2eZero
Member
- Posts
- 30
- Location
- Coventry, UK
I've had a variety of projects on my 2002 Discovery 2 TD5, and the latest batch have started just after Lockdown.
I did previously have a large boot box that could be folded out to make a sleeping platform but wanted something a bit more suitable to my needs, so got something else. A seperate post that. I also needed to upgrade my wiring system. Originally enough to run some electrics in the back, I eventually found out that my wiring was not up to the task (5 years later) and so contacted a company that made the 2nd boot box for me, Bear Tough of Nantwich.
They provided a quote and across the first part of this week they fitted a solar panel and did all the electrical upgrades I needed.
A 200w solar panel was fitted to the roof, a replacement battery, and the associated wiring.
I had a Yuasa Silver HSB013 (62AH) which had died in service since it was fitted in 2019. I usually used the D2 most days then, of course, Lockdown meant it didn't get used but still stuff drained it slowly...
So. That was history. I've replaced it with a Fullriver FT610-47. This is an AGM battery, fitted to the WildR Battery tray. The largest I could get in there was the 50AH rather than the 62AH I took out but it's also a TPPL construction so it can cope with a rough life and also be discharged quite low.
Replaced the CTEK D205S with a Nemo DC-DC charger, and added Victron BMS to the mix. A decent cable was run to the back so I can now run the Alpicool K18 compressor fridge (that fits between the back seat and the back door in the boot) as well as other high draw items for when I'm out roaming.
So that's the good news. The bad news is that in order to fit the dial where it was going to go I had to unplug my switch set on the dash. Which is where I discovered I needed to pay more attention to the back of the car where it was all wired in. I did have a plan. It worked so well until I ran out of the coloured wires I used....
So I have the switches but they don't do anything until I unearth the rear panels in the car and work it all out again... With a mate who is competent with electrics
Engine Bay - Before the work
IMG_5301
The Old Battery
IMG_5294
The Solar Panel
IMG_5389
Yes. it's quite large. That was the intention until I realised how small the battery would end up being. However. I do have a lithium battery pack I can install whilst the sun is shining. To charge that, a 500wh unit, it can take 100w @ 12v straight into the device. A Bluetti AC50s.
The New Battery, with BMS module
IMG_5404
The larger Dash Pod
IMG_5409
You can see the remains of the 5 meters of cable they provide. That'll be sorted soon enough
The Victron BMS does quite a good job with just the display. But there is an app. It links up on Bluetooth but doesn't show in your bluetooth devices only in the app.
IMG_5418
That's the front screen, and then next level in gives more information
IMG_5411
Of the dash pod....
IMG_5362
IMG_5401
More photos to follow on that little project
I did previously have a large boot box that could be folded out to make a sleeping platform but wanted something a bit more suitable to my needs, so got something else. A seperate post that. I also needed to upgrade my wiring system. Originally enough to run some electrics in the back, I eventually found out that my wiring was not up to the task (5 years later) and so contacted a company that made the 2nd boot box for me, Bear Tough of Nantwich.
They provided a quote and across the first part of this week they fitted a solar panel and did all the electrical upgrades I needed.
A 200w solar panel was fitted to the roof, a replacement battery, and the associated wiring.
I had a Yuasa Silver HSB013 (62AH) which had died in service since it was fitted in 2019. I usually used the D2 most days then, of course, Lockdown meant it didn't get used but still stuff drained it slowly...
So. That was history. I've replaced it with a Fullriver FT610-47. This is an AGM battery, fitted to the WildR Battery tray. The largest I could get in there was the 50AH rather than the 62AH I took out but it's also a TPPL construction so it can cope with a rough life and also be discharged quite low.
Replaced the CTEK D205S with a Nemo DC-DC charger, and added Victron BMS to the mix. A decent cable was run to the back so I can now run the Alpicool K18 compressor fridge (that fits between the back seat and the back door in the boot) as well as other high draw items for when I'm out roaming.
So that's the good news. The bad news is that in order to fit the dial where it was going to go I had to unplug my switch set on the dash. Which is where I discovered I needed to pay more attention to the back of the car where it was all wired in. I did have a plan. It worked so well until I ran out of the coloured wires I used....
So I have the switches but they don't do anything until I unearth the rear panels in the car and work it all out again... With a mate who is competent with electrics
Engine Bay - Before the work
IMG_5301The Old Battery
IMG_5294The Solar Panel
IMG_5389Yes. it's quite large. That was the intention until I realised how small the battery would end up being. However. I do have a lithium battery pack I can install whilst the sun is shining. To charge that, a 500wh unit, it can take 100w @ 12v straight into the device. A Bluetti AC50s.
The New Battery, with BMS module
IMG_5404The larger Dash Pod
IMG_5409You can see the remains of the 5 meters of cable they provide. That'll be sorted soon enough
The Victron BMS does quite a good job with just the display. But there is an app. It links up on Bluetooth but doesn't show in your bluetooth devices only in the app.
IMG_5418That's the front screen, and then next level in gives more information
IMG_5411Of the dash pod....
IMG_5362IMG_5401More photos to follow on that little project
