Getting ready to start the install of my solar system and I am trying to figure out the best mounting/wiring options. I have the Xantrex C35 charge controller. My trailer is a prowler with a large front propane cover. While this cover is not weather tight it does greatly cut down on what things underneath are exposed to. Do you think it would be ok to mount the Xantrex controller up under that cover nearest the batteries? That way it wouldn't require a separate temperature monitor and it would also give me the shortest run cables to the batteries. Thoughts?

Jonnygsx wrote:While this cover is not weather tight it does greatly cut down on what things underneath are exposed to. Do you think it would be ok to mount the Xantrex controller up under that cover nearest the batteries? That way it wouldn't require a separate temperature monitor and it would also give me the shortest run cables to the batteries. Thoughts?Yes, that would be an acceptable place for the controller if it will not get wet there. The controller should be as close to the batteries as possible. I think you are mistaken about not needing a battery temperature sensor just because the controller is near the batteries. It is the temperature of the batteries that is important not the temperature around the batteries.

EsoxLucius wrote:Jonnygsx wrote:While this cover is not weather tight it does greatly cut down on what things underneath are exposed to. Do you think it would be ok to mount the Xantrex controller up under that cover nearest the batteries? That way it wouldn't require a separate temperature monitor and it would also give me the shortest run cables to the batteries. Thoughts?Yes, that would be an acceptable place for the controller if it will not get wet there. The controller should be as close to the batteries as possible. I think you are mistaken about not needing a battery temperature sensor just because the controller is near the batteries. It is the temperature of the batteries that is important not the temperature around the batteries.Im just not sure how dry it is in there. There is no siding on the wall inside the cover but there is some kind of coating so its not bare wood in there, implying that it may get some moisture in there occasionally.Well isnt the temperature of the batteries primarily going to be from the air that they are exposed to? I would think that having a charge controller a foot from your batteries they would be within a few degrees of each other at the most?

It is the temperature of the battery that matters, not ambient temperature. Come on, it's no more than $30 for a battery temperature sensor. Get one, your batteries will thank you.

Hi jonny,No.Jonnygsx wrote: Well isnt the temperature of the batteries primarily going to be from the air that they are exposed to? I would think that having a charge controller a foot from your batteries they would be within a few degrees of each other at the most?

I think the whole temperature compensation thing is way over-blown for many RV applications such as the OP's. IMO it is just the fine tuning of something that is so rough and ready in the first place that fine tuning it becomes pointless. I don't need any temperature compensation for the five month stretch off-grid we do using solar in the sunny half of the year. Can't see that anybody else needs it very much either! :)

Charge Controller Installation location | Good Sam Community

BFL13
Explorer II
Dec 13, 2013
I think the whole temperature compensation thing is way over-blown for many RV applications such as the OP's. IMO it is just the fine tuning of something that is so rough and ready in the first place that fine tuning it becomes pointless.

I don't need any temperature compensation for the five month stretch off-grid we do using solar in the sunny half of the year. Can't see that anybody else needs it very much either! :)
pianotuna
Nomad III
Dec 13, 2013
Hi jonny,

No.

Jonnygsx wrote:
Well isnt the temperature of the batteries primarily going to be from the air that they are exposed to? I would think that having a charge controller a foot from your batteries they would be within a few degrees of each other at the most?
EsoxLucius
Explorer
Dec 12, 2013
It is the temperature of the battery that matters, not ambient temperature. Come on, it's no more than $30 for a battery temperature sensor. Get one, your batteries will thank you.
Jonnygsx
Explorer
Dec 12, 2013
EsoxLucius wrote:
Jonnygsx wrote:
While this cover is not weather tight it does greatly cut down on what things underneath are exposed to. Do you think it would be ok to mount the Xantrex controller up under that cover nearest the batteries? That way it wouldn't require a separate temperature monitor and it would also give me the shortest run cables to the batteries. Thoughts?
Yes, that would be an acceptable place for the controller if it will not get wet there. The controller should be as close to the batteries as possible. I think you are mistaken about not needing a battery temperature sensor just because the controller is near the batteries. It is the temperature of the batteries that is important not the temperature around the batteries.

Im just not sure how dry it is in there. There is no siding on the wall inside the cover but there is some kind of coating so its not bare wood in there, implying that it may get some moisture in there occasionally.

Well isnt the temperature of the batteries primarily going to be from the air that they are exposed to? I would think that having a charge controller a foot from your batteries they would be within a few degrees of each other at the most?
EsoxLucius
Explorer
Dec 12, 2013
Jonnygsx wrote:
While this cover is not weather tight it does greatly cut down on what things underneath are exposed to. Do you think it would be ok to mount the Xantrex controller up under that cover nearest the batteries? That way it wouldn't require a separate temperature monitor and it would also give me the shortest run cables to the batteries. Thoughts?
Yes, that would be an acceptable place for the controller if it will not get wet there. The controller should be as close to the batteries as possible. I think you are mistaken about not needing a battery temperature sensor just because the controller is near the batteries. It is the temperature of the batteries that is important not the temperature around the batteries.

Forum Discussion

Charge Controller Installation location

About Technical Issues

Related Content

Schwintek motor controller location

TST 507 Repeater Installation Location

Brake controller install

Installed an Electronic Sway Control

New F150 - Brake Controller Install