Can Someone Help With The Leccy Spec For My Camper Conversion Please?

[Teesix]

OK, I think I'm a bit closer to understanding what I need now. Thank you everyone for your help, it's very much appreciated.

@travelvolts

With regards to the DC-DC charger (in place of the Durite one). You've got the recommended Ablemail AMS with solar input and the Redarc 1240D which is 50 quid more on your site. The Redarc comes with some pretty positive reviews here. Is it worth the extra £50 over the Ablemail? Does it do much more than the Ablemail or does it do it in a better way?

Secondly, If I'm adding a Dc-Dc charger such as the Redarc, would you still recommend upgrading the Sergent 155 to something better?

My next consideration would be the solar panel(s). Would the Victron 100/30 controller meet my needs and does the Redarc or Ablemail AMS handle that end? What additional kit would I need to order? Such as having the ability to trickle charge the battery etc.

And lastly, if the convertors fit the 80ah gel battery mentioned above, would I need to replace the van starter battery with the same?

Thank you

 

[andys]

OK, I think I'm a bit closer to understanding what I need now. Thank you everyone for your help, it's very much appreciated.

@travelvolts

With regards to the DC-DC charger (in place of the Durite one). You've got the recommended Ablemail AMS with solar input and the Redarc 1240D which is 50 quid more on your site. The Redarc comes with some pretty positive reviews here. Is it worth the extra £50 over the Ablemail? Does it do much more than the Ablemail or does it do it in a better way?

Secondly, If I'm adding a Dc-Dc charger such as the Redarc, would you still recommend upgrading the Sergent 155 to something better?

My next consideration would be the solar panel(s). Would the Victron 100/30 controller meet my needs and does the Redarc or Ablemail AMS handle that end? What additional kit would I need to order? Such as having the ability to trickle charge the battery etc.

And lastly, if the convertors fit the 80ah gel battery mentioned above, would I need to replace the van starter battery with the same?

Thank you

The Victron 100/30 solar controller would be overkill, you'll never get 30A out of any solar panel you can fit on a T6. From experience I would say that a 75/15 will be plenty big enough.

 

[Teesix]

The Victron 100/30 solar controller would be overkill, you'll never get 30A out of any solar panel you can fit on a T6. From experience I would say that a 75/15 will be plenty big enough.

Thank you. That's really useful to know.

 

[Teesix]

Yep, typo on my side.

We now also have a couple of portble 100w Renogy Suitcase solor kits.

Well that's interesting. I've just had a google and they seem to be quite an ideal alternative to fixed solars but I think I'm still leaning towards the roof mounted panel due to the fit-and-forget aspect. The suitcase solars might prove to be a bit storage-space-robbing in the long run.

How do you get the charge back into the battery from those? What sort of additional kit do would I need?

 

[Dellmassive]

Well that's interesting. I've just had a google and they seem to be quite an ideal alternative to fixed solars but I think I'm still leaning towards the roof mounted panel due to the fit-and-forget aspect. The suitcase solars might prove to be a bit storage-space-robbing in the long run.

How do you get the charge back into the battery from those? What sort of additional kit do would I need?

They come with battery clamps or 12v socket adapter to just clamp onto the battery..

Or you could use quick disconnect like an anderson connector and have it hard wired and just plug in when needed.

You may want to upgrade the PWM solor controllers to a MPPT version if it was stand alone... or connect it to the Redarc or Ctek dc-dc.

 

[travelvolts]

OK, I think I'm a bit closer to understanding what I need now. Thank you everyone for your help, it's very much appreciated.

@travelvolts

With regards to the DC-DC charger (in place of the Durite one). You've got the recommended Ablemail AMS with solar input and the Redarc 1240D which is 50 quid more on your site. The Redarc comes with some pretty positive reviews here. Is it worth the extra £50 over the Ablemail? Does it do much more than the Ablemail or does it do it in a better way?

Secondly, If I'm adding a Dc-Dc charger such as the Redarc, would you still recommend upgrading the Sergent 155 to something better?

My next consideration would be the solar panel(s). Would the Victron 100/30 controller meet my needs and does the Redarc or Ablemail AMS handle that end? What additional kit would I need to order? Such as having the ability to trickle charge the battery etc.

And lastly, if the convertors fit the 80ah gel battery mentioned above, would I need to replace the van starter battery with the same?

Thank you

The only difference between the Ablemail and the Redarc is output. The Redarc is 40 amp and the Ablemail is 30 amp. With either of these you won't need a solar controller at all as it is built in. You can still use the Sargent if you like the aesthetics of it but I recommend fitting a better mains charger like the Victron IP65 12/10 or 12/15 (depending on battery choice) BlueSmart chargers.
The van battery and leisure battery do not need to be the same. I would however suggest that you go for a larger battery or even two batteries if you want long periods off grid. The FLPRO150 solar panel should be sufficient for your needs.

 

[Teesix]

The only difference between the Ablemail and the Redarc is output. The Redarc is 40 amp and the Ablemail is 30 amp. With either of these you won't need a solar controller at all as it is built in. You can still use the Sargent if you like the aesthetics of it but I recommend fitting a better mains charger like the Victron IP65 12/10 or 12/15 (depending on battery choice) BlueSmart chargers.
The van battery and leisure battery do not need to be the same. I would however suggest that you go for a larger battery or even two batteries if you want long periods off grid. The FLPRO150 solar panel should be sufficient for your needs.

That's just perfect. Thank you!!

 

[Teesix]

They come with battery clamps or 12v socket adapter to just clamp onto the battery..

Or you could use quick disconnect like an anderson connector and have it hard wired and just plug in when needed.

You may want to upgrade the PWM solor controllers to a MPPT version if it was stand alone... or connect it to the Redarc or Ctek dc-dc.

Much appreciated Dellmassive.

Looks like I'm almost there now. The shopping list gets ever longer though lol