2023 Tab 400 Battery & Solar Upgrade

aquadgolf13

Wanted to share our recent project:

We needed more battery capacity to run the refrigerator while boondocking and considered adding an additional Battle Born battery, but given the sale price of the 314ah Epoch Eco ($499) opted to save the $ and run one larger battery vs two in parallel. Went with a non-heated battery because I could not think of a use case where the heat feature would be needed given the battery is under the bed, inside the trailer. 

With the added battery capacity, it should allow boondocking for 3-4 days with zero sun and indefinitely with some sun. Previously, we could go maybe 1.5 days running the refrigerator with no sun. 

 - Added 314ah Epoch Eco Battery (non-heated) and removed the 100ah Battle Born (capped off wires for heat switch - can use for something different in the future, if desired)
 
 - Installed MRBF 300a fuse to positive terminal on battery for added protection

 - Installed BMV-712 Smart Shunt to monitor the battery and both solar controllers (opted for the BMV-712 for greater bluetooth range, but chose not to install display since the app is better) 
 
 - Installed On/Off breaker for the rooftop solar next to the battery on/off switch (ability to isolate rooftop solar for long-term winter storage and towing in cold temps instead of relying on the BMS to protect cold-temperature charging)
 
 - Installed Victron MPPT 100/30 in cargo compartment (previous owner installed sae solar port next to cargo compartment but no solar controller - this will allow use of our Zoupw 350w portable solar panels 
 
 - Disabled tow vehicle charging from 7 pin connector (no longer need to disconnect from tow vehicle during overnight stops + added protection vs relying on the BMS to protect the battery from charging during winter towing) 

I used a local RV solar/electrical business to help with the plan & install.  





 

AnOldUR

It appears that you have the negative wire from your solar controller going directly to the battery negative post instead of through the shunt. If that's the case, the shunt will not account for power coming from solar.

aquadgolf13

Shoot - you’re right. Will get that fixed. Thank you 🙏 I think I’ll move the shunt on the battery side to shorten cables and clean up as well