my Snomaster 60D, one freezer compartment and one fridge on nothing but an X2Power battery for almost 3 days. While charging two phones and a bluetooth speaker, as well as LED area lights at night.

I do have a Renogy Solar Suitcase for extended trips, but a single good battery does wonders.

 

For what it's worth I have had very good performance out of multiple systems I've installed using Bogart Engineerings battery monitor and solar charger. From 100 to 600 watt systems.

Tm2030 and sc2030.

http://www.bogartengineering.com/products/trimetrics/

http://www.bogartengineering.com/products/solar-charger/

These are pwm systems capable of a true 14.8 volt charge and higher on cold days. The system gets wired through a shunt which allows you to very accurately track amps in and out of the battery bank. I think the battery monitor is more important than any charger.

Unobstructed Sun light and panel angle can play a huge role in amp output into your battery bank. A 100 watt panel mounted flat in winter time might make 1.8 amps. The same panel angled at the sun can make over 5 amps. A 20 to 30 foot mc4 cable and a removable or second panel angled to the sun can make a huge difference in charging capabilities.

Good luck on your installs, post pics of the setups.

 

I have a 30' mc4 cable.

The plan is if I'm traveling while driving without tent to mount panel facing up to capture some light. The panel is removable and the idea is to have it tracking sun from the ground.

It's only rack mounted for travel or to capture light even if at a lower amp.

During travel I plan to run fridge off beds 100w power. Once camped it's off to the battery races.

 

@dziner

 

I have the Renogy 100 watt panel and Rover 20 amp MPPT controller. With the help of @Braves95, we mounted the panel to the OEM roof rack on the cab. Then mounted the MPPT controller in the bed of the truck, and connected to the factory battery through a BlueSea fuse panel. I have an ARE cap and roof top tent that are always on my truck. Then I installed a panel from Off-Grid Engineering over the cubby hole next to the inverter in the bed. This panel has a DC outlet, on/off switch, dual-USB ports, and volt meter. The panel is powered from the BlueSea fuse block under the hood.

Renogy 100 watt keeps the battery charged > power runs to DC outlet in the bed > SnoMaster fridge keeps things cold 24/7 set at 36 degrees.

 

Either I am seeing double or I read your post wrong. Did I see 4 x 6v batteries?

I was lucky on the battery side. Family friend is an interstate dealer. Got the 12v 150ah deep cycle for $200 a piece vs list of $370CDN.

 

I think you asked the first question already. But yeah there's 4. Building 2 identical setups.

I looked at a Fall River 12v 210ah battery and it's was not only massive but weighted more than 2 6v's. Of course the Fall River was agm. I paid $540us with tax for 4 of the us batteries.