External plugin for portable solar

[jaydub1]

I want to have a 200W portable solar panel hooked up to my van I'm building out. In the future, I plan to have a fixed 200W panel on top so this portable solar would be short term for now, then supplemental to the fixed panel in the long term.  I don't really want to punch a hold in the chassis but I don't mind putting a hole in the floor.  The rationale is to be somewhat stealth and to reduce the temptation by someone tampering with the external power plugin.

Ordered the Renogy 200W solar suitecase (with a PWN controller) and plan to just bypass the controller and use my Renogy DCC50S.

I have been toying with the idea of just closing the wire in the rear door slightly (not tightly closed).  I wouldn't leave it unattended when the portable solar is out.

I'm open to any type of connectors as long as I don't need some special crimper that I will only use once.

What have others done to make this happen?

 

[user 37446]

Not always but often the full sized vans have enough "slop" in the weather stripping of the door(s) that a 10 or 12 gauge wire can be slid through. You see it in a lot of videos.

Others will come up from the bottom following the wiring harness into a rear taillight lens, then inside the van.

Of the 2 choices, #1 is more often used (simpler).

 

[Camper]

I went to Home Depot and bought a cover similar to this one. Then I drilled a hole in the floor of my van which is around 1-1/4". I put the cover over it and now I can run any cord outside my van with ease. The cover seals tightly when not in use. It works good for me...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...r-for-Flanged-Devices-R50-00WP2-0GY/309601721

 

[maki2]

Key words you need are "SAE power socket". It is so small in size and discreet looking that few people will ever notice it when installed on your sidewall. You really dont want to be getting down on your hands and knees in the dirt, mud, wet grass fumbling to make a connection in a shadowed space where it is difficult to see what you are doing. The less bending and fusding and the faster the ability to hook up the wires you have to do when setting up and breaking down camp the easier your life will be.

 

[user 37446]

I found an example for you of how 1 YT vanner did his. Skip to 2:35 to see it:

"Flexible solar panels mounted with industrial Velcro! van life"

 

[MrNoodly]

...and to reduce the temptation by someone tampering with the external power plugin.

...I wouldn't leave it unattended when the portable solar is out.

Has it been established the problem you hope to solve actually exists?

 

[jaydub1]

Not always but often the full sized vans have enough "slop" in the weather stripping of the door(s) that a 10 or 12 gauge wire can be slid through. You see it in a lot of videos.

Well I just tried it and it works great.  I shut the left door first and run the wire between the doors and close the right one.   This seems like the KISS option.

 

[jaydub1]

I went to Home Depot and bought a cover similar to this one.  Then I drilled a hole in the floor of my van which is around 1-1/4". I put the cover over it and now I can run any cord outside my van with ease.  The cover seals tightly when not in use.  It works good for me...

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Leviton...r-for-Flanged-Devices-R50-00WP2-0GY/309601721

This is a great idea!  Open and close when you need it.  I'll keep that on my list of options for sure.   I sure don't mind the holes in the floor as long as I can keep critters out.

 

[jaydub1]

Has it been established the problem you hope to solve actually exists?

Actually, the real problem was trying to get a wire through the van to the controller (and I didn't feel like cutting a hole in a perfectly fine cargo van).  The temptation for tampering is always real when around people.  I like animals better anyway, especially dogs. 

Insightful question!!

 

[user 37446]

Glad you found options that work for you. Options are good.

 

[snooker]

I found an example for you of how 1 YT vanner did his. Skip to 2:35 to see it:

"Flexible solar panels mounted with industrial Velcro! van life"

i liked that video, i just got me a van yesterday and starting to get it ready.  Amazing about that velcro holding them on, has that other guys been on his roof for 4 years with just velcro