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07-02-2016, 05:54 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Solar is happening
 http://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/me...cture6416.jpeg
400w Renogy system showing up in 4 days. Hopefully this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship
Sorry can't figure out how to make picture show up
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-03-2016, 07:24 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Here, let's try this. Sorry , new guy learning forum
Test fit went well. I'll be mounting the box today and begining to get all the wiring connected. It took forever to find a box to fit 4-6v batteries that wasn't going to cost me a fortune. My goal is to have battery bank completed so when the panels show up Wednesday I can be that much closer to complete.
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-03-2016, 08:16 AM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL area
Posts: 5,196
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Welcome to SOLAR... Once you start you are hooked. Sounds like a nice system you are putting together. What batteries did you get? Ah?
Don't forget to put some air vent holes in the box and a few drain holes in the bottom... If you get a chance can you document your installation with pictures and post them on the RVing with SOLAR Social Group (I believe you were the 99th member to join). A parts list would be a nice post, step by step documentation and a schematic of the install, so would be SOLAR purchasers can see what is involved.
In the RVing with SOLAR Social Group there is a post on the proper way to hook up batteries to get the most out of them.. also interesting reading.
Good Luck in setting up your system... if you need any information just yell
Don
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07-03-2016, 08:22 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Thanks for the input! I'll definitely make this a running thread. I tried to start a duplicate one in our solar group but the add picture option wasn't available over there? Additional options didn't have the manage attachments button to add pictures to my post?
I figure it's the least I can do for all the help I've gotten from others posts in the short time I've been a member.
I went with the Duracell 215ah 6v batteries. After literally days of trying to find the correct box to house the bank I found the tongue box at Harbor Freight. It fits like it was made for my trailer and was only $68 compared to the hundreds of dollars I was seeing elsewhere. Sure, it's not a heavy duty beast, but it's metal, locks and fit these so well you honestly can barely get a sheet of paper between them they fit so tight
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-03-2016, 08:41 AM
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#5
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Clearwater, FL area
Posts: 5,196
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Don't forget to add an extra 240 lbs to your tongue weight for the batteries.. minus the original batteries weight. Not sure as to how much the battery box weighs. All numbers that need your attention.
Don
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07-03-2016, 09:18 AM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: smithville, ont.
Posts: 2,682
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Like Mustang said, one you start you're hooked.
I started with a single 260w panel two weeks ago...now I'm putting another 260 up.
Then I'll get more batteries..then upgrade the controller. Get a moniter panel. Maybe do some wire changes.......yep hooked.
__________________
2016 North Point 341RLTS
520watts of solar. Morningstar MPPT
4 6volt 235ah Surrette batteries
2017 F-350 Platinum CC SRW
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07-04-2016, 02:40 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Ok, started building the box now that I know batteries fit. First thing was to add a weatherproof wire box to the back for the trailer wires to access battery bank.
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-04-2016, 02:44 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Then I cut up a fatigue mat to line the bottom of box to cushion batteries and provide a nice base for them to sit on.
Just built a "tray" to support box better on trailer tongue and waiting for paint to dry.
Sorry for the multiple posts. I took many more pictures but when I try to post them with captions in one post it only shows one picture when I post it. I browse pictures, upload them all, select submit post, and one picture shows up....frustrating...
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-05-2016, 04:46 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Ok supports welded to frame and box mounted to trailer. Trailer is wired into new battery bank and working like a champ. Can't wait for solar panels to show up and finish this install.
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-05-2016, 04:47 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Nice and sleek like I was made to be there. Got so lucky on this fit!
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-05-2016, 05:03 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: smithville, ont.
Posts: 2,682
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That is nice box!
__________________
2016 North Point 341RLTS
520watts of solar. Morningstar MPPT
4 6volt 235ah Surrette batteries
2017 F-350 Platinum CC SRW
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07-05-2016, 05:06 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Quote:
Originally Posted by klassic
That is nice box!
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That's what I'm going to let everyone believe! It's a cheap $68 Harbor Freight tongue box that happened to be the exact size of 4 batteries! Find of the month for me!
