Placement of electronic devices

CharlieRN · August 2021

I'm looking for recommendations on where to mount my Victron DC:DC charger and Smart Shunt. I'd like mount both in the tub with the battery since that location provides plenty of air circulation, not to mention easy access. Mounting on the aluminum tub wall would make for a great heat sink. My worry is water intrusion. Neither device is supposed be exposed to water, and there seems to be a fair amount of it that intrudes when the T@B is towed in the rain.

Using a waterproof container to mount will cut air circulation, though that may not matter much if they are affixed to the wall of the tub. What have other folks with 320's done? Are there other locations that would be better?

CrabTab · August 2021

@Nursejoe Here is a link to the IP rating chart showing the dust and moisture resistance rating system.

IP Rating Chart | DSMT.com

Check the IP rating of the Victron components you want to install. I was confident that my Victron solar controller (rated IP43) would be safe in the tub after checking all this out.

Edit: I did fill in most of the open back wall of the tub on my 2019 boondock tub to make it more water tight.

BrianZ · August 2021

@CharlieRN
See here about the conformal coating I used to protect the BMV shunt circuit board from humidity/condensation, and on page 2 a photo of the box I mounted my shunt in..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7779/no-12v/p1
Also, see here for photos of the box inside the tub, and another similar box mounted next to it with bus bars for all the connections & fuses..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/8051/battery-spaghetti-fix-bus-bars

CharlieRN · August 2021

CrabTab said:

@Nursejoe Here is a link to the IP rating chart showing the dust and moisture resistance rating system.

IP Rating Chart | DSMT.com

Check the IP rating of the Victron components you want to install. I was confident that my Victron solar controller (rated IP43) would be safe in the tub after checking all this out.

Edit: I did fill in most of the open back wall of the tub on my 2019 boondock tub to make it more water tight.

Thanks for the tip. The Victron DC-DC charger also has IP43 rating, which per the chart means "Protected from water spray less than 60 degrees from vertical." Most of the water intrusion in the tub is through the cutouts for the propane and electrical power on the back wall, and so water is not pouring in. An IP 43 rating is probably enough, but I think I my rig up splash curtains over the cutouts to reducing water intrusion a bit further.

The SmartShunt is rated IP21, so is not waterproof and will need to be mounted in a dry location or in a weather proof box.

CharlieRN · August 2021

BrianZ said:

@CharlieRN
See here about the conformal coating I used to protect the BMV shunt circuit board from humidity/condensation, and on page 2 a photo of the box I mounted my shunt in..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/7779/no-12v/p1
Also, see here for photos of the box inside the tub, and another similar box mounted next to it with bus bars for all the connections & fuses..
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/8051/battery-spaghetti-fix-bus-bars

Thanks @BrianZ - the illustrations & links were very helpful. I think I'm going to mirror the installation you used for the shunt.

Mouseketab · August 2021

I mounted my DC-DC charger in the truck bed that currently has a vinyl toneau cover, but I have a full shell on order.

Placement of electronic devices

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