Our batteries dipped below 50% before we finally moved elsewhere and were able to get some sun. We were in the deep woods, and the weather was also overcast. Click here for DC UPS controllers for cars and buses. Click here for a solid state 80 amp battery isolator, 12V or 24V. It also prevents the starting battery from being run down by your equipment when the engine is off. When you use more than 1 battery in your car, you want to isolate them when the engine is not running. Battery isolator (or split charge relay) allows an auxiliary battery to be charged by the vehicle’s system, yet not participate in engine starting. But we still ran into battery discharge problems after only a few days in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This 200 amp relay can be used as a battery isolator.
Our system is pretty big: we have three 100-watt panels on our roof and another one in the trunk that we set up and plug in while boondocking, and two 155ah batteries (310ah total). After that, you'll probably need to drive around a bit to charge your batteries. The isolator by itself would make the most sense if you're doing shorter (2-3 day) trips. But if you tend to stick to sunnier areas and you plan on staying put for several days, solar could help you keep a charge. If you're mostly in the deep woods or other shaded areas, the solar might not do you a whole lot of good. I would say it all depends on how long you'll be stationary and where you'll be camping. When you use more than 1 battery in your car, you want to isolate them when the engine is not running. I need to see a diagram of a system that uses them both or something to help visualize what I want to do. This 200 amp relay can be used as a battery isolator. Will the charge controller know not to over charge my batteries? Will the isolator overcharge my batteries if the solar panels are active while I'm driving? I'm so confused.
#Battery isolator relay for 3 batteries series#
The Charge Mate series connects both batteries during charging and keeps them isolated when.79. I'm left with questions like: will the solar mppt charge controller know the isolator is on while I drive? Where do I connect the wire running from the starter battery to the house batteries when there's an inverter and charge controller already tied in. The second battery, however, also has to be charged regularly.
#Battery isolator relay for 3 batteries how to#
I totally understand how to put together one or the other. Ideally I'd like to run solar AND the isolator but I have no idea how to wire those into the same system. Basically I want to have a system that is kind of overkill so I'll never have to worry about running out of power. But, I'm worried about running out of power at camp (no I don't want to just go for a drive after settling in) or mucking up my house batteries by depleting them to much. I feel like using a battery isolator instead (the cheaper option) will fix this issue. But, because I'm only gonna be using my rig for camping and road trips a few times a year I don't know if installing a solar system is worth the investment. Ok, so I've bought two 12v 100ah batteries that I need to charge in my van.