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-05-2016, 05:14 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: smithville, ont.
Posts: 2,682
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I think I paid about that for a crappy plastic box for 2 6v years ago. That is a good deal. Is it metal?
__________________
2016 North Point 341RLTS
520watts of solar. Morningstar MPPT
4 6volt 235ah Surrette batteries
2017 F-350 Platinum CC SRW
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07-05-2016, 05:48 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Metal and has a lock on it. It's not the most robust box ever, but perfect for what I'm using it for. I'll never be in and out of it other than to add water to the batteries
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-09-2016, 09:05 AM
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#15
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Alright, nice weather so it's back to the project. Hopefully by the end of the day this system will be in? For future reference, 400w of Renogy solar panels fit a 2016 23RB like they were made for it!
There is actually room for 2 more panels if I got crazy and wanted to go 600w in the future.
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-09-2016, 10:30 AM
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#16
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,726
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NICE but I bet you never thought about having to tilt them incase you go away in the winter.
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days /2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
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07-09-2016, 11:14 AM
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#17
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: King George
Posts: 2,761
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I guess this is the Harbor Freight box you picked up...
2-1/4 cu. ft. Steel Trailer Tongue Box
Sure like the price... $89... I don't think the 35-inch width will be enough for me however...
Looks like I am going to need one of those 48-inch Side Mount Boxes for my four each GC2 6VDC batteries for my planned setup... These are around $250
Roy Ken
__________________
Roy and Carolyn
I claim Horse Creek Country in Southern Ill - Momabear is from North Texas
We live in King George VA
RETIRED DOD DOAF DON CONTRACTOR Electronics Tech 42YRS
"We're burning daylight" - John Wayne
2008 STARCRAFT 14RT OFF-ROAD POPUP with PD9260C and three 85AH 12VDC batteries
2010 F150 FX4 5.4 GAS with 3.73 gears - Super Cab - Towing Package - 2KW Honda EU2000i Gen
K9PHT (since 1957) 146.52Mhz
"We always have a PLAN B"
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07-09-2016, 11:38 AM
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#18
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: King George
Posts: 2,761
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Are these the four GC2s DURACELLs you are using... I'm surprised you got them in your Harbor freight box ok... I may have to re-think my high dollar Truck Side Mount Box...
https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/sligc110
Roy Ken
__________________
Roy and Carolyn
I claim Horse Creek Country in Southern Ill - Momabear is from North Texas
We live in King George VA
RETIRED DOD DOAF DON CONTRACTOR Electronics Tech 42YRS
"We're burning daylight" - John Wayne
2008 STARCRAFT 14RT OFF-ROAD POPUP with PD9260C and three 85AH 12VDC batteries
2010 F150 FX4 5.4 GAS with 3.73 gears - Super Cab - Towing Package - 2KW Honda EU2000i Gen
K9PHT (since 1957) 146.52Mhz
"We always have a PLAN B"
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07-09-2016, 05:11 PM
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#19
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Seann45
NICE but I bet you never thought about having to tilt them incase you go away in the winter.
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I considered the fancy tilting mounts but as little energy as we are drawing with our little trailer and the amount of aH stored in my batteries and the 400w worth of panels....didn't seem necessary.
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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07-09-2016, 05:12 PM
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#20
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Indiana
Posts: 1,424
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RoyBraddy
I guess this is the Harbor Freight box you picked up...
2-1/4 cu. ft. Steel Trailer Tongue Box
Sure like the price... $89... I don't think the 35-inch width will be enough for me however...
Looks like I am going to need one of those 48-inch Side Mount Boxes for my four each GC2 6VDC batteries for my planned setup... These are around $250
Roy Ken |
That looks like the one!
__________________
1999 Suburban 2500 4x4
2016 Jayflight 23RB Elite, Fiberglass, Polar Package
400w Renogy RV solar kit w/ Bluetooth, 100w Renogy solar suitcase
430 amp/hr 6v battery bank
1000w Renogy hard wired inverter
2011 F350 Lariat, DWR 4x4, 6.7 turbo diesel
2017 Open Range, Mesa Ridge 374BHS
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