My new Manley ORV

[jwilson2598]

I've been wanting to add solar options to my power box to allow for charging when camping without having to use the Jeep. Recently I ordered a Renogy 100W panel and Ctek D250S dual charger. The Ctek will allow me to replace my existing Toad Charger for vehicle charging and incorporate the solar as well. It should also charge faster than the Toad Charge did.

Here's the setup inside now:

I also added an extra waterproof high current socket for hooking up the panel below my normal outlets. I also wanted a quick visual check, so I added a voltmeter as well so I can check the battery voltage at a glance:

 

[jwilson2598]

Someone asked in the Electrical section if I had updated my wiring diagram for the changes, so I figured I would add it here as well. Diagram has been updated to reflect the latest changes:

Addition of solar
Addition of 2 extra 12V outlets
Addition of voltmeter
Addition of trailer brakes and backup battery for those
Replacement of Toad Charge with Ctek D250S
Moving inverter behind cutoff switch to prevent any parasitic draw

 

[jwilson2598]

So in late January I picked up a used CVT Batwing awning. I finally figured out the mounting recently from someone who turned me on to the Adventure Trailer awning brackets. I finally got them and did the install today. It's nice because I can keep it low for transport and then raise it up when I setup camp.

 

[jwilson2598]

Part of the Batwing project was to build a table that would attach to the trailer for general use while under the awning. I took the idea of the Adventure Trailer table and adapted it to fit my Manley. It ended up being 4' wide and fits inside the trailer nicely when not in use. I also used a couple holes in the fender and used knobs through the holes that tighten into the T-nuts I installed into the table.

Initial Rough Cut of table:

Sanded down and holes drilled for T-nuts:

First test fit on the trailer and marking the fender holes:

Hole plugs I used to fill the fender holes when the table is not in use:

Testing the final product:

Stored in the trailer: