4x4 Action Group

Grips has very valid point when he talks about modifying a system down the line. As you needs change or you find that a slightly different configuration will work better for different types of outings, you can modify your design. Another way is to have a modular system that you can configure for a specific trip.
This type of design and build is what I enjoy building for customers.

Mad Manny wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 12, 2023 10:07 am

Ian is an IT Guru

Just fixing it. It messes with my OCD

Also: extraordinaire

Wired up charge controllers over the weekend - it is a little messy (I await Manny's disparaging comments) but I'll neaten it up when I remove the panels again for carpeting after this trip...

The packing system is done, but I am rebuilding my aux electrical system at the moment. I'll post more details on it when I finish it, as I do not have much time before I leave.

I've colour-coded the plugs so that it is idiot proof. Well, I presume it is idiot proof. I've still got to find an idiot to test this theory with though...

Yellow == PV input.
Red == Alternator input.
Blue = Fridge output.
Black == Output from charge controllers to aux battery.

iandvl wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 14, 2023 9:06 am

I've still got to find an idiot to test this theory with though...

Manny is a good idea then.

Since I've now got the DC-DC charger, my NL battery box was redundant. It's also been annoying me. The plugs and everything are on the side, so it's always been a mission plugging things in etc. It's also massively big. So I acquired a Voetspore battery box - just the bare box with no internals... It's nice. It has lugs for bolts - so I've bolted it to the steel from of the packing system. And the place where the plugs come in fit on the ends. Even better - the side the plugs are are interchangeable. So you can decide which side you want the stuff on. It has space for a hella plug, a lighter plug and three brad harrisons.

I wired it up over the weekend. Naturally, I've got a strip fuse as close to the positive as possible, a positive bus and a negative bus. Two of the BH plugs are wired to provide input from the MPPT and DC-DC chargers. The other BH is output for the fridge. It's super basic currently - no controller bits so I will need to rely on the fridge settings to prevent it from discharging too much etc. Overall, I am happy.

When I get back from this trip though, I'll make some changes to the setup. I need something to prevent running down the aux battery too much. I'd also like to include a few USB charging ports and a voltmeter. And I must also neaten up the wiring on the side of the packing system.

I do need to get a new Aux battery though, as my current one is over 5 years old and is starting to give problems. I'll do that sometime this week.

Anyways, all is good to go for this trip. In a week I'll be somewhere between Kuruman and Augrabies.

Lekker Ian. Looking good.

My grinder used to make me a good welder...

However I figured out that sikaflex or pratley steel does the job as well. Sikaflex even allows you to cover the weld with fish scale pattern

But looking good Ian

Always fun doing the ongoing upgrades and changes as your power needs change