2003 Mountain Aire Class A Victron Solar install Part 1

sotasolar.com
In this episode we install over 900ah of lithium batteries from LiTime, Complete suite of Victron components such as the Multiplus, Cerbo GX, MPPTs and so on.

[@daviscrt]

looking good. Thanks Don

[@aphillips76]

Grounding question. I’ve seen diagrams that have the Victron multiplus II grounded both to the lynx (lynx grounded to chassis with 4/0) and to the chassis directly using 4/0 cable. I’ve also seen ones where they ground 2 4/0 cables to the lynx and then have the lynx grounded to the chassis. How do you do it?

[@aphillips76]

Also, any reason you didn’t put the batteries in the compartment where the old ones were? I was thinking of removing the tray to make more room. I’m assuming you found that the inside a)had more room and b) would stay more temperature controlled.

[@sotasolar]

Mostly for temp as the Li time battery has no heating I believe. Although I don’t stay up on all their new product offerings.

[@Grevlain]

Nice. Have you had a chance to play with the new Victron Orion XS 50amp DC to DC chargers? They seem like a yuge upgrade in technology.

[@sotasolar]

Yes we did install one for a customer. Not a huge project. No video on it yet.

[@tedhamilton2362]

I found the 5/16 connection on the Multiplus II forces a severe bend also. I also resorted to 3/8 lug to give some 'flex'. Q: Do you find that you are installing ONLY Multiplus II's now and not regular Multiplus?

[@sotasolar]

We do install mostly the IIs . Mostly the 2x120s . If we considered a system with an auto transformer we’d go for the 1s or at least the 120 only 2s

[@aphillips76]

I have a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star that I’m planning out now. I noticed you went straight to the distributor with the alternator wire. No dc to dc? That is, you’re not concerned about overloading the alternator?

[@sotasolar]

We did have circuit protection. I believe we showed we got 300-400w out of it as-is. With these diesels I’m not as concerned about cooking the alternator, nor am I with the alternator perfectly charging the batteries. When you have 2000+w of solar, let it handle the final charge. Just my $.02
Now if you have a second alternator or want to push your alternator, I’d recommend a belmar or wake speed alternator controller.

[@aphillips76]

@@sotasolar awesome. TY!

[@aphillips76]

The dihool 400 replaces the need for a switch and a fuse. That right?

[@sotasolar]

Yea

[@aphillips76]

@@sotasolar my 4/0 wire ends don’t fit into the 400amp dihool. Grind them down?

[@sotasolar]

@@aphillips76 Yes