Does this Victron setup look right for my FWC truck camper electrical upgrade?

Posted by Secret-Mullet@reddit | overlanding | View on Reddit | 14 comments

I’m upgrading the original electrical system in my 2015 Four Wheel Camper Hawk since I’ve had issues.

Current setup: 200w rooftop solar, two AGM batteries, and the usual camper loads (ICECO fridge, heater fan, lights, vent fans, water pump). My charging system has been unreliable, especially overnight, so I’m redoing everything: alternator charging, solar, and battery monitoring.

I was originally looking at Renogy since it’s a bit cheaper, but I’m leaning toward Victron for the reliability and the BT monitoring. Before I pull the trigger, I’d love to know if this looks right to people who’ve done similar electric upgrades.

The Victron setup I’m planning: - SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 - Orion-Tr Smart 12/12-30A DC-DC charger - BMV-712 Smart battery monitor

If you’ve run this combo (or something close) in a truck camper or van, how’s it been? Anything you’d change? I’m not building a huge system, just trying to make my FWC way more dependable.

Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

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virideas@reddit

Get the Orion XS

Lahooooouzzerr_669@reddit

X2 on the XS

Secret-Mullet@reddit (OP)

It’s quite a price jump! Maybe an upgrade later on, unless it’s game changing?

Former_Travel2839@reddit

It's definitely a great option, but everything can also be done on the app.

MtBakerScum@reddit

Your charging system has been unreliable over night? Are you expecting to charge overnight or are you saying your system doesn't last overnight?

Do you have a dc to dc charger? How long are you staying put between drives? I have a hard time imagining why you would need to replace everything, especially with two AGM batteries.

Granted, most of my appliances in my slide in camper are propane. But with one 100ah lifepo4 battery we can boondock for up to three or four days without recharging. We dont have solar but I do have a dc to dc charger I can disconnect from the truck when the camper is off.

Adding a Bluetooth victron battery monitor is pretty easy and cheaper than replacing your whole system...

arumrunner@reddit

You need to calculate your demand as well. 200w of solar might not be enough to keep those AGMs in their ideal range. Have you consider adding another 200w?

Jay_Beckstead@reddit

All things being equal I’d add more solar generation, as you know 200 nominal is probably more along the lines of 150 actual on a good day, nothing on a bad sunlight day, and mid on a so-so day.

Serious-Animal-7992@reddit

That’ll do the trick

I love my Victron products, and I run a lot of them in my van, I personally feel they're worth the extra price.

Amazing_Drop_3827@reddit

Nice rig! I have the victron smart shunt, smart battery sense (control charging temps under 32f), and smart solar mppt 100/20 and love it. Everything works well and the app is great. Just got the isolated 12/24 20 amp dc dc charger and still have to rig it up. I got isolated because don’t think my camper shares the same ground as the truck.

Glad you’re liking your setup! I was planning on non-isolated but I better triple check.

Sauntering_Rambler@reddit

White Rim Rd?

Close! Kane Creek/Kane Spring Rd

image-sourcery@reddit

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