R
Robert Clark
Deleted User
Whilst waiting for my new van to be registered in the UK and therefore stuck at home, I decided to use this time to carry out some essential as well as some none essential jobs.
Here's what I've done so far;
6 Leisure Batteries
We spend much of our time off grid, so battery capacity is important to us.
Our van was supplied with 1 leisure battery under the floor, which supplies the lighting, water pump etc, so I decided to add 6 Varta LFD 90's in the garage, on an independent circuit, simply to supply my inverter. The benefit of keeping the two sets of batteries separate is that when the inverter in drawing maximum current (about 125 amps) the led lights in the van won't dim.
The batteries are connected using 70mm cable, so I invested in a hydraulic cable crimper which made attaching the cable terminal lugs quick and easy. I also invested in a hot air gun as there was a lot of heat shrink sleeving to apply.
Total battery capacity is now 540a
Total project cost £837.21
Victron Battery Monitor
Knowing the state of charge of my leisure batteries is very important, so I've fitted a Victron BMV700 battery monitor, plus an optional bluetooth dongle which allows me to see how my batteries are performing on the Victron App.
Total project cost £179.08
600W Solar Panels
To help keep our 6 leisure batteries topped up we have invested in 5 solar panels from Photonic Universe. These have been fitted using aluminium brackets which I purchased from Ebay, the supplier cut them to the correct size at no extra cost. I chose a Victron MMPT 100/50 solar controller, which as an output of up to 50 amps and connects to an App on my phone which shows at a glance how the panels are performing.
When I tested the panels at 3pm this afternoon they were generating over 250w in October sunshine
The panels not only make optimum use of the space available on the roof, but are also very close together, meaning that I was able to run the cables on the underside of the panels ensuring that there is very little exposed cable and no cable trunking on the roof. I've connected the panels in parallel using 2 pairs of 6mm cables, which are then joined together before entering the solar controller in 10mm cable.
Total project cost £1,150.14
Sterling B2B Charger
I've installed a Sterling 60A battery to battery charger as the leisure batteries are independent of the factory fitted leisure battery and as such have no access to the on board charging system. I ran the cables from the engine battery to the garage by following the cable runs that the van manufacturer used. To make it easier working under the van I invested in a mechanics lie on trolley.
I also fitted a Sterling Battery Maintainer, which is a more powerful version of a Battery Master in that it charges at 3a. I have used this to trickle charge the single leisure battery from the battery bank that I fitted in the garage.
Total project cost £424.30
2kw Inverter
To enable us to enjoy life's little luxuries whilst on the move, I have installed a Victron MulitPlus Compact 12/2000/80-30 inverter charger. This manages the onboard 230V circuit, and in the event of EHU being lost instantly restores power and provides a stable 2k power supply.
It is switched by a remote control which I have mounted in a cupboard, allowing me to turn off the inverter when not in use. The inverter is connected to all the power points in the van and has a dedicated mini RCD consumer unit.
I also invested in a Victron Mk 3 interface which allows me to connect the inverter to my PC so that I can
Total project cost £1250.44
I'd like to thank @Lenny HB who helped me plan the project.
Projects still to be done;
Refillable gas bottles
Fit automatic washing machine
Fridge fans
Wine chiller
Smoke alarm and fire extinquisher
New curtains (Sadly Mrs C rejected the factory fitted ones)
Here's what I've done so far;
6 Leisure Batteries
We spend much of our time off grid, so battery capacity is important to us.
Our van was supplied with 1 leisure battery under the floor, which supplies the lighting, water pump etc, so I decided to add 6 Varta LFD 90's in the garage, on an independent circuit, simply to supply my inverter. The benefit of keeping the two sets of batteries separate is that when the inverter in drawing maximum current (about 125 amps) the led lights in the van won't dim.
The batteries are connected using 70mm cable, so I invested in a hydraulic cable crimper which made attaching the cable terminal lugs quick and easy. I also invested in a hot air gun as there was a lot of heat shrink sleeving to apply.
Total battery capacity is now 540a
Total project cost £837.21
Victron Battery Monitor
Knowing the state of charge of my leisure batteries is very important, so I've fitted a Victron BMV700 battery monitor, plus an optional bluetooth dongle which allows me to see how my batteries are performing on the Victron App.
Total project cost £179.08
600W Solar Panels
To help keep our 6 leisure batteries topped up we have invested in 5 solar panels from Photonic Universe. These have been fitted using aluminium brackets which I purchased from Ebay, the supplier cut them to the correct size at no extra cost. I chose a Victron MMPT 100/50 solar controller, which as an output of up to 50 amps and connects to an App on my phone which shows at a glance how the panels are performing.
When I tested the panels at 3pm this afternoon they were generating over 250w in October sunshine
The panels not only make optimum use of the space available on the roof, but are also very close together, meaning that I was able to run the cables on the underside of the panels ensuring that there is very little exposed cable and no cable trunking on the roof. I've connected the panels in parallel using 2 pairs of 6mm cables, which are then joined together before entering the solar controller in 10mm cable.
Total project cost £1,150.14
Sterling B2B Charger
I've installed a Sterling 60A battery to battery charger as the leisure batteries are independent of the factory fitted leisure battery and as such have no access to the on board charging system. I ran the cables from the engine battery to the garage by following the cable runs that the van manufacturer used. To make it easier working under the van I invested in a mechanics lie on trolley.
I also fitted a Sterling Battery Maintainer, which is a more powerful version of a Battery Master in that it charges at 3a. I have used this to trickle charge the single leisure battery from the battery bank that I fitted in the garage.
Total project cost £424.30
2kw Inverter
To enable us to enjoy life's little luxuries whilst on the move, I have installed a Victron MulitPlus Compact 12/2000/80-30 inverter charger. This manages the onboard 230V circuit, and in the event of EHU being lost instantly restores power and provides a stable 2k power supply.
It is switched by a remote control which I have mounted in a cupboard, allowing me to turn off the inverter when not in use. The inverter is connected to all the power points in the van and has a dedicated mini RCD consumer unit.
I also invested in a Victron Mk 3 interface which allows me to connect the inverter to my PC so that I can
Total project cost £1250.44
I'd like to thank @Lenny HB who helped me plan the project.
Projects still to be done;
Refillable gas bottles
Fit automatic washing machine
Fridge fans
Wine chiller
Smoke alarm and fire extinquisher
New curtains (Sadly Mrs C rejected the factory fitted ones)
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