Hi all -

I've been planning this out for some time and finally feel like I have a proper route forward. I'm installing two (maybe three) batteries in parallel to run some aux lighting, a dometic CFX5 55, an inverter, a compressor and a slide out camp kitchen I'm developing. This is all working on the back of a Traxide dual battery isolator.

I'll be placing the batteries under the feet of the third row seat, where by removing the carpeting I've been able to squeeze them in and out of the way as well as an inverter and the Renogy Shunt 300. I'll be building a small cover to conceal everything.

The command center for the operation will live within the driver side rear cargo cubby - see below. I've templated out and created a panel that sits within the cubby, on the top of which is a Garmin PowerSwitch as well as a cutoff switch for the aux battery system. On the underside will be a fusebox and a bus bar for ground.

The actual control for the system will be via CarPlay as Garmin has an app that is CarPlay compatible.

Follow along if you're interested!

 

Leisure!

 

Very interesting. I’m glad you’re doing it properly.
There was no mention of solar assistance or generator upsizing/doubling. I think you may be stressing the charging system.

 

Thanks for the suggestion - I’m exploring solar options. Either a hood mounted panel or something on the roof rack, but I don’t really need extensive off-grid energy. Any thoughts on alternator upgrades?

 

Heres where the batteries will go at the footwell of the third row seats. I’ll build out a carpeted enclosure above and in front of them. The inverter will also live here below the middle seat in the second row.

 

In the Ford F150 forums, they talk about upsizing the alternator to 400A + solutions. The police cruisers here (Fords) run 2 alternators.

 

Seems a solar panel would be more cost effective and require less effort to install, a replacement alternator seems like quite a bit of work, but will keep exploring. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

Still a bit of carpet/sound matting to trim, but I was able to template and cut the "tray" for the batteries and inverter.

 

And the inverter and shunt in their presumed locations.

 

Here's the wiring schematic. Just received the batteries and now working on building up the looms to get everything hooked up. Still uncertain on Cascadia or other brands on the hood solar, anyone have thoughts there?


c