AUSTRALIA'S ORIGINAL AND BEST CAMP OVEN AND OUTDOOR COOKING CAMPING AND LIFESTYLE FORUM

Reply #350 - Jun 6^th, 2021 at 11:19am

jclures Offline
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I have always had a fridge in the Nissan, but with using the camper I have used it more as a freezer/fridge. It is handy in the Nissan but I think it would be better to have it in the camper where it is easier to access when wanted.

So, I have decided to move it into the camper front storage area, along with the solar panels I had on the Nissan roof rack.
I have been slowly removing weight from the Nissan, as the Nissan weight when loaded with fuel and ball weight was Marginal.

I won’t be needing the solar on the Nissan anyhow now as I don’t have the fridge in it, and the extra 100w should help run the extra fridge on the camper batteries anyhow.

I had to lift the fridge draw runners to clear the door frame so I decided to make a 100mm high frame to sit the runners on.
I can fit under the fridge my water hose, air hose plus the bag of cables I have for my portable solar if I ever need to use them.

The solar panels should be easy to do as I already have the wiring running to the roof of the front storage area.

front_fridge_01.jpg (102 KB | )

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front_fridge_03.jpg (115 KB | )

front_solar_panels_01.jpg (74 KB | )

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Reply #351 - Jun 6^th, 2021 at 12:23pm

Derek Offline
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It fitted in nicely for sure.

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Reply #352 - Jun 7^th, 2021 at 7:12am

jclures Offline
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It fitted in well.
When I was building in the front storage area, I had considered fitting in the fridge in there, but never did it until now.
I will put a filter and a fan outlet into the side door for ventilation. This will work of the same system as the main fridge vent.

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Reply #353 - Jun 7^th, 2021 at 3:52pm

Derek Offline
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John, are you using MC4 connectors for your solar panels?? If so have you seen any rust/moisture in them??

Saw a post on a forum the other day where someone was complaining that the connectors inside the MC4 have rusted out.

Have never had a problem with mine but will climb up and pull them all apart when I get home to check.

I remember when I put mine all together I thought the waterproofing was quite good.

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Reply #354 - Jun 7^th, 2021 at 9:10pm

jclures Offline
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Yes, I am using MC4 connectors, and yes I have seen them rust. I have a panel I had on the shed just charging spare batteries that gave me trouble with rust.
I have been using dielectric grease in my plugs for some time now though and have had no trouble with them since using it.
https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/p/permatex-permatex-dielectric-grease-.33-oz/3...

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Reply #355 - Jun 7^th, 2021 at 11:09pm

Derek Offline
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Thanks for that John. I am still getting what looks like the same input from the solar as when I installed it and the motorhome is never garaged so subject to weather but worth checking out now I know.

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Reply #356 - Jun 9^th, 2021 at 8:55pm

jclures Offline
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I have fitted the last of the charging and battery up grades with the fitting of a Victron smart shunt. This unit is stand alone as it does not have any display options other than using blue tooth.
It was easy to fit into my system as I already had a buzz bar for all of my negative wires.
Once fitted it is now only a few steps to get the settings right.
It also has networked it self to the solar regulator to help with management of the system.
I have recently bought a small slow cooker, thanks Derek.

This has a draw of 150w, so I used it to do a test on how things are working.
I ran it on high for around three hours, drawing around the 150w of power using the inverter for power. It said when I finished the test, I used 33Ah in that time.
I also had no solar or chargers running in that time.

Smart_Shunt_test_01.jpg (81 KB | )

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Smart_Shunt_test_03.jpg (71 KB | )

Smart_Shunt_test_04.jpg (74 KB | )

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Reply #357 - Jul 30^th, 2022 at 10:42pm

jclures Offline
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280Ah LiFePo4 batteries
I have been planning a battery up grade for some time. I ordered 4 along with Daly 4s 150a BMS. I also bought a 5a active balancer to run alongside the BSM, this I thought only needs ti be used if I notice a drift in the battery balance once I have finished building my new battery.
I plan on fitting the 280Ah LiFePo4 batteries into this position where one of my old batteries are.
My first step was building the battery box to fit in the position I wanted, then to rebuild it around the batteries, using 3mm rubber around the batteries to protect them, and to put some compression on the batteries as well.
I have started now to charge the battery, but I am just keeping an eye on the balance of the batteries as they are charging up.

My_new_battery_01.jpg (129 KB | )

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My_new_battery_05.jpg (130 KB | )

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Reply #358 - Jul 31^st, 2022 at 6:00am

Kevvie Offline
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Hi John
Looking good. Good luck with it.
regards Kev..

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Reply #359 - Jul 31^st, 2022 at 9:00pm

Derek Offline
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Wow, big setup.

What brand batteries John.

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