System Design Help

[Alloy]

think lead acid.... -40 is not an issue View attachment 785456

Now that there is reliable heating systems and protection for (Hi/Low cut off for temp and voltage) Lithium neg 40 isn't an issue.

The cost differnce isn't that much if one takes into account that 400Ah of FLA = 100Ah of Lithium. The cost balances out even more if one takes into account the hours of absorption and float that FLA requires.

 

[Alloy]

I just know my system all works and there are zero issues in winter. When I need a new flooded lead acid battery in 10 years they are for sale in every tiny village in every country in the world and cheap.... impossible for the "costs to balance out". This is the hype of the internet and forums..... 400Ah is 400Ah.... they used to sell fuel economy add ons like this in the 1970s.

400Ah isn't 400Ah. I've never had a FLA system test (I've tested repeatably ) at rated capacity. FLA are black boxes full of snake oil. I just sent back 4 - 6V that were the same brand/capacity + $130CDN each as the ones installed in 2018. Doing the swap I discover the new are 8-9lbs lighter than the old.

 

[Alloy]

Just so we're clear about what's being discussed in the thread:

View attachment 785464

Roy put together an excellent heating system..... I think he's tested below freezing now and has numbers on the power use.

LITHIUM BATTERY HEATING PROJECT | RVB Precision

My Pickup Truck has a Roofnest Falcon Roof Top Tent installed above the truck cap. Even though I might be camping far off the beat’n path, I still need access to electricity for charging devices, powering a portable refrigerator/freezer, running a diesel heater, and more. To accomplish this, I...

rvbprecision.com

Edit: Importand there's an air gap (all around) between the heat and cold. I see systems with (12VDC or 110VAC) heater between the cells or the cells are sitting on the unheated floor.

 

[Bigc3031]

think lead acid.... -40 is not an issue View attachment 785456

My starting batteries will be stock, the lithium is strictly for the bed. Lead acid doesn’t stack up to lithium at all for capacity or discharge and it’s been around a long time, it’s just more affordable for us now.


The bed will be lightly insulated all around and the battery will be in a cabinet or box. The battery is self heating so I should be good to there.

 

[Stormtrooper69]

Ok.....I found this idea on a for sale add for a Toyota camper van and I thought it was genius. This should become a standard idea for rooftop solar, it allows you to fit twice as much solar in the same footprint. The bottom panel is on drawer type slides and slides out from under the top panel.

And yes.....I'm sure someone will feel the need to nitpick, etc......and I don't care. I've added this to my list of mods when I get my off-road rig.

 

[chet6.7]

 

[Peter_n_Margaret]

This is my "extra 200W panel". We have 1,160W total.
Our new build will have over 2kW.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

 

[Stormtrooper69]

This is my "extra 200W panel". We have 1,160W total.
Our new build will have over 2kW.

Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 motorhome

I've thought about something similar as I've tried to come up with various ideas that not only provide more solar collection but also provide more vehicle shade. My biggest concern is that having them stowed against the side of the vehicle will provide more chances for damage, but those thought may be unfounded. I'd like them to flip up and become a solar awning. I know they won't provide as much coverage as a normal awning, but the idea is to remove as much direct sunlight baking the vehicle as possible.