Getting solar power under the hood of my 5th Gen 4Runner

mattpayne11

Member
Hi all,

I am finally ready to get solar going in my rig. I already have a 2nd battery with a dual battery system ( http://ibs-tech.ch/en/products/dual-battery-system/ibs-dbs.html ).
This is already wired to a hella 12V plug in the rear of my cargo area next to the OEM 12V and AC power outlets.

I'm looking to get a BUGOUT 130 for my solar power with the MPPT controller ( https://www.equipt1.com/collections...out-130™-solar-charger?variant=32338585255999 )
I'll be mounting the MPPT controller under the hood near the firewall.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get a solar input into the engine compartment from the front of the vehicle. Maybe something like this: ( https://www.amazon.com/Connector-We...ocphy=9029145&hvtargid=pla-982833035012&psc=1 )

I also have an ARB Bumper and winch in the front: https://www.metaltech4x4.com/arb-2010-13-toyota-4runner-deluxe-bull-bar/

A little help in figuring this out would be super appreciated! Thanks in advance. Hopefully my research on this helps someone else too, lol. =)
 

mattpayne11

Member
I used something very similar to go from solar panel into my shell. Its worked well for about 3 months now. The one you picked is 12 ga wire, so that's good.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

How did you mount it to your vehicle or get it into your engine compartment?
 

Superduty

Adventurer
How did you mount it to your vehicle or get it into your engine compartment?
I went from the roof of my shell (solar panel) into my shell (aux battery). I drilled a hole in shell and then mounted the connector.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
 

mattpayne11

Member
I went from the roof of my shell (solar panel) into my shell (aux battery). I drilled a hole in shell and then mounted the connector.

Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk

Do you mean you drilled a hole into the body of your vehicle? I'm hoping to avoid that. I'd prefer to find a way to mount something into/onto my bumper or grill, etc. Maybe the hood scoop? =)
 

vomhorizon

Active member
I think something like the solution adopted in this thread (user picture att for reference) may be very helpful for you. You can put a SAE connector, a Powerpole connector or any other solar connector you prefer. There is space to accommodate most of them short of say something like a SB50.

 

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mattpayne11

Member
I think something like the solution adopted in this thread (user picture att for reference) may be very helpful for you. You can put a SAE connector, a Powerpole connector or any other solar connector you prefer. There is space to accommodate most of them short of say something like a SB50.


Thank you that is really useful.
 

cruxarche

Observer
Might it be easier to just mount an Anderson connector in the front bumper? And just run your cable from the controller to the connector in the bumper?
 

mattpayne11

Member
Using that Bugout 130 thing implies temporary deployment after parking.
Why not simply open the hood, run its cable out where it wont be pinched, then close hood ?

Yeah I have considered it for sure. I just want to eliminate as much set-up and take-down time as possible with my style of camping. Speed is important to me as a photographer. I totally see your point though. I kind of just want this thing wired and ready to go at all times so that all I have to do is plug my solar panel into the port and it is charging, if that makes sense.
 

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