Going to replace the old flexible panel and wiring that prior owner had installed. Don’t think that panel is putting out more than 5w anyways. PO had the wire run down the side and into the top corner under the side panel, with some silicon smushed into it for water protection.
I just ordered rubber grommet kit and thinking about drilling hole into front fixed panel behind the cab. I’m assuming others have done this. Any tips on size hole/grommet for solar panel wiring? Did you have to add any rubber silicon to completely make the hole air/water tight? Recommendation on hole placement? I’m assuming below roofline to help with wind/water intrusion when driving.
I don’t have a GFC yet, but I’m going to be installing a solar panel on my current camper shell. Planning on using this. Maybe this will work for you so you don’t have to drill 2 holes. I’m planning on using the same setup whenever i do get a GFC
I bought one of those for my project but passed on it. Originally I was going to go through the honeycomb on the floor of the overhang but I was concerned that it would become one more maintenance item having to reseal based on some long term reviews. If you do use that style cover make sure you also install a grommet in the hole so you don’t cut up the wiring as there is no protection where the wiring pass through.
I went ahead and drilled a pair of quick holes in the aluminum instead with a step bit and used just the glands without the plastic cover.
Elliot, this is exactly what I was thinking but had only planned on using rubber grommets, not these ones you folks are all using, which appear much more secure and cleaner looking.
I have two 100 watt panels and only ran one wire. I also went with an Ecoflow Delta 2 because I want to be able to us it away from the pickup. I also have a 200 watt portable solar panel that I can use away from the pickup or if I am under a tree.
I only drilled one hole large enough that the connector fit.
The last photo shows a tiewrap. After sealing the grommet I put a tiewrap on both sides of the grommet to prevent movement from breaking the seal.
I know there are better compression fittings but Ace Hardware doesn’t sell them. LOL
I did it this way so I could easily unplug the panels and use them on my trailer if I needed some more juice. I bought the connector as part of a kit from Explorists.life. I have two 100 watt panels on top of my tent. I’m think about putting two more panels on a slide out shelf under the tent so I can get 400 watts total. More for the trailer than the truck though but then I could more easily run Starlink 24/7 from solar.
I use XT60 connectors a lot and they work well for me.
I bought my two sister’s EcoFlow River 2 pro’s and set them up with portable solar panels. All EcoFlow solar generators us XT60 connectors.
Make sure you have enough slack or a service loop on the cable so there is no tension on the plug.
FYI: The Delta 2 was adequate for camping but I liked being able to use it for other purposes.
The draw back was being able to charge it from the vehicle at 120 watts.
BUT now that has changed.
This year EcoFlow came out with a DC to DC charger for the Delta 2 and Delta 3.
Now with the vehicle running it will charge at 800 watts plus what the solar panels are putting out.
You can also reverse charge at 800 watts in case your vehicle battery is dead.
My hand is pointing to the DC to DC charger.
Thumbs Up for the Delta2
Wow, very cool set ups. My set up is much simpler. I only have three Jackery’s (300, 500 and 1500). And when I’m camping/hunting, I only take the 500 if I’m gone longer than a weekend and use my portable fridge. If I’m just gone for a weekend, I just use an ice chest. Even for hunting, I’m often okay with mountain house for meals, so a Jet Boil and water are sufficient. As far as panels, I have two portable folding 100w panels and a “portable” 200w (it’s a bit bulky). The 200w and Jackery 1500 pretty much stay home in case of a power outage. It’ll run a fridge or at least power my portable in the event of an emergency, so really, I just use the 300/500 and 100w panels when I’m camping.
As for wiring access, I drilled a small hole in the front panel. I have a 5/8" screw with a nut and washers (lock/flat), along with a rubber grommet on each side, to plug the hole when not in use. When I’m in camp, assuming I run a Jackery, I’ll put the panel on my truck roof, run cable down and in thru the hole and into the jackery which sits in my bed. And I just power or recharge stuff from there in camp. I know…very basic and primitive. But it works.
But other than my fridge, portable power is typically only needed for phone, Garmin (maybe) and lights. When I use to camp with my kids, I’d bring a speaker and my portable projector for movies at night, but that’s it and my 300 was more than enough. Just curious for those mainly doing short trips, what you guys are running that needs this much power? I completely understand if you’re going for week or more long trips, but even then, if it’s just a fridge, phone and lights, seems like a lot of power. I suppose it’s much more convenient. And then there is the fact that I’m an idiot with electrical.
I basically did same thing but with one single hole, plugged with 5/8" nut and bolt, with washers and rubber grommets. It fits the cable coming off my 100w portable panels perfectly.
I was thinking about the Jackery’s but decided on the Delta 2 because of being able to add additional battery packs for the Delta 2 in my house. Plus it is easy to strap down for ruff roads.
The only drawback, until this year, was the DC charging which was only 120 watts.
The DC to DC charger made the Delta 2 perfect for me.
I now don’t have to worry about power management as much.
To test the 800 watt DC to DC charger I actually put a space heater on the Delta 2 that draws 750 watt on low and started my pickup. Turned on the DC to DC charger via the phone app. I also switched the space heater to high which is 1478 watts.
Note: I drew the Delta 2 down to 67% for the test.
Check out the photo below.
FYI: This was only for test after I installed it last week.
I use a diesel heater when camping.
