I finally pulled the trigger on two, 6V AGM batteries that I will install this weekend. I also have a new Victron battery monitor, factory solar and a second, suitcase solar panel. I think I'm clear on wiring, but want to make sure. My plan is to:
-Remove the factory ground wire (looks like 10 Ga) from the existing negative battery post and connect it to the 'load' side of the shunt. I do not plan on running a new wire from the terminal box under the tongue unless I need additional length.
-Connect a new wire from the 'battery' side of the shunt to the new negative battery post.
-Reconnect the factory solar wires directly to the new battery positive and negative posts (not to the shunt).
-Connect the new suitcase solar wires from the controller to the new battery positive and negative posts (not to the shunt). I will include a fuse holder in the positive wire.
Does this seem correct?
Thank you in advance!
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South Carolina
cheers
I previously installed dual Renogy 100 panels and their PWM controller. Routed wires down the side & directly into the tub where I mounted the controller. Wired directly to battery.
Want to upgrade to a new Victron smart controller but their instructions call the DC load to be wired separately from the battery.
Unclear if I need to run some additional wire or can I just wire to the battery that also goes to the load and to the Ac to DC converter / battery charger when plugged in. I currently have the old PWM controller wired directly to the dual batteries and it works fine.
Do you also have & recommend a shunt be added? I have seen the threds about the cheaper one as well as Victron. Seems like victron will integrate directly into the app. though more expensive than the chinese one with a wired meter. Nice to not have to run wires through the t@b...
I do check voltage on the standard installed instrument panel regularly and do not have large loads or use an inverter to ac. I do have a small automotive inverter but have never found need to use it.
In case needed, I also have a portable solar panel and 300w solar generator that we could use if rv batteries are drained too low so we can use our CPAPs on DC with heat/humidity turned off.
We also usually alternate few days disbursed and elect / amenities. Getting ready for a full month out to Tetons & Yellowstone from VA in couple weeks(mostly with electricity but a few boondock nites scattered while traveling). Getting ready for Arizona in Feb-March timeframe where we are likely to do more disbursed & alternate pattern.
Happy RVing.
Love our T@b .
Maybe see you at Tabizona? Bob & Dianne
1. Your 2 batteries will still charge by the TV 7 pin as long as you have a charge wire installed and your TV is capable. Some newer TVs limit the available charge sent back to the TaB.
2. The factory installed voltage monitor will still work.
3. As noted above, voltage is not an accurate way to monitor battery SOC. The advantage of using a shunted monitor is to be able to know your true SOC. To use voltage as an indicator, you must disconnect all loads and rest the battery up to 24 hours according to some resources.
Here is a picture of 2 batteries in series and how you should attach a charger. Same applies to the wires that come off the solar charge controller. These are 12v batteries, but the same applies to 6v batteries.
More or less forget that it is two 6V batteries once they are connected in series you can think of it as one 12V battery.
The important thing to remember is that on this new 'virtual' 12V battery, the negative and positive terminals are the ones on the battery that aren't interconnected with the two batteries.
So use the negative terminal that isn't intercconnected on one battery, and the positive terminal that isn't interconnected on the other battery - this ensures all power flows through both batteries.
2023 Honda Ridgeline RTL-E with Redarc Trailer Brake Controller
Ken / 2023 Tab 400 “La Bolita” (20,000+ miles) / 2021 Honda Pilot
2024 - 1 Trip - 20 nights - 3 National Parks, 2 National Forests
CARTINTS Set of 3 Collapsible Food Storage Containers Collapsible Silicone Bowls, Silicone Lunch Containers with Airtight Lids, Microwave and Freezer Safe, 500ml.
We tore up the bottom of the silicon container putting wires thru but filled with silicon bath sealant... Not neat but very functional. Bolted the shunt thru bottom of container directly to the plastic tub. Note dual size 24 deep cycle batteries. Not expensive from Batteries Plus. I avoided dual purpose marine batteries because they are also designed as starting batteries rather than dedicated deep cycle. We dont care about CCA cold cranking amps.
I don't believe you should be covering and sealing your Victron controller as shown in your picture. I recall the instructions say to install vertically, as you've done, and ensure there is clearance above the unit to convective cooling air flow. With your set up it may overheat and shut down.
2013 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6
Ken / 2023 Tab 400 “La Bolita” (20,000+ miles) / 2021 Honda Pilot
2024 - 1 Trip - 20 nights - 3 National Parks, 2 National Forests