BIG NEWS!!! Use CANLIFE promo code at Renogy checkout to save an additional 10% off most products -- even on SALE items! Use this affiliate link: renogy.sjv.io/LPEyNY Promo code CANLIFE valid in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom!
Can I install this entire system under our murphy bed? Or are some of the units (such as the inverter/charger) a bit too noisy for that? Or could I install the entire system in our TT's basement, with the exception of the battery (which I would like to install under our murphy bed)?
I think you can totally do that. You'll need to make sure that you've got adequate ventilation, especially for the inv/chr but that shouldn't be a problem. The only things that will make noise would be the fans, with the exception of any warning beeps which are few and far between. Plus, you'll likely not run your inv during the nighttime when sleeping too much. And heads up, they have a new combiner box for this system which requires fusing. Be sure to use our promo code "CANLIFE" when you order through Renogy -- it really helps us out. Thanks and best of luck with your install, let us know if you have any questions!
@@FreedomInACan quick follow-up question: why would I not likely run the inverter at night? I don't plan to power an Air Conditioner with my batteries, but what if I did? I guess that would be the exception, right? I'm just trying to wrap my head around all of this. THank you!!!
@@1gesteban Sure. You could run the inverter at night, especially if you need to run an AC - alternating current, appliance. But you likely won't need to, as lights, ceiling / vent fan, smart phone etc. can all be DC - direct current. Leaving the inverter on, if you're not directly running any AC appliances, consumes power which is also wasting power if you're not using it. Best of luck.
I am installing the Rego 3000 watt inverter charger as well, was going to mount the same way you have. It says in the installation manual not to mount it horizontal on the wall due to cooling issues. Have you had any issues?
Nope, no issues. Just make sure you've got appropriate ventilation space in all directions. Not sure what the problem could be with that kind of installation? Putting it vertically could cause an object to become lodged in the cooling fan blades- then you've got a problem.
Great video.. I'm looking to only add the inverter/charger to my setup . Will it still charge my batteries via the alternator if the converter is totally disconnected? In other words is it possible to use the existing converter to charge the batteries via alternator and not buy another DC-DC charger.
As far as I understand, converters only charge off of AC shore power when you're plugged in. Inv / chargers do the same thing. Travel trailers do send some charge to the house battery through the 7-pin connector, but only about 5A. This is designed to keep your charged battery topped off while you're driving, but it won't recharge a discharged battery - e.g. you've got a 100Ah battery and you've used 50Ah while camping off grid, at 5A per hour it will take 10 hours of driving to get it back to 100Ah. Most motor homes, class Cs, and vans have a battery isolator that does a similar thing between starting battery (alternator) and house battery - kind of like a one way valve so the starter doesn't discharge the house battery when the engine is off. But as far as I know the only way to effectively recharge your mostly discharged battery from the alternator is via a DC to DC charger. We have the 30A dual input renogy.sjv.io/qnk2Kj and it's awesome because we can charge both our fridge battery, and our house battery off of it, though not a the same time - it's set up with a battery switch. Let us know if this doesn't clear things up, and if you have any other questions.
Yeah, for sure, bolt on is going to be a more secure connection, but I think you're splitting hairs here. The Rego system components should be properly secured so that they won't move during driving. And if they are installed correctly, how are the Anderson connecters going to experience movement that might make them come loose? The only place this might even be a problem is on the connection between the tow vehicle and the travel trailer. We have an Anderson cable here so we can use the DC to DC charger to charge our Camper house batteries. We connect this each time we hook up and drive, an disconnect each time we separate. It is very difficult to disconnect even when you intend to, so I'm not worried about using Anderson connections in this way. Imagine bolting on wired connection each and every time you hook up your trailer. Not impossible, but it will take some extra time. The Rego system is intended to help people build a robust solar powered system without having to plan out the length of cable the size of fuses, and the size of the wiring.
Just seeing this video. After you disconnect the AC charge controller and removed the negative and positive wires from the DC side, how do the DC components get 12v power?
Thanks for the question. There's a lot going on in this video, so we can see how you might have missed that part. The master DC positive and negative wires are still connected to the DC side of the Control Panel, (@20:32) so all the DC circuits are still supplied directly by the battery (in this installation they are connected to the pos & neg terminals on the Combiner Box which is connected to the Battery @15:32). By disconnected the old converter (@19:18) we remove the old way that DC and AC power used to play together, the Inverter Charger is doing that job now. Here are some key moments in the video that illustrate this: Our basic wiring diagram @4:35 Connect DC master pos & neg wires to Combiner Box DC terminals @ 15:32 Removing Converter @19:18 Removing AC Converter Wires from AC side of Control Panel @20:09 Removing DC Converter Wires from DC side of Control Panel @20:30 Hope this helps! Good luck with the installation plan, and let us know if you have any further questions. Be sure to use our discount link and promo code CANLIFE to save 10%.
I may have missed it, but did you have to ground the entire system to the frame somewhere around the battery bank? If so would it come off the negative combiner box terminal? Thanks and I did like the dancing when the boxes arrived!
Yes, you did miss it. We ground the negative DC terminal on the combiner box to the trailer frame. The battery grounds to the box via the Anderson connections. We also grounded the inverter charger to the frame as well. Glad that the dancing made you smile, that was part of the fun. Thanks for the comment!
We added a splash shield, but they actually actually don't use the sink much and rarely the grey tank. Most of the time they use a plastic tub and scatter the dishwater.
Thanks for reaching out, Fred. It's no joke, and it works. Jeremiah and Erin have been out with their trailer a number of times since we helped them install it. Hope you have a great day!
@@anthonylicwinko9142 Thanks for the comment, and question. All in, the system is just under $6,700, and that's without solar panels. renogy.sjv.io/kjxm2d However, if you price our the components, capacity, the wiring, fuses etc. you will end up saving money. Yup it's got some sticker shock, for sure. But consider this, last year we went to Alaska on a 5.5 month trip. If we had spent $50 / night on plug in campgrounds, we would have spent around $7500. Instead, we spent only $900 on camping during the whole trip. But, we're full-time so we think about saving money in this way all the time. If you use our link and discount code, "CANLIFE" you can save 10%. renogy.sjv.io/LPEyNY Let us know if you have any questions -- Happy Trails!
BIG NEWS!!! Use CANLIFE promo code at Renogy checkout to save an additional 10% off most products -- even on SALE items! Use this affiliate link: renogy.sjv.io/LPEyNY Promo code CANLIFE valid in the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United Kingdom!
Awesome job!! I just bought the same set up and your installation gave me some great ideas!!
That's awesome, hope you used our discount code! 😉 That's no small investment!
Can I install this entire system under our murphy bed? Or are some of the units (such as the inverter/charger) a bit too noisy for that? Or could I install the entire system in our TT's basement, with the exception of the battery (which I would like to install under our murphy bed)?
I think you can totally do that. You'll need to make sure that you've got adequate ventilation, especially for the inv/chr but that shouldn't be a problem. The only things that will make noise would be the fans, with the exception of any warning beeps which are few and far between. Plus, you'll likely not run your inv during the nighttime when sleeping too much.
And heads up, they have a new combiner box for this system which requires fusing.
Be sure to use our promo code "CANLIFE" when you order through Renogy -- it really helps us out. Thanks and best of luck with your install, let us know if you have any questions!
@@FreedomInACan quick follow-up question: why would I not likely run the inverter at night? I don't plan to power an Air Conditioner with my batteries, but what if I did? I guess that would be the exception, right? I'm just trying to wrap my head around all of this. THank you!!!
@@1gesteban Sure. You could run the inverter at night, especially if you need to run an AC - alternating current, appliance. But you likely won't need to, as lights, ceiling / vent fan, smart phone etc. can all be DC - direct current. Leaving the inverter on, if you're not directly running any AC appliances, consumes power which is also wasting power if you're not using it. Best of luck.
I am installing the Rego 3000 watt inverter charger as well, was going to mount the same way you have. It says in the installation manual not to mount it horizontal on the wall due to cooling issues. Have you had any issues?
Nope, no issues. Just make sure you've got appropriate ventilation space in all directions. Not sure what the problem could be with that kind of installation? Putting it vertically could cause an object to become lodged in the cooling fan blades- then you've got a problem.
Great video when plugged into shore power and you loose power how quick is the transfer to switch to batteries?
I think it is nearly instantaneous. Nothing we humans can detect.
Great video.. I'm looking to only add the inverter/charger to my setup . Will it still charge my batteries via the alternator if the converter is totally disconnected? In other words is it possible to use the existing converter to charge the batteries via alternator and not buy another DC-DC charger.
