Community Forums

Telemarc · 02-21-2022, 04:49 PM

Im installing a Renogy Charger in Trailer that needs a D+ 12 volt power source to turn on. My 12 volt Feed from the truck is already on a solenoid and Breaker so is not live when truck is off. Can I just jumper the D+ feed line over to the truck power supply line so when the solenoid kicks in It turns charger on or do I need a whole separate line for some reason. I could pick up the old 12 volt charge line in 7 way but jumper would be easier.

Telemarc · 02-21-2022, 06:27 PM

Decided to get the Victron Smart Isolated . Its only 30 amps but might as well stick with the Victron plan. Its only 70 bucks more. Maybe one day it will learn how to talk to my other Victron components. HaHa.

ttavasc · 02-21-2022, 07:13 PM

I installed the VE Orion-TR Smart 30amp charger last year. I ran a separate 2 gauge wire from the truck battery through an ignition-switched solenoid to an Andersen connector at the rear. Then added a second 6 gauge umbilical to the trailer side to connect to the charger. While the VE DC-DC chargers support ignition-detection from what I've seen it is quite finicky to get dialed in. I check every now and then to see if Victron may have added the VE.Smart network capability via a firmware update but so far nothing. Hopefully someday they will get it together with these particular devices. I really like my BMV-712 and 100/20 MPPT Solar controller and how well they work together so it would be nice to bring the Orion-TR Smart into the network too.

Telemarc · 02-21-2022, 08:06 PM

Yes I am setting it up the same. Picked up 1/0 25 ft.jumper cables cheap so am overkill wiring in case i want To add more amperage when i switch to lithium’s.
Had the 6 overhead console switches on my truck as a option so used one for the solenoid so i can leave it ignition dedicated Or just leave it off. Could not get anderson plugs but got pico 175 amp, close to the same.

Soppy · 02-22-2022, 06:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Telemarc

Im installing a Renogy Charger in Trailer that needs a D+ 12 volt power source to turn on. My 12 volt Feed from the truck is already on a solenoid and Breaker so is not live when truck is off. Can I just jumper the D+ feed line over to the truck power supply line so when the solenoid kicks in It turns charger on or do I need a whole separate line for some reason. I could pick up the old 12 volt charge line in 7 way but jumper would be easier.

Just install the jumper like you said. The D+ source is used if You have non switched power to the charger (connected directly to the battery) for on /off control.

masternate · 05-12-2022, 03:22 PM

The D+ ignition wire on the Renogy seems to be a point of discussion.

I found a pretty cool way to automate it:

Plan / diagrams: https://youtu.be/uONgZkrzkhY
Installation: https://youtu.be/OdZdg4KZ_5M

TravelSolo · 05-12-2022, 06:25 PM

I just connected the D+ on my 40A Renogy DC-DC to the marker lights since I need to have them on to power the rear camera.

But my truck is a diesel with large dual starting batteries so even if I kept the lights on manually for a short time without the engine running, the chance of running down my truck batteries is tiny.

masternate · 05-13-2022, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TravelSolo

I just connected the D+ on my 40A Renogy DC-DC to the marker lights since I need to have them on to power the rear camera.

But my truck is a diesel with large dual starting batteries so even if I kept the lights on manually for a short time without the engine running, the chance of running down my truck batteries is tiny.

That's a very common approach. I considered it myself (as mentioned in the video). It definitely works. But for full automation (more like what you would find in the charging system of a motorhome) the DC voltage cutoff approach is pretty slick.

TravelSolo · 05-13-2022, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by masternate

That's a very common approach. I considered it myself (as mentioned in the video). It definitely works. But for full automation (more like what you would find in the charging system of a motorhome) the DC voltage cutoff approach is pretty slick.

Agreed but the OP mentioned a trailer so I figured KISS is probably best