Upgrading TC Electrical

Question

Older TC, wanting to add solar and switch rig to 12V compressor, and I think it is time to update the electrical, including battery tech.

I know it's "only" a TC, but I would like to invest in a system that supports autostart of the genset (which I want to keep), supports 400-800W of PV panels, integrates with a 3000W inverter, can accept shore power, and supports the newer battery formulation tech.

I know about portable options, like EcoFlow, but I'd prefer a component system that is installed in the unit.

Jim

lwiddis · Answer

Hey, Jim!Getting more than 300 to 400 solar watt panels on your TC roof will be a challenge. Two, three years ago I wouldn’t have argued about your other choices. Today I do. Power stations eliminate separate solar charge controllers, inverters, handle outside power, usually have the plugins for charging anything etc. I suggest you seriously reconsider your plan.&nbsp;

lwiddis · Answer

Anyone agree? I put my solar system on in 2016 and it works great but today I’d do it with a power station at the center.&nbsp;

brain · Answer

Assuming I can find a spot for the unit (looking at the DELTA Pro, for example), I could potentially make it work, if I can remove the TC batteries and just use the DELTA Pro to run the 12V of the TC, but I'd have to check if 30A 12V would run all of the items in the camper that need 12V.&nbsp; I thought about running the 120V to the existing controller, but I don't think the controller can convert 120V to 12V at the amperage needed for the 12V appliances and jacks.

lwiddis · Answer

Couple of comments. Your TC converter will (does) convert 120 to 12 volts. Many power stations have an RV 30 amp plug in. My Bluetti AC200L does.&nbsp;

brain · Answer

Yes, I'm aware, but I'm not sure if the output has enough amperage to handle high draw items like the jacks, for instance.&nbsp; They each have a 20A fuse, and while I don't think running all four jacks at once takes 80A, it might take more than the controller can output at one time (so, running the jacks depends on the batteries assisting the controller 12V output.) If it cannot, and the jacks take more than 30A of 12VDC, the portable units won't work without the original batteries present, as I can only find max 30A of 12VDC on the units.&nbsp; I suppose there might be a way to tap into the batteries directly, but I wouldn't assume that would be encouraged or condoned on a turnkey power unit.&nbsp;

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Upgrading TC Electrical

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