As far as I understand, converters only charge off of AC shore power when you're plugged in. Inv / chargers do the same thing. Travel trailers do send some charge to the house battery through the 7-pin connector, but only about 5A. This is designed to keep your charged battery topped off while you're driving, but it won't recharge a discharged battery - e.g. you've got a 100Ah battery and you've used 50Ah while camping off grid, at 5A per hour it will take 10 hours of driving to get it back to 100Ah. Most motor homes, class Cs, and vans have a battery isolator that does a similar thing between starting battery (alternator) and house battery - kind of like a one way valve so the starter doesn't discharge the house battery when the engine is off. But as far as I know the only way to effectively recharge your mostly discharged battery from the alternator is via a DC to DC charger. We have the 30A dual input renogy.sjv.io/qnk2Kj and it's awesome because we can charge both our fridge battery, and our house battery off of it, though not a the same time - it's set up with a battery switch. Let us know if this doesn't clear things up, and if you have any other questions.
I'm not too sure on Anderson plugs as connection? Bolt up is safer and secure for many reasons
Yeah, for sure, bolt on is going to be a more secure connection, but I think you're splitting hairs here. The Rego system components should be properly secured so that they won't move during driving. And if they are installed correctly, how are the Anderson connecters going to experience movement that might make them come loose?
The only place this might even be a problem is on the connection between the tow vehicle and the travel trailer. We have an Anderson cable here so we can use the DC to DC charger to charge our Camper house batteries. We connect this each time we hook up and drive, an disconnect each time we separate. It is very difficult to disconnect even when you intend to, so I'm not worried about using Anderson connections in this way. Imagine bolting on wired connection each and every time you hook up your trailer. Not impossible, but it will take some extra time.
The Rego system is intended to help people build a robust solar powered system without having to plan out the length of cable the size of fuses, and the size of the wiring.
Just seeing this video. After you disconnect the AC charge controller and removed the negative and positive wires from the DC side, how do the DC components get 12v power?
Thanks for the question. There's a lot going on in this video, so we can see how you might have missed that part. The master DC positive and negative wires are still connected to the DC side of the Control Panel, (@20:32) so all the DC circuits are still supplied directly by the battery (in this installation they are connected to the pos & neg terminals on the Combiner Box which is connected to the Battery @15:32). By disconnected the old converter (@19:18) we remove the old way that DC and AC power used to play together, the Inverter Charger is doing that job now.
Here are some key moments in the video that illustrate this:
Our basic wiring diagram @4:35
Connect DC master pos & neg wires to Combiner Box DC terminals @ 15:32
Removing Converter @19:18
Removing AC Converter Wires from AC side of Control Panel @20:09
Removing DC Converter Wires from DC side of Control Panel @20:30
Hope this helps! Good luck with the installation plan, and let us know if you have any further questions.
Be sure to use our discount link and promo code CANLIFE to save 10%.
Thank you for the quick reply.
I may have missed it, but did you have to ground the entire system to the frame somewhere around the battery bank? If so would it come off the negative combiner box terminal?
Thanks and I did like the dancing when the boxes arrived!
Yes, you did miss it. We ground the negative DC terminal on the combiner box to the trailer frame. The battery grounds to the box via the Anderson connections. We also grounded the inverter charger to the frame as well. Glad that the dancing made you smile, that was part of the fun. Thanks for the comment!
Really wish the full rego system was available in the UK!
Soon!! It just came out in the US.
Pretty brave to put the expensive electrical underneath the sink 😂 good luck
We added a splash shield, but they actually actually don't use the sink much and rarely the grey tank. Most of the time they use a plastic tub and scatter the dishwater.
@@FreedomInACan also just seen that this battery is actually water proof 😂 ordered all my Rego stuff last week. Waiting for the mailman
@@V4NLIFE_CANADA Awesome! Hope you used our link and promo code for 10% off!
@@FreedomInACan nope already ordered before o seen your video but used someone else’s code
Not practical, Looks gimicky. a joke
Thanks for reaching out, Fred. It's no joke, and it works. Jeremiah and Erin have been out with their trailer a number of times since we helped them install it. Hope you have a great day!
You too my friend.
Hi, love the video and details, what was the total cost of all the parts, and installation extras, I think it maybe more then the trailer cost.
@@anthonylicwinko9142 Thanks for the comment, and question. All in, the system is just under $6,700, and that's without solar panels. renogy.sjv.io/kjxm2d
However, if you price our the components, capacity, the wiring, fuses etc. you will end up saving money. Yup it's got some sticker shock, for sure. But consider this, last year we went to Alaska on a 5.5 month trip. If we had spent $50 / night on plug in campgrounds, we would have spent around $7500. Instead, we spent only $900 on camping during the whole trip. But, we're full-time so we think about saving money in this way all the time. If you use our link and discount code, "CANLIFE" you can save 10%. renogy.sjv.io/LPEyNY
Let us know if you have any questions -- Happy Trails!