Mounting 4 pound Solar Controller to Interior Wall?

[cru-in]

Good Morning,

I am planning to mount a Renogy 40 Amp MPPT Charge controller to the interior wall of my AS. I would like to place it where the current surface mount unit is (it would cover the hole, the wires are there, etc.). This is dead center between a set of ribs (a foot or two to either side).

The new charge controller is 8" x 11" and an ounce over 4 pounds.

I plan to install backing plates to spread the load.

What are your thoughts on mounting this heavy of a unit in this location?

Better alternatives to backing plates to spread the load over the thin interior skin?

10K miles down the road, will I be sorry I mounted it here?

Any other thoughts/inputs?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts/inputs.
Dan

P.S. Here is a link to the controller:

https://www.renogy.com/rover-li-40-a...ge-controller/

[dznf0g]

Where in the trailer in relationship to the axles? Very different answer if it is in the rear, vs over the axles or forward of the axles.

[57Vintage]

Are the existing MPPT wires coming from the hole? If so, since your new unit is wired on the bottom side and not the back. It may be better to mount the unit just above the existing hole. Less chance of wires fraying behind the unit and not being able to see it?? Just a thought, assuming this isn't out in the open where looks are important.

Also makes it easier to position backing plate(s) while mounting controller.

[cru-in]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Where in the trailer in relationship to the axles? Very different answer if it is in the rear, vs over the axles or forward of the axles.

Aww...that is a good question.

It is about mid way between the axles and the front coupler.

[cru-in]

Originally Posted by 57Vintage

Are the existing MPPT wires coming from the hole? If so, since your new unit is wired on the bottom side and not the back. It may be better to mount the unit just above the existing hole. Less chance of wires fraying behind the unit and not being able to see it?? Just a thought, assuming this isn't out in the open where looks are important.

Also makes it easier to position backing plate(s) while mounting controller.

Good thought. I could build a nice oak cover for the current hole. Have the wires exit out the top and directly into the Charge Controller mounted above.

Concur, that would allow easy install of the backing plates.

[waninae39]

we mounted all the power related electrical/electronics on a sheet of 3/4 plywood. prewired as much as we could. provide terminal blocks for wires coming in and leaving the board.
that is much easier to setup.

then simple mount the board in an easy to access area

our is under the bed, road side, front on our 22FB sport

[waninae39]

we mounted all the power related electrical/electronics on a sheet of 3/4 plywood. prewired as much as we could. provide terminal blocks for wires coming in and leaving the board.
that is much easier to setup.

then simple mount the board in an easy to access area

our is under the bed, road side, front on our 22FB sport

[dznf0g]

Originally Posted by cru-in

Aww...that is a good question.

It is about mid way between the axles and the front coupler.

I dont think that presents a problem at all. I would probably use rivnuts if I had any concern with skin wallowing out with rivets or sheet metal screws.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

Are we confusing the readout on the existing controller with the controller it’s self? Most controllers are mounted way off under / behind something.....

Bob

[cru-in]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

Are we confusing the readout on the existing controller with the controller it’s self? Most controllers are mounted way off under / behind something.....

Bob

Hi Bob,

Good question. I am considering mounting the controller on the wall. It is a rather nice looking unit with a display. Check out the link in the OP.

If done right, it will be as good looking as the current Surface mount charge controller whose hole it will cover up.

Thanks
Dan

[GMFL]

If I were you I would hide that controller because those wires coming into the bottom are not going to be easy to hide.
Then I would get the Bluetooth dongle for the charge controller and view all you information on a smartphone or iPad.
Use this link http://www.renogy.com?afmc=2t
and the Discount code AirstreamNutsandBolts to save 5%More

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by cru-in

Hi Bob,

Good question. I am considering mounting the controller on the wall. It is a rather nice looking unit with a display. Check out the link in the OP.

If done right, it will be as good looking as the current Surface mount charge controller whose hole it will cover up.

Thanks
Dan

Hi

You will have some *big* wires to the charge controller. The wiring to the "stock" display that goes on the wall is tiny compared to what goes to the controller. You also will need to pull those wires over to the area behind the wall .... yuck ....

Bob

[cru-in]

Originally Posted by uncle_bob

Hi

You will have some *big* wires to the charge controller. The wiring to the "stock" display that goes on the wall is tiny compared to what goes to the controller. You also will need to pull those wires over to the area behind the wall .... yuck ....

Bob

Good Morning Bob,


Your point is one of the reasons I am inclined to place it where the old one is.

This is an "aftermarket" install the previous owner had done by Airstream after he purchased the trailer. The previous owner purchased the components, defined the wiring requirements, took them to JC, and had them install it. It was designed for expansion. For instance, there are 6 AWG wires already run to the location from the battery compartment. So the wiring is literally just a connect. Placing it elsewhere would require running wires as you mention.

Thanks for the input
Dan

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by cru-in

Good Morning Bob,


Your point is one of the reasons I am inclined to place it where the old one is.

This is an "aftermarket" install the previous owner had done by Airstream after he purchased the trailer. The previous owner purchased the components, defined the wiring requirements, took them to JC, and had them install it. It was designed for expansion. For instance, there are 6 AWG wires already run to the location from the battery compartment. So the wiring is literally just a connect. Placing it elsewhere would require running wires as you mention.

Thanks for the input
Dan

Hi

So you have a very non-standard install. That makes it a bit hard to guess what's what. Still, I'd put the converter in the "normal" location by the DC bus and run a remote or BlueTooth to monitor / control it. The wiring runs are way shorter that way and the space taken up has no other real use. Best guess is that the wires you have already run past that part of the trailer.

Bob

[doughpat]

Originally Posted by waninae39

we mounted all the power related electrical/electronics on a sheet of 3/4 plywood. prewired as much as we could. provide terminal blocks for wires coming in and leaving the board.
that is much easier to setup.

then simple mount the board in an easy to access area

our is under the bed, road side, front on our 22FB sport

Would you mind posting some pics of your solar setup? Fellow 22FB owner here looking to start adding panels and all of the associated hardware...

[waninae39]

here are various before and after pics plus my Dc and Ac schematic

the three shut switches are for
1. solar off
2. front of AS off ( when we park so no one can lower the jack)
3. all DC off

these also help when working on the As safely