Help with layout... is this possible?

[leftcoastal]

So I grabbed one of these battery enclosures for my '07 Tundra because I live in the country and wanted to both have a backup battery and power for misc gear when camping.

I also ordered four 18 watt lights for the sides of my bed rack for camp/backup lighting when needed.

I've also got some light strips enroute for the interior of my bed.

I'd like to delineate between three modes of switches accessible from just inside the tailgate AND from inside the cab (when reversing). Basically left side,right side,and interior bed lighting.

How would you wire this up? Two multi gang switches? Maybe 20' of 16awg wire?

As for an enclosure for the enclosure what have you guys used? Job boxes are magnets for theft around here so something stealthy would be ideal.

Appreciate any insight guys!




Ideally I'd like to have th

 

[leftcoastal]

Ok I've got more wire on order.

The battery enclosure came today. My deep cycle group 27 fits great.

I won't be using anything big with this setup (no fridge/freezer). So 10mA shouldn't be any issue.

The universal wireless remote style switch is more than I'd hoped for and pretty awesome. This would essentially be the brain and bypass the need for form c switches yes?

Thanks for your time.

 

[NatersXJ6]

As long as the wireless switch is working… it sounds like you have it.

when facing similar, and wanting 3 of my circuits to be switchable from the drivers seat or the tailgate, I simply put the switches in the ground side of the circuit. Yes, they are not 3-way, you have to turn them off at the same place you turn them on, but you can have multiple switches grounds in one circuit and they will all run the lights. I’ve found that
Most of the time I want to turn things off where I turn them on anyway, so it works.

 

[leftcoastal]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll play around with a short wire setup first before laying things out. Gotta make sure the remote works.

 

[leftcoastal]

Rather than start a new post I should ask this question here.

If I wanted to get a portable solar setup to charge this battery for camping in Western Washington weather 8 months out of the year and possibly add in a cooler/freezer to extend our meat expiration how many panels would you guys suggest and what cooler (sub $500 if possible please).

Some deep discounts on panels right now, or what appear to be.

Looking at this unit it's on sale for $305 but is 18v. I do have an MPPT controller for the house I'm not using, but not sure how the 18v will play with a 12v deep cycle. I also have another two group 27 deep cycle batteries for the boat I could include if need be. Thoughts?

 

[leftcoastal]

Something like this would be nice as a freezer. Would likely have a second cooler for perishables. Looks like 5-6 amps continuous.

Another question is how to mount something like this so it doesn't get stolen if I leave camp or want to fish the river(boat launches are notorious).

Thanks guys.

 

[leftcoastal]

Also I'm putting together a SAE extension cable for this package. I'd like to run 50' in the event we have a shaded camp spot and need to reach out from camp. Looks like 8 gauge is preferred with longer lengths. What do you guys suggest?

 

[Nailhead]

Also I'm putting together a SAE extension cable for this package. I'd like to run 50' in the event we have a shaded camp spot and need to reach out from camp. Looks like 8 gauge is preferred with longer lengths. What do you guys suggest?

Biggest you can get. 50' is a long run of wire.

 

[leftcoastal]

Ya I'm gonna run some tests to compare resistance. Grabbed both a 50' 8 gauge extension and 25' 12 gauge extension.

 

[leftcoastal]

I know it's not the most ideal setup but there doesn't seem to be many flexible panels in this price range.

I do have a mppt controller but it's a bit too big for this mobile setup. Any recommendations?

This is the one I have I'd like something smaller.