I have it installed on the firewall behind the dash so you can’t see the unit itself but here are some shots. The Spod controls my accessories and is tied into the second battery 
I want to hook up a solar panel
- Thread starter Outdoordog
- Start date
Enthusiast III
Manager 30 is an expensive pice of kit just to hook up a PV panel
If you know your system is going to grow and you can foresee actually needing all the capability the Manager 30 offers then it’s for sure a great option.
I use their bcdc 1225 with the solar inputs and even that is much more than would be needed just to do a basic panel wireup.
It really all depends on how much you want to spend right now and how far you want to take the power system in the future.
If you know your system is going to grow and you can foresee actually needing all the capability the Manager 30 offers then it’s for sure a great option.
I use their bcdc 1225 with the solar inputs and even that is much more than would be needed just to do a basic panel wireup.
It really all depends on how much you want to spend right now and how far you want to take the power system in the future.
USStrongman
Rank V
Influencer II
To reduce space usage (though mounting to a hardtop RTT is brilliant) a tray design that slides out from under the roof rack is a great space saver. I've seen side mounts but with this pic, you get the idea:
Traveler III
I did my own dual battery set up with Slee equipment in my LX450. I do find if I leave my fridge plugged in fo a weekend without driving i have to use the “jump start” feature ( thank God for that) I spoke to Engle- fridge and to keep the batteries topped off I would need a 100w panel min. My question to anyone listening is, if I have a 12v outlet that is always live can I just plug my solar panel’s 12v plug into that to maintain my batteries vs. alligator clips under the hood?
Traveler III
I see Harbor Freight has a 100w panel W/ controller for $180 ish. Keeping my eye on sales. I hate the retirement income!!
Member III
I will likely mount under my roofrack, just without the sliders you have.
I'm wondering how I will hide the wires so they don't stick out.
Member III
Thanks for sharing the info and the link. I too am looking to install some solar; mine will be on top of a pop-up truck camper similar to the Palomino Rouge. Figure I can point the nose to the South and take advantage of the angled pop-up. I'll be doing some research but am looking to run a Maxair fan, dual zone refrigerator, some led lights, and some USB & 12v ports. Thinking also of picking up a 12v charger for the laptop so I don't have to add in a 110 v outlet (not certain on this part though).
Member III
On my LC, it has a gap between the tailgate and body of the truck. So I ran my cables down the side of the tail gate and down and up into the back of the Cab.
Enthusiast III
No, as far as I know one should not do that. The solar panel needs a solar charge controller (even the super cheap $15 pwm kind will be ok) between it and the battery. The charge controller should be attached to the battery to be charged though you could use alligator clips as a quick and dirty hook up while parked.
Traveler III
Enthusiast III
Exactly. I was mostly thinking that the panel and charge controller need to be wired right to the battery not to the 12v outlet. I could be wrong though. If anyone knows different I’d be interested in their opinion.
Traveler III
Hmm, might be important.. just makes me wonder why they include the two connection options of a 12v plug & alligator clips. Looks like I need to research more
Member III
Ok i got a 10 watt solar panel. The reviews say this is small enough to not need a controller, and has automatic shut off so it won't drain my battery.
Will be testing it on a dead battery as soon as we start getting some sun. The fires have the sun nearly blocked out with ash at the moment.
Will be testing it on a dead battery as soon as we start getting some sun. The fires have the sun nearly blocked out with ash at the moment.
Member III
So far this has not done much to the dead battery.
Its been about 4 days, and the voltage meter still is showing no signs of power.
Maybe the battery is too far to be revived.
Its been about 4 days, and the voltage meter still is showing no signs of power.
Maybe the battery is too far to be revived.
Enthusiast III
A ten watt panel won’t put out much juice. So it could be that there just isn’t enough amperage to boost that battery.
Member III
I have a fair amount of experience in using solar on two different vehicles. Depending on how far down the rabbit hole you want to go let me comment on your questions and suggest a few options.
First, to keep things simple you don't need to use a solar panel to charge your battery when you're driving. Your trucks alternator does this just fine. The issue is when you're camped and using things like a refrigerator or lights. If your use is not too extensive then you can just get a solar panel with a charge controller built in and use the clamps to hook up directly to the battery while your stationary. I have this panel and while not cheap it is one of the best on the market and very portable which is a huge plus for me. There are others available as well.
Bugout 130™ Solar Charger
Made in Boise, Idaho, see why the BugOut™ has become the standard for vehicle-based expeditions, military units, and others seeking high-output solar power in a rugged, portable package.
www.overlandsolar.com
If you find your need are more extensive then you'll need to get into a second battery system which ideally should involve a BCDC charge controller which automatically chooses either the truck or solar to properly charge your second battery. My favorite one is this...
BCDC Classic 25A In-vehicle DC Battery Charger
The REDARC BCDC1225D In-vehicle Dual Battery Charger is a 12 volt, 25A in-vehicle DC-DC battery charger designed to charge your secondary battery banks to 100% state of charge while on the move.*
redarcelectronics.com
You can get very involved in this field so I would suggest you read up on the pros and cons of how to best charge your batteries....
