Xantrex PathMaker vs. Nationl Luna DIY Kit
- Thread starter brasskey
- Start date
I have the National Luna setup on my Jeep and am very happy with it. It works as advertised and is easy to install. I have not seen the Xantrex in person, but it would appear to work in a very similar fashion. You might give Wil at Sierra Expeditions a call as he sells both units. FYI, I did replace the 85 amp solenoid that came on the NL with a 200 amp model.
Robthebrit
Explorer
I had the path maker, it worked great.
I did once weld the solenoid closed by trying to start the Unimog from the aux batteries. It didn't fail and I cleaned up the solenoid and it continued to work for years and it was mounted outside.
Rob
I did once weld the solenoid closed by trying to start the Unimog from the aux batteries. It didn't fail and I cleaned up the solenoid and it continued to work for years and it was mounted outside.
Rob
I have the Pathmaker installed in my rig.... and I dig it! I will be getting the remote for it so I can monitor what's going on and combine batteries (I have the relays under the hood and the control panel in the back of my truck)
Pictures on request if it helps you decide
Dave
Pictures on request if it helps you decide
Dave
I would love some pictures of your setup if you don't mind.
Mumbaki1037
Observer
Yeah! Pictures would be great as I just ordered a Xantrex from Sierra Expeditions. I am still looking at ideas on how to mount it. Thanks.
Hey guys,
Happy to oblige.... I actually stole the idea of separating the components from another member (I forgot who and apologize) Reading his comments about the pathmaker system prompted me to go forward with my own system....so credit due! I have it working with only the starter battery right now waiting on some more 1/0 wire to tie the rear system in but I have worked out some of the bugs already....I found that in the mornings the alternator would be really putting out the voltage and I had to turn down the over voltage setting a bit so it wouldn't cycle the relays....now it's dialed in and will charge my batteries from my shore power, alternator and my solar array installed on my shell top! It's soooo cool
Dave
Happy to oblige.... I actually stole the idea of separating the components from another member (I forgot who and apologize) Reading his comments about the pathmaker system prompted me to go forward with my own system....so credit due! I have it working with only the starter battery right now waiting on some more 1/0 wire to tie the rear system in but I have worked out some of the bugs already....I found that in the mornings the alternator would be really putting out the voltage and I had to turn down the over voltage setting a bit so it wouldn't cycle the relays....now it's dialed in and will charge my batteries from my shore power, alternator and my solar array installed on my shell top! It's soooo cool
Dave
Attachments
02TahoeMD
Explorer
My National Luna install
I just got done installing my National Luna DIY Dual Battery setup on Monday. I got my kit from Sierra Expeditions. Pics of the install on my 2002 Chevy Tahoe, which had only one battery before last week -
And here is one of the remote control " in action "
The kit is easy to install, I spent more time trying to figure out where to hide the wires than the actual work of assembling it. Only observations: my install location is very tight for clearances with the hood and bracing brackets. So I ended up using battery terminals I got from Salvo Auto Parts instead of the ones with the kit. The ones with the kit have multiple bolts for tapping in accessories and they posed a potential for shorting the system. The Salvo terminals were lower profile, and enabled me to use the protective "boots" that I put on top.
Also, you will need some heat shrink tubing to clean up the clamp on connectors at the solenoid and fuse relays. Both housings allowed "bare" positive segments of the system to be exposed, which is a no-no for me. No biggie, all my stuff gets heat shrinked in my truck but it would have been nice if NL included it with the kit.
Other than those two very minor points, I love the kit. Very easy to put in.
I just got done installing my National Luna DIY Dual Battery setup on Monday. I got my kit from Sierra Expeditions. Pics of the install on my 2002 Chevy Tahoe, which had only one battery before last week -
And here is one of the remote control " in action "
The kit is easy to install, I spent more time trying to figure out where to hide the wires than the actual work of assembling it. Only observations: my install location is very tight for clearances with the hood and bracing brackets. So I ended up using battery terminals I got from Salvo Auto Parts instead of the ones with the kit. The ones with the kit have multiple bolts for tapping in accessories and they posed a potential for shorting the system. The Salvo terminals were lower profile, and enabled me to use the protective "boots" that I put on top.
Also, you will need some heat shrink tubing to clean up the clamp on connectors at the solenoid and fuse relays. Both housings allowed "bare" positive segments of the system to be exposed, which is a no-no for me. No biggie, all my stuff gets heat shrinked in my truck but it would have been nice if NL included it with the kit.
Other than those two very minor points, I love the kit. Very easy to put in.