Show me your external portable solar connector solutions

[growly_bear]

Hello everyone

I've just bought a Renogy 220W portable solar suitcase and a Victron 100/20 12v MPPT. The controller is inside a locker and I thought that I'd be able to close the door with the 4mm cables. But it's a little on the tight side, so I need to fit an external connection.

I'd prefer not to drill the side of the van and looking for something in/under the skirt which is waterproof.

What's the best way?

Thanks

 

[MisterB]

I installed an Anderson connector in the skirt and red the cables up into the battery locker. Works perfectly. I also use it to feed external 12v if needed (originally for the Starlink)

Post in thread 'Anderson Connectors - How to fit?' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/anderson-connectors-how-to-fit.301048/post-6147603

 

[growly_bear]

I installed an Anderson connector in the skirt and red the cables up into the battery locker. Works perfectly. I also use it to feed external 12v if needed (originally for the Starlink)

Post in thread 'Anderson Connectors - How to fit?' https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/anderson-connectors-how-to-fit.301048/post-6147603

Thanks, that looks great. Like this? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30471776...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

I'd need to find a white one though

 

[Ditcha]

I have used these sae connection with good affect.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/28593129...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

 

[MisterB]

Thanks, that looks great. Like this? https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/30471776...pid=5339023013&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

I'd need to find a white one though

I just bought a pack from Amazon - it's not the prettiest of things but it works and looks as though it is OEM ....

It was a lot easier than I thought, you just need some decent crimpers to make the connections

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[growly_bear]

I've just ordered some surface mount ones from 50A Anderson ones from ALTEC to fit to the chassis rail under the skirt. Also ordered a couple of spare crimps as well you know...
Thanks for your help!

 

[MisterB]

When you make the crimps, try to get them aligned on the cable the same way, it saves the wires being twisted and if it's a shotgun cable, it makes it easier to push the crimped connections into the housing. Make sure you hear the click as you push them in, I used a small screwdriver to push them in fully

 

[growly_bear]

When you make the crimps, try to get them aligned on the cable the same way, it saves the wires being twisted and if it's a shotgun cable, it makes it easier to push the crimped connections into the housing. Make sure you hear the click as you push them in, I used a small screwdriver to push them in fully

That's good advice. Thanks. Mine are single cables so should be OK. Do I need a specific crimp tool? I've got the usual ratchet crimp (red, blue, yellow,) and a big lug crimp tool (hexagonal tooling).

 

[MisterB]

growly_bear
the crimps are actually the lugs for the connections as opposed to separate crimps. so long as you have a half decent crimper then you're fine. it sounds complicated but its actually really easy and simple.

dont be tempted to try the lugs in the housing/shroud before connecting the cables, they can be a pig to get out with nothing to pull on. and get the cables the right way round when making connectors that fit together ! ...

 

[growly_bear]

growly_bear
the crimps are actually the lugs for the connections as opposed to separate crimps. so long as you have a half decent crimper then you're fine. it sounds complicated but its actually really easy and simple.

dont be tempted to try the lugs in the housing/shroud before connecting the cables, they can be a pig to get out with nothing to pull on. and get the cables the right way round when making connectors that fit together !

They do seem to be a well engineered system, especially not having a male and also a female but just one type.

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[growly_bear]

I forgot to order the mounting screws and #ALTEC have added them FOC to the order. Great service!

ALTEC AUTOMOTIVE

Automotive & marine supplies available from Altec Automotive. We stock a range of fuses, relays, cables, terminals, sleeving, heatshrink & much more.

www.altecautomotive.co.uk