Installing an Anderson connector on the side of van and caravan.

Gromett

Gromett

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I have a standalone Diesel tank for my diesel heater in the caravan and another for my van.
I was using a battery operated pump to transfer from the jerry can to the tank but they keep failing and take too long.
So I have ordered a really good one. these come with crocodile clips and I was originally thinking of having a small 12v battery to lug around with it and was thinking about a small carrier for them.

But then I decided to just install an Anderson connector on the side of my Van and Caravan as this would also be usable for the tyre pump and external work lights when needed.

I found this nice panel mount with cover and thought I would share. I know there is one other use but while typing this my brain just went blank and I can't remember.

I am just waiting for the pump and 50Amp midi fuses to arrive tomorrow then I will be cracking on with the install.


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The pump, I will be replacing the crocodile clips with the anderson connector obviously.

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One last thing. For those who don't know what an anderson connector is. It is a high current connector. The grey ones above are 50A. But you can get up to 350A (possibly more?)
Can be used for jump starting, winches and much more.
 
Gromett said:
Just remembered what else I am going to use it for. On my next van I will be installing an additional one for external solar panel hookup.
Click to expand...
That's exactly what I installed mine for (and for powering my 12v starlink) ! I didn't bother with the cover version. I added an aluminium backplate when uninstalled mine into the motorhome 'skirt'.

So it gives an output to 12v or allows an input from solar !

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Gromett said:
Just remembered what else I am going to use it for. On my next van I will be installing an additional one for external solar panel hookup.
Click to expand...
That's what I've done but not going to be drilling holes in it just connect it in a locker but may get one to save having the interior fly cable dangling about.
 
MisterB said:
So it gives an output to 12v or allows an input from solar !
Click to expand...
May I ask where the solar controller is in the set up? Is it on the panels? I have panels but no controller attached.
 
Unfortunately there are different versions that don’t fit, even though being same size/rating. Got a few bits to run off mine.
 
Cush said:
May I ask where the solar controller is in the set up? Is it on the panels? I have panels but no controller attached.
Click to expand...
It's in built into the folding solar panel ..

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Landy Andy said:
Unfortunately there are different versions that don’t fit, even though being same size/rating. Got a few bits to run off mine.
Click to expand...

There are different size and different colours. I mistakenly thought colour was an indicator of current rating.
Not so it seems. For example they make the 50A one in grey, red, yellow and a few other colours.

This is so you can colour code the application where you have more than one fitted. For instance on caravan you can have a grey one to charge the battery and a red one for the caravan traction control system. Both at 50A size.
 
I will be adding a red and a grey one to my van. The grey one will be an outlet to power the pump and the tyre compressor. The red one will be an input to supply the solar controller inside.
The red and grey are the same size 50A but are keyed differently.
 
I thought there must be a good description of the different types.
google helped.

www.ctals.com.au

Choosing The Right Anderson Plug Sizes

Confused about Anderson plug dimensions? Let the experts at Connector-Tech ALS help with recommended sizes for caravan, camping, solar & 4X4 applications.
www.ctals.com.au www.ctals.com.au

Size/Rating.
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Colours/Keying
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Cush said:
May I ask where the solar controller is in the set up? Is it on the panels? I have panels but no controller attached.
Click to expand...
On mine I've got tails out of the regulator that attatch to the panel via a 5m lead then regulator goes to battery bus bars with positive having a fuse near battery.
 
Gromett said:
PS: Posting the anderson cover because I wasn't aware of them until recently and in case you haven't seen it and could possibly do with one.
Click to expand...
Have to do something similar, with a plack water pump, that cover looks neat - is there an IP rating for it and the socket/plug?
 
AdrianChen said:
is there an IP rating for it and the socket/plug?
Click to expand...
I don't believe so. But anderson connectors are designed to be outside the vehicle. It has rubber seals for the cable ends so I am not concerned about water getting into the van.
 
