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Overland Battery Setup on Jeep JL with RedArc BCDC1225 + ARB OnBoard Air



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This system is the most optimal Overland Battery Setup and is far superior to the Genesis Dual Battery kit.

The batteries that we chose are the Eco-Worthy LiFePO4 30Ah batteries. Since two of them are installed for a total of 60Ah, they are wired in parallel. These are not top-shelf batteries but the value is too good to pass up.

We chose the RedArc unit even with its price tag - it fits perfectly & the reliability of the unit surpasses any alternative. The RedArc BCDC1225 is secured using plastic rivet clips that we bought from my local auto parts store. If you're not installing solar, I'd recommend the Renogy DC charger. If you're not installing the ARB OnBoard Air in the bay, I'd highly recommend the Renogy + MPPT option.

We also use two Victron units - the BatteryProtect and SmartShunt.

The BateryProtect acts as both a shutoff to save the battery from dropping too low in voltage & as a relay for the Auxiliary Switch on our JL (turns the entire Battery Circuit on/off).

The SmartShunt allows you to monitor your system. Charging, draw, amperage capacity, etc. We use my android device, but it works within an app on both Apple and Android. Both of these, since one is a hot connection and the other a ground, need solid connections. Because of this we actually drilled through the tub, RTV'd (silicone) the base, and used 6mm screws with lock-nuts.

For the solar panel, we chose SunPower. It's rather expensive for what you get. However, SunPower is a name brand and this is something we don't want to replace every year or two. There are alternative options at a pretty good value and we wouldn't discourage their use. This is held in place with 3M VHB Double Sided Tape.

The power is being fed through a hole that was drilled in the Jeep's roof. Installed a grommet and RTV'd the heck out of it. We've been through a lot of wet weather, it has yet to leak.

This connection is actually a 12/3 exterior grade landscape cable. This cable splits to a shared ground, which also connects to the solar panel - decreasing the amount of wire(s) needed. The (+) solar wire connects straight to the RedArc BCDC Charger.

Ended up with a cheap Amazon fuse block. Just something that will handle the amps of what we plan on using, as well as have easy access to replace if anything blows.

The ARB Twin Air Compressor is the best inflator & OnBoard air system we have ever used and it happens to fit like a glove! I used the Dual Lock 3M tape to hold it down which is some strong stuff. Instead of using a flexible hose to feed a coupling, a 3/8" thin-walled copper pipe was bent into an S, allowing movement. This was done by drilling a hole in the tub, installing a gromet, & as always, RTV'ing it for added security. The ARB Hose Coupling Kit was placed adjacent to the trailer hitch, giving additional protection in case a rock or other item rubs into that area. Easy externally accessible air! HUGE!

Finally, all of this is topped off with the Goose Gear rear platform. This system is next to absolute perfection! The only drawback is that there's no room for the wires to extend out over the storage tub. So, I laid