Component Mounting Advice

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BongoCanuck
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Component Mounting Advice

Post by BongoCanuck » Thu Mar 23, 2023 8:32 am

Hello from Canada!

Purchased my first Bongo recently and went a little nucking futs with the upgrades - and now I need advice on where to mount certain components!

Install: 100ah LiFe battery & tray, swap loom, battery monitor/shunt, Vitron 25amp AC/DC charger.
https://imgur.com/QS6VJpp

Left to install: Victron 30amp DC DC Charger, Vitron 500watt Inverter, Vitron Mppt 15 amp, DC sub panel(s), 100w solar panel, 42" light bar

What I need help with:

Question#1: Where can I get more of these little spade connectors that tap into the fuse box from the swap loom kit
https://imgur.com/hpA6WH9

Question#2: How would one mount the DC DC Charger here by the shock tower in the "frunk" battery bay? Would it be wise to mount it here? It's not water proof like the AC DC Charger is.
https://imgur.com/SgPxdZq
https://imgur.com/Cx5hElb

Question#3: Where & how to mount the inverter. This Vitron 500 watt is almost as big as my old 2,000 watt!
Thinking maybe making a box for the drivers side rear most alcove, remove the ash tray there and build some sort of panel to enclose the whole area.

Question #4: How to install the MPPT behind the plastic side panels? Can't drill into the inside of the sheet metal van skin. Would you glue a piece of wood in there or something? Maybe I should mount it to the piller where it's more exposed & accessible.
https://imgur.com/6cHxVel

The wife really didn't want me to build any cabinets or anything, so I need to install all this stuff at stealth as possible.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!
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g8dhe
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Re: Component Mounting Advice

Post by g8dhe » Thu Mar 23, 2023 9:49 am

Not sure what size connector you want but these at 2.8mm width tend to be the smallest https://www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk ... -connector

As to using non-waterproof devices under the bonnet - at your own risk!!!

Lots of people are currently trying out DC-DC charging in order to use LiFePO4 batteries but be please be aware that they cannot be charged close to, at or below 0℃ so don't plan on any winter camping or just wait for climate Change to have its affect! There are now a few BMS that inhibit charging when the temperature falls too low but not all do so be very wary, but most of all be aware of the limitation!
Geoff
2001 Aero V6, AFT, full side conversion.
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BongoCanuck
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Joined: Thu Mar 23, 2023 7:54 am

Re: Component Mounting Advice

Post by BongoCanuck » Thu Mar 23, 2023 11:57 pm

g8dhe wrote: Thu Mar 23, 2023 9:49 am Not sure what size connector you want but these at 2.8mm width tend to be the smallest https://www.vehiclewiringproducts.co.uk ... -connector

As to using non-waterproof devices under the bonnet - at your own risk!!!

Lots of people are currently trying out DC-DC charging in order to use LiFePO4 batteries but be please be aware that they cannot be charged close to, at or below 0℃ so don't plan on any winter camping or just wait for climate Change to have its affect! There are now a few BMS that inhibit charging when the temperature falls too low but not all do so be very wary, but most of all be aware of the limitation!
Thanks g8dhe, I found these connectors which I think are the same aside from color: https://www.digikey.ca/en/products/deta ... -1/2055897

I'm worried about the under the bonnet location too...but the DC-DC should be near the two batteries, so maybe I need to fit it under the dash.

I have been considering the issue with the freezing temperatures, most of my electronics do take into account temperature, but I do appreciate the warning.

Been looking at ways to insulate the battery because apparently you can still discharge the battery down to -20c and the act of discharging generates heat, as does charging, so you only need sufficient insulation. Also when you park, the under bonnet is warm for well over an hour just by being near the engine.

Vitron has a bluetooth temperature & voltage dongle that feeds the battery condition to the network of devices.

Would be very interested to hear about anyone insulating their batteries or about how they mounted items in the van with the original interior plastics.
BongoCanuck
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Joined: Thu Mar 23, 2023 7:54 am

Re: Component Mounting Advice

Post by BongoCanuck » Mon Mar 27, 2023 6:22 am

Going to try mounting the inverter on the driver side rear most panel seen in the picture. With the MPPT there as well.
https://imgur.com/a/gETZnOL


Might cut out a box and make a faceplate.
https://imgur.com/k31mdO4

Little worried that the inverter is about 18lbs, that's a lot of weight. Going to talk to a van builder about it tomorrow.
Alkers
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Re: Component Mounting Advice

Post by Alkers » Wed Mar 29, 2023 2:48 pm

I haven't looked at any of.your photos but there's a decent bit of space in the passenger footwell which doesn't impede on legroom if used. It'd be near enough to both batteries for the DC DC charger at least
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