Truck electric system protection when charging batteries

**fez111** · 12-09-2020, 10:42 PM

Originally Posted by jmbopp

The charge line is fused, but it'll vary between vehicle manufacturers. I think my GM was 40A but the wiring was small gauge. You're better off running 2 gauge or heavier wire (or jumper cables) directly to the trailer batteries.

Our 2006 F250 SD has a 40 amp fuse as well...But I bypassed the relay so its hot all the time.

**wjpatter** · 12-10-2020, 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by DriverDon

I installed the 40A DC-DC charge controller from Redarc. It has separate input for solar panels, which I use with 2 portable 160W Renogy panels. The cable run in the truck, and from kingpin to charge controller was the most difficult part of the project.

Use high quality connectors! If you go with an Anderson style connector, pay the small difference in price for Anderson brand!

Can you post links to the equipment that you used? Did you pull two wires (Power & Ground) or rely on the chassis for return current?

**applewpb** · 12-10-2020, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by wjpatter

Can you post links to the equipment that you used? Did you pull two wires (Power & Ground) or rely on the chassis for return current?

I followed this installation method, using the Renogy 40a dc-dc charger to two Lion Energy Lithium batteries:
https://www.adventurousway.com/blog/...uck-12v-socket
The setup works seamlessly and the solenoid isolates the truck battery from my Solitude when stationary and the truck ignition is off. I ran one 4 awg wire from the solenoid to the back of my truck bed, and ran a short 4 awg to the truck frame as ground.
I also used Anderson connectors, and was able to run the trailer wires from my pin box to inside the front bay where the batteries are located.
Mark

**Jefferson Beifuss** · 12-10-2020, 10:50 AM

Originally Posted by wjpatter

Can you post links to the equipment that you used? Did you pull two wires (Power & Ground) or rely on the chassis for return current?

https://youtu.be/ww_4yhQPGwY This link also leads to Ray, from Love Your RV, who did the Renogy 40 amp DC to DC, used the frame ground, the Anderson connectors and has the Lion Lithiums. I just got my Lion Lithiums, so my adventure is just beginning!!

**applewpb** · 12-10-2020, 02:27 PM

FYI, the Lion Energy UT1300 2-pack are back on sale at Costco. I just purchased 2 additional batteries.

Mark

**wjpatter** · 12-12-2020, 04:59 AM

Originally Posted by Jefferson Beifuss

https://youtu.be/ww_4yhQPGwY This link also leads to Ray, from Love Your RV, who did the Renogy 40 amp DC to DC, used the frame ground, the Anderson connectors and has the Lion Lithiums. I just got my Lion Lithiums, so my adventure is just beginning!!

Thanks for the link. Good explanation but I thought his fusing sizes were cutting it close. I have the wire, connector, split wire conduit, and circuit breaker ordered. I've have the Renogy DC-DC Charger in my Amazon cart but haven't pulled the trigger. I need to review my requirements check list for the model I selected, specifically a solar controller combined and I want to think about 40 amp vs 60 amp. I think it's right but I've got a lot of data coming at me and double checking, normally not my style, maybe a good thing. I'm want to look at some way for splash guard /dust protection for the breaker even though it's water proof to a point. The several videos that I'm seen mount them exposed but I know the engine compartment can get pretty ugly.

I found an Aussie that did a pretty good job consolidating the process:
Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8F6A...tNwVJw&index=8
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ehQ...tNwVJw&index=9
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdd6pCjmNJg
Solar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouhvy9XE5wQ

Thanks
Bill Patterson

**NASCAR9** · 12-12-2020, 07:43 AM

This one I'm installing. It allows me to set that parameters with my phone and also monitor the charging. I can set a parameter to tell the charger not to turn on unless it sees xx.xx volts. I'll set mine at 13.2, that way I'll know the truck is running.

Click image for larger version.

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**wjpatter** · 12-12-2020, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by NASCAR9

This one I'm installing. It allows me to set that parameters with my phone and also monitor the charging. I can set a parameter to tell the charger not to turn on unless it sees xx.xx volts. I'll set mine at 13.2, that way I'll know the truck is running.

I saw that display on the video. Nice to have positive feedback. I wrote the name down and was going research it. Nice shopping lsit.
Bill Patterson

**wjpatter** · 12-12-2020, 03:22 PM

I've seen a number of videos that connect the DC /DC charger to the batteries after upsizing the wiring in the truck. None of these address the 10 gauge wire from the 7 pin connector. Does that remain connected? Won't that interfere with the truck battery charging system to have the higher voltage the the DC/DC charger is putting out?

**NASCAR9** · 12-13-2020, 04:13 PM

See my shopping list above
Finished wiring the truck, here are a few pictures. I was surprised how much structure I had to deal with in the rear where I mounted the plug, I needed to change how I was going to mount the plug originally.
It's all 2 gauge wire from the back to the front. The fuse used is a 60 amp, as was suggested by Victron.