Official Tennessee Thread

I haven't used the Red Arc setup, do you have a link to it? I think whichever switching solenoid type system you will be in conjunction with a solar controller. I don't think there is a way around that.

 

I might be able to help here, as I have a few solar panels, have built some modular battery systems, have experience with RedArc and CTEK, Lithium and AGM.

The Redarc, which I'm assuming you are referring to the BCDC25A or BDDC40A has a built in solar MPPT controller. Also, you need to wire it appropriately for Lithium or Lead profiles to ensure you don't apply float volts or the wrong voltage to charge certain battery types. Its pretty easy. A good place to start is YouTube, look up DIY solar with Will Prowse, you'll get lots of info there, and at his forms.

Redarc makes good stuff, consider the 40A model will need some pretty large battery cables, especially if you run them to the rear of the vehicle like I did with my modular stuff.

I also own a Jackery E1000, Dokio 200W folding panel, and installed a 100W ridgid panel on the roof of the 4Runner.

Important note. Don't run the Solar Panel hardwired into the RedArc without having a constant battery attached. Solar controllers can be damaged by not having a battery load connected, as the high open circuit voltage from the panel might overvolt the controller with no load.

 

Thanks for whoever recommended ABJ coating. They did a great job. If someone wants to help me mount this I'll bring over whatever beer you like. It's too heavy to do alone. My wife about died helping me get it out of the bed.

 

So whats the advantage over something like a smart solenoid, if you already have a solar controller?

 

they did a really good job on my rear bumper too. I don’t mind to lend a little muscle to help out. I am not sure you want me doing much more to your truck Than that though. Any hazy IPA will do, ha.

 

Where in Knox are you? It’s honestly not bad of an install. I did my two front bumpers alone.

 

I may try it with my floor jack first. In watching videos online it looks super easy with two guys. I live near downtown but I don't mind driving to someone's house.

These guys were able to set it in place fairly easy.

 

but, beer

 

I’m sure beer is still in play for words of encouragement

 

There's a few different things, all different but produce a similar result, supply charge to a second battery.

The main benefit over this device if you already have a solar charge controller is that it's all in one and works seamless with your alternator/panels to deliver power in a combined package.

VSR (voltage sensitive relay) / Smart solenoid:
Least expensive, rudimentary at best. It supplies the same 13.6 volts the alternator is generating to the secondary battery. The problem is, 13.6v will never complete an absorption charge on a lead acid battery, leaving it at 80%. Other issue, Lead/AGM/Gel batteries should only be discharged to 50% of their rated AH capacity to avoid deep discharing and damaging them, resulting in 30% of it's total AH as usable capacity (80% to 50% before damage occurs).

DC to DC Charger:
Something like a DC - DC charger (Redarc, CTEK, Renogy) do a few things:
1. They typically have a MPPT solar controller so you can hook up a solar panel.
2. They, like a VSR, allow voltage to flow only from the secondary battery as not to drain your cranking battery.
3. They can handle 3 to 4 stages of smart charging (bulk, absorption, float, desulfate)
4. They have voltage boost to get your charge volts to 14.4v, therefore getting your second battery to 100% (and you can use 50% of total capacity...100% to 50% safely).
5. They can also use the solar panel to charge the cranking battery if the secondary battery is full.

---
So in a nutshell, a VSR or solenoid is a very basic device to get some juice in a secondary battery. A DC DC charger is a full on battery charger with a solar controller so you can run both (even at the same time), and seamlessly leave them both hooked up so you can draw from either or a combo to keep your secondary battery going, and keeping that fridge powered longer.

 

September and October and November....

 

Yes!

 

Windrock, I still haven't been...

 

I'm ok with that. Also aop in the fall?

 

Yes and yes

 

@tacotim448 has to get some redemption on school bus.

 

If y’all do windrock I may come due to blue trails with you

 

I see. Very cool.

 

im in now that i got the clunk out of my front end. Time to make a new one right?

 

I hate that trail but ill give it the college try. Also hit walden's ridge as well. That is a good solid day trail.