Can I connect the new Dometic PLB40 to a YellowTop?

[MattJ]

But once you stop driving, sitting off-grid fed by solar, energy efficiency becomes paramount.

Yep - I figured this is only an option while the alternator in the tow vehicle is running (and burning gasoline) and the 7-pin connection is active.

Any solar arrays you would recommend? The trailer has plenty of space on top of the front cargo rack and the solar array connection pin is already installed. But I haven't started my research on options yet. Advice welcome!

 

[john61ct]

There is a specification for the PLB40 charging input.

e.g. "between 10.5 and 19V, no higher than 35A"

If your energy source output is within that spec, you can try just plugging it in.

But use an ammeter to check current flow, ideally test the temperature of your alternator if the draw is too high.

Safer to buy a DC-DC converter that can match that spec on its output side, and accepts as input the output from your sources.

Ideally adjustable and current-limiting.

 

[john61ct]

Any solar arrays you would recommend?

worth its own thread

 

[MattJ]

Thanks - certainly a lot of solar array advice on the ExPo, so I'll do the research.

I'm simply planning to plug the AC charging adapter of the PLB40 into the 1750W modified sine wave inverter that is in the trailer. But only while the two vehicle is running.

 

[john61ct]

Be careful, the charger may require PSW

 

[MattJ]

Be careful, the charger may require PSW

How would I know?

 

[john61ct]

Contact their tech support?

Or just try and see, maybe order a spare first.

If it gets very hot before failing maybe you can disconnect in time.

Or just buy a PSW rated for at least twice the amps it actually pulls.

 

[MattJ]

Contact their tech support?

Thanks very much. Will do.

 

[john61ct]

Thanks very much. Will do.

While you're there, get the input specs in the format above, and as them in general how to charge from a nominal "12V" source.

Especially get the max current rate, and does their BMS protect against over-current but shutting charging down.

Please report back here

 

[MattJ]

Very impressive FAQ and questions/answers list at the link below. I submitted my question regarding charging from an inverter, since it hasn't been asked yet. Will post any response here.

https://shop.dometic.com/store/dometic/en_US/pd/productID.5284991700

 

[john61ct]

Says right there just plug into 12V.

Have you read the manual, maybe detailed specs there.

And wow that's expensive for a 40Ah battery

 

[MattJ]

Says right there just plug into 12V.

Yep - that was the photo and question in my original post back on page 1. Originally I wanted to plug it into the deep cycle yellowtop battery that is the auxillary in my Genesis dual battery system. But it seems like the better idea is to charge it from the cigarette socket that is powered by the cranking battery since that socket is only active when the vehicle is running.

 

[john61ct]

Yes, you never want to charge from battery to battery except in emergency, a charge source should be active.

My point is the inverter is pointless, since that powerpack is already designed to charge off "12V" directly.

 

[MattJ]

My point is the inverter is pointless, since that powerpack is already designed to charge off "12V" directly.

Right. No point putting the PLB40 in the trailer with the inverter. Just put it on the floor of the tow vehicle and charge it off the cigarette socket. Leave the AC charging adapter at home.

 

[john61ct]

Or use it when you have access to shore power.

Likely at a very slow amps rate though, which is why it would be useful to get that spec.

LFP chemistry can charge to Full in under 30min, but these powerpacks often limit the rate so it takes 6+ hours.