FJR Colorado
Explorer
Some may recall this build I did 5 years ago...
(where does the time go?)
I decided to perform some upgrades to the solar system.
I like to build my own systems and not do a Goal Zero or similar. Rather than build a "box" I went with the concept of a "service panel." After mulling several approaches, I built this frame out of aluminum as a base...
A test fitting in the bed proved well, so it was on to populating the "service panel"...
I went with a new Renogy MPPT controller. It will be fed by my existing Renogy 100W panel (which 5+ years later cranks out juice just fine).
To the panel I also added: breakers for the solar panel and battery (love these units), the Renogy Bluetooth module, an ARB fridge outlet with Glow fuse and dedicated volt-meter (these will wire direct to the existing Optima Yellowtop deep cycle battery). Space is left for an inverter should I need/want one in the future...
Next, came installing into the truck bed...
Easy access is made through the windoor...
The system is performing like a champ...
I happened to have a Samsung G7 Sport laying around so I loaded the Renogy BT app on it and will keep it dedicated to the truck. It also has maps and trails s/w so that can come in handy as well as serving as a back-up web browser and e-mail device.
I have a bunch of cig plugs and USB outlets mounted off to the side (fed by the "load" off of the controller). The goal is to migrate all devices to Anderson powerpole connectors.
Also, my Optima Yellowtop battery is 5+ years old and destined to be replaced/upgraded at some point. I'm likely going to swap in the Renogy 100Ah Gel battery:
https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-100Ah-Rechargeable-Cycle-Battery/dp/B01KN6QUW2/ref=sr_1_11?crid=2JC57WRSJFOF4&keywords=deep+cycle+battery+12v&qid=1565121212&s=gateway&sprefix=deep+cyc,aps,173&sr=8-11&th=1
I recently put one in my off-the-grid cabin as the primary house unit and it seems to be superb. Anyone have extended experience with one? Or comments about vehicular use? I already bought the big huge battery box for it. Just waiting for Amazon to mark it down for a few days
2006 1st-Gen Tundra Doublecab Build
My search for a replacement for the beloved T100 ended up coming down to finding the very best 1st Gen Tundra I could find. I narrowly missed on a couple of prospects that may have been perfect. I really wanted to get a 2006 for the best possible engine & transmission. Had to be a doublecab (now...
www.expeditionportal.com
I decided to perform some upgrades to the solar system.
I like to build my own systems and not do a Goal Zero or similar. Rather than build a "box" I went with the concept of a "service panel." After mulling several approaches, I built this frame out of aluminum as a base...
A test fitting in the bed proved well, so it was on to populating the "service panel"...
I went with a new Renogy MPPT controller. It will be fed by my existing Renogy 100W panel (which 5+ years later cranks out juice just fine).
To the panel I also added: breakers for the solar panel and battery (love these units), the Renogy Bluetooth module, an ARB fridge outlet with Glow fuse and dedicated volt-meter (these will wire direct to the existing Optima Yellowtop deep cycle battery). Space is left for an inverter should I need/want one in the future...
Next, came installing into the truck bed...
Easy access is made through the windoor...
The system is performing like a champ...
I happened to have a Samsung G7 Sport laying around so I loaded the Renogy BT app on it and will keep it dedicated to the truck. It also has maps and trails s/w so that can come in handy as well as serving as a back-up web browser and e-mail device.
I have a bunch of cig plugs and USB outlets mounted off to the side (fed by the "load" off of the controller). The goal is to migrate all devices to Anderson powerpole connectors.
Also, my Optima Yellowtop battery is 5+ years old and destined to be replaced/upgraded at some point. I'm likely going to swap in the Renogy 100Ah Gel battery:
https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-100Ah-Rechargeable-Cycle-Battery/dp/B01KN6QUW2/ref=sr_1_11?crid=2JC57WRSJFOF4&keywords=deep+cycle+battery+12v&qid=1565121212&s=gateway&sprefix=deep+cyc,aps,173&sr=8-11&th=1
I recently put one in my off-the-grid cabin as the primary house unit and it seems to be superb. Anyone have extended experience with one? Or comments about vehicular use? I already bought the big huge battery box for it. Just waiting for Amazon to mark it down for a few days
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