AdrianChen said:
Have to do something similar, with a plack water pump, that cover looks neat - is there an IP rating for it and the socket/plug?
Click to expand...
You do raise a good point. Thinking about it I will probably pack some non setting mastic into the back of it after I have installed it.
It will completely water proof it but won't set to will be maintainable with some work.
I ordered some of this https://amzn.to/3CI4HdQ for fitting the covers onto the outside of the van and also to seal up my hookup socket I just installed as the panel is slightly curved where I installed it.
It's very good stuff but some people don't like it as it is not very pretty like white sikaflex. But I have never had a leak when I use this.
 
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Gromett said:
You do raise a good point. Thinking about it I will probably pack some non setting mastic into the back of it after I have installed it.
It will completely water proof it but won't set to will be maintainable with some work.
I ordered some of this https://amzn.to/3CI4HdQ for fitting the covers onto the outside of the van and also to seal up my hookup socket I just installed as the panel is slightly curved where I installed it.
It's very good stuff but some people don't like it as it is not very pretty like white sikaflex. But I have never had a leak when I use this.
Click to expand...
We always used Butyl for the deck and skin fittings on the boats, gave a very reliable seal and didn't act as an adhesive.

I do like the idea of using those Andersons and the covers though, but I might keep them inside - I would need the garage door open to get the pump out anyhow, and the black outlet that I want to pump from is right next to the door.

Thanks for the info
 
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I have just gone out to the workshop and brought a set into the van. I was going to try and take some pictures close up for you.
But due to them being all black and me being crap at photography I was not able to get a clear image.

Having looked at it closer I don't think the butyl/mastic will be necessary when it is closed.

The lid closes flush with the lip, and has an insert into the frame. I hope that makes sense. Basically the water would have to come in from a sideways direction, then move backwards to get inside.
Once inside it would take the gravity directed route down and there is a drainhole at the bottom where the bottom catch is.

However if you use mastic to seal the frame to the van then this would get blocked. So I plan to drill a small drain hole.

So, unless the drain hole got blocked and the whole thing was to fill with water (unlikely) then I can't see how water could get in when it is closed.

There is a rubber gromit to seal the back of the cable, but I think this is for the cable you are plugging in.

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I will still probably use the mastic on the inside to cover this gap which is about 1.5mm . Just to be on the safe side. I doubt it will be an issue as the lid will cover this when it is open. but belt and braces never hurt anyone :)

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Gromett said:
One last thing. For those who don't know what an anderson connector is. It is a high current connector. The grey ones above are 50A. But you can get up to 350A (possibly more?)
Can be used for jump starting, winches and much more.
Click to expand...
I used to use the grey anderson connectors, with a Ctec trickle charger. To keep my TVR car batteries topped up, good easy access to plug in.
 
Mart 63 said:
I used to use the grey anderson connectors, with a Ctec trickle charger. To keep my TVR car batteries topped up, good easy access to plug in.
Click to expand...

I have 3 different lead acid batteries to maintain and a single CTEK charger. I am using their own connectors.

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This site contains affiliate links for which MHF may be compensated.
This site contains affiliate links for which MHF may be compensated.
I'm thinking of getting an inverter for occasional use, just connecting to the leisure batteries as required. These connectors sound like they would be ideal for this.

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Whippet93 said:
I'm thinking of getting an inverter for occasional use, just connecting to the leisure batteries as required. These connectors sound like they would be ideal for this.
Click to expand...

You are not connecting it permanently then? At the risk of telling you what you already know. (If so I apologise)

If you do this make sure you use the right size Anderson.
They do 50, 120, 175 and 350Amp.

In wattage terms at 12v Nominal, that is 600 Watt, 1440 Watt, 2,100 watt and 4,200.

I would personally de-rate by 50%. so 300, 720, 1,000 and 2,000 watt.

Other than a sub 500 watt inverter I would prefer to use a hard wired connection and physically mount the inverter.

I personally don't like high power stuff that is not physically nailed down. Mobile devices especially at high power are more prone to problems and with the high currents we are talking about here, may be a fire risk?

Just my thoughts.

Others may have a different opinion though.
 

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