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

[mattpayne11]

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. =)

 

[Superduty]

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...29145&hvtargid=pla-982833035012&psc=1 )


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.


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[mattpayne11]

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.

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

 

[Superduty]

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.

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[mattpayne11]

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.

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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? =)

 

[ConcordCarlos]

I used a trolling motor plug and socket. Welded a tab on my plate bumper for the female end of the set up.

3-Wire ConnectPro Plug & Receptacle | West Marine

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[ConcordCarlos]

This thread might help as well.

Weather proof Bulkhead connector for solar panels?

Since I don't plan to fly my Jeep at 300mph, I'm less worried about drilling into my top. In fact, I'd wager that the Jeep already leaks more around the seals in a good rain storm than will ever be introduced by the hole I drilled and sealed with an electrical connector (and can easily be...

expeditionportal.com

 

[vomhorizon]

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.

5th Gen 4Runner Electrical Management System/Dual Battery

I wanted to share a project I've been working on for a few weeks. It's not quite finished yet, but it's to a place where I'm comfortable sharing. Things left to do include replacing the starter battery with a group 35 odyssey and getting 4x 50w Renogy Eclipse panels mounted in series to a slide...

expeditionportal.com

 

[mattpayne11]

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.

5th Gen 4Runner Electrical Management System/Dual Battery

I wanted to share a project I've been working on for a few weeks. It's not quite finished yet, but it's to a place where I'm comfortable sharing. Things left to do include replacing the starter battery with a group 35 odyssey and getting 4x 50w Renogy Eclipse panels mounted in series to a slide...

expeditionportal.com

Thank you that is really useful.

 

[cruxarche]

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]

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.