Could someone help me wrap my head around some of this wiring for my motorbike trailer / camper so at least I know what I am talking about when I get it done professionally.
Sorry in advance if these are dumb questions !
I would like 2 inputs to charge the 12 volt battery (not simultaneously) one while we are out bush via a fold out solar panel, and another 240 inlet to give it a charge before leaving to go out bush.
Solar Input Fold out solar panel (250Watt), connect via extension to port on side of the trailer to 30 amp redarc regulator to battery.
240 Input Inlet side of trailer, to circuit breaker, to standard GPO, then battery charger to battery.
Question 1, looking to spend around $200-$300 on a charger, what would you suggest (redarc, projector, c-tek?)
Question 2, can I leave this connected all the time, given it wont ever be both connected, but I want to ask to have it hard wired to the battery, if there is charge coming from the solar panel would this do any damage to the charger? And vice versa if the battery charger is charging the battery can I leave the solar regulator hard wired to the battery, would the car charger do any damage to it?
Question 3, if yes could I just place a isolator switch in between the regulator and the battery and one between the car charger and the battery?
From the battery, I was going to go from the battery to an 8 port Narva switch with circuit breaker built in, then branch out to the things sucha as (fridge, dvd player, tv, usb ports, lights)
Question 1, does that seem straight forward or would you suggest something else?
Re a 240v battery charger it's very useful to have one with a recondition cycle and run it periodically. Many 'house' batteries are used regularly undercharged and a reco cycle can counter some of the damage.
-- Edited by Ziggy99 on Thursday 3rd of August 2017 05:58:26 AM
G'day Trooper,
I have a C-Tek DC-DC charger on my aux battery in the car. Redarc have the advantage of slightly higher current capacity (25A vs 20A), can tolerate higher under bonnet temperatures (so I mounted it just behind the grill of the car) & are made in Australia.
However when I bought my C-Tek, it was a two-three hundred dollars cheaper than the redarc. Both have solar inputs as well.
Warren
PS - don't feel shy about asking for help on this forum, I'm certain that you'll find the assistance you require either directly here or in the "Search" pages.
__________________
Warren
----------------
If you don't get it done today, there's always tomorrow!
I have a DCDC 1225 Redarc, it uses MPPT charging which is better than chargers supplied with most solar panels. If you check their website you will find examples of wiring diagrams. Essentially power input to the DCDC charger is controlled by a relay that when ignition is on it sources power feed from the alternator and when not it looks for a solar panel input. I have an Anderson plug at the front grill that allows me to connect to my solar blanket. Easy to do, if 240 charger use is required its clips go straight onto battery terminals. (rare occurrence) Hope this helps (look up benefits of MPPT charging) Brian
-- Edited by OutbackMK on Saturday 5th of August 2017 09:00:20 PM
-- Edited by OutbackMK on Saturday 5th of August 2017 09:00:52 PM
__________________
Brian & Nada retired and > "Ready to live the Dream" Live in the Shire!
76 series V8 Landcrab with Jayco Starcraft Outback Poptop
G'day Trooper, I have a C-Tek DC-DC charger on my aux battery in the car. Redarc have the advantage of slightly higher current capacity (25A vs 20A), can tolerate higher under bonnet temperatures (so I mounted it just behind the grill of the car) & are made in Australia. However when I bought my C-Tek, it was a two-three hundred dollars cheaper than the redarc. Both have solar inputs as well.
Warren PS - don't feel shy about asking for help on this forum, I'm certain that you'll find the assistance you require either directly here or in the "Search" pages.
thankyou Warren-pat
I dont think we would go out for longer then 1, 2 or 3 day at a time, hence prior to leaving i would just give it a quick charge with an extension lead from the house onto a 240vlt charger (extension lead connector, circuit breaker, GPO, battery charger, mounted in the trailer)
once we are out, i hope the battery without any charge would last around the 24-48 hr mark pending what is being used. so i have the fold out solar panel, just to give it a top up (solar panel, regulator, battery)
i dont want to connect it to the car battery, or have it wired to the car.
