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Njg · 05-20-2017, 11:38 AM

I have to admit that the video on AM solar about the VHB is compelling. Tape and sikaflex it is... thanks all for your help!

lewster · 05-21-2017, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Njg

Thanks for that information! My plan was to use the VHB tape but then screw through that and cover the whole base with dicor. How long were the screws you used?

Also, lew, if I am sticking with the Airstream supplied lifelines for now, what settings on the victron MPPT to you recommend? One of the canned settings or custom settings. I have the Bluetooth attachment so can readily change them.

I would suggest the Blue Solar 100/30 so you have the capacity for a potential of 400 watts. Also get the Blue Tooth Dongle so you can program and monitor the controller from your phone. The BMV=702 is also a superior battery monitor!

Mcrid · 05-21-2017, 09:11 AM

Totally agree with Lew. Here is mine and I have a few screen shots of the Power Connect App. Really cool.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f240...ml#post1949787

FlyFishinRVr · 05-21-2017, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewster

The BMV=702 is also a superior battery monitor!

Except you have top pull new phone cable through the coach from the controller in the back up to the monitor panel. That's the one reason why I went with the Renogy so I could just re-use the existing Cat5 ethernet cable that AS pulled for the Atkinson.

Njg · 05-21-2017, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewster

I would suggest the Blue Solar 100/30 so you have the capacity for a potential of 400 watts. Also get the Blue Tooth Dongle so you can program and monitor the controller from your phone. The BMV=702 is also a superior battery monitor!

I am using that exact equipment minus the BMV702. Didn't see a need for the monitor with the capabilities of the Bluetooth dongle and smartphone interface. Am I missing anything?

FlyFishinRVr · 05-21-2017, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Njg

I am using that exact equipment minus the BMV702. Didn't see a need for the monitor with the capabilities of the Bluetooth dongle and smartphone interface. Am I missing anything?

The BMV702 is a nice piece of kit because it comes with a shunt that will allow you to monitor your current draw out of the batteries. With the gear you currently have (and most of the rest of us too, except for those who have totally redone their power systems), you are only seeing voltage.

The good news is you already have the other Victron bits, so if you ever decide to add this, it's fully compatible with what you've already got. Victron definitely has their act together when it comes to power control and monitoring.

EA-6B · 05-22-2017, 10:52 AM

What a great design. I have recently added 300 watts of Solar, new wiring and added a new Victron solar controller to my 2016 Interstate Grand Tour with the help of AM Solar and now looking to increase my battery capacity. You mentioned you designed the new battery trays pictured in your post. Would you be willing to share the drawings/dimensions and pass on the firm that manufactured your trays? I would like to duplicate your success. Thanks!

73shark · 05-22-2017, 10:59 AM

EA-6B: Welcome to the Airforums.

Boxster1971 · 05-23-2017, 01:20 AM

EA-6B - that's the Navy aircraft I flew for over a decade! Welcome to the forum.

EA-6B · 05-23-2017, 09:49 AM

Boxster1971 (Mike),

Same here. 17 years at NUW. VAQs 138, 140, 129, 137 and CMVWP. Lots of cruises and good memories. Thanks for the welcome to the forum. Steve

Ryoungca · 09-14-2017, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayP

I was inspired by Boxster and did the 4 battery 6v series/parallel install. I installed two in the same place as the originals and then two in the same place curb side. The original boxes were not large enough so I designed and had made larger boxes of very similar design as the originals but wide enough to hold 2 batteries each.

I'm looking to make the same battery addition as JP -- 4 AGMs under the coach. Looks like I can order 4 cases through my Airstream dealer or have 2 larger cases built to accommodate 2 x 6 volt AGMs each. JP: Do you have a source for the larger cases?

pearlygurl · 01-17-2018, 11:37 AM

JayP. Would you pass on the company that made your under chassis battery boxes? You have designed an awesome set up and no sense reinventing the so called wheel.

Schmitte · 09-26-2018, 09:04 PM

Hi,
Thought I would revive this thread as I'm sure I'm not the only one looking for GT battery tray options.

As far as I can tell, it appears everyone is going through local custom fabricators, which I am willing to do, but interested if there are other (simpler) options

Thanks

Eric