So I was given as a gift a Xantrex 1000 watt inverter a Renogy mppt and rechargeable flashlight. I then bought Powerful UKs hatch release wiring harness and button and bought a harbor freight solar panel but then I'm waiting on Amazon to deliver my 175 moldable roof top solar panel. Also the Zoogamo 100 ah lithium iron deep cycle battery.

Now we can use my Dometic fridge freezer and various sundries without killing our extremely fickle main battery.

 

Very nice! A few questions... are you charging via solar only, or also DC to DC from the vehicle? For the latter, I've seen various methods to tap into the vehicle's power and interested what you did if anything

For the button here, is that for the door release or something else? I'd be a little nervous about something hitting it while in transit if it's the release button.

 

My Renogy mppt is wired to the alternator to charge both batteries. Yes I'm going to put a cover over the tailgate button you circled. the solar works in tandem with the alternator or by itself. My installer didn't follow my 1 request after having the vehicle the whole week for the install and he gave me a 50% discount on his labor and supplied all of the heavy duty gauge wiring and set up massive fuse breakers and relocated the trailer hitch module and custom fabricated battery tray and braces so I can't fault him for one minor issue. If a cover doesn't work then I will buy a second trunk button and leave that as a dummy button and put the other one hidden in the tray closer to the tailgate window. But I'm 100% happy with my set up.

 

That's awesome, especially on the custom battery tray. If you could share photos of how it hooks up to the alternator or main battery, I'd appreciate it! I've been puzzling over the right spot on my P400. I already ran a wire up to the battery compartment under the passenger seat, so I think I'm going to tap in there. I'm a little confused on the right point though because of the smart alternator -- there is the + lead on the battery, and then another positive lead that comes off which I think is the intended spot.

 

Problem solved!

 

My Renogy has a smart alternator wire that protects the lithium phosphate battery from over charging. The Xantrex inverter is wired through the existing cover on the tailgate door. I'm not sure how to answer your question about the positive cable? All I know is that the main alternator charges both batteries while the vehicle is running. The solar only charges the 2nd lithium battery when the alternator isn't running and the Xantrex only draws from the 2nd battery. I've packed the vehicle for camping so it my be a while before I can get pictures. With my 175 watt permanent rooftop solar panel that will sit flat on the roof under the roof rack, I'm sure I can go weeks on my lithium battery powering the Dometic fridge freezer. All of the wiring was extensive and way beyond my understanding of vehicles (and I'm the guy who added te factory oem locking differential to my old p400!) So I'm sorry I can't answer you. Also I have battery tender that can trickle charge the first battery as well while.powering my cooler.

 

@markjlr No worries, appreciate it!

 

I know the thread is old but it's essential to highlight the value of creating a secondary power source for off-grid trips. Setting up a second battery, inverter, and solar panels can significantly improve the convenience and reliability of your outdoor experiences. Having a dedicated power source for devices like a Dometic fridge freezer can make a world of difference in keeping your essentials running smoothly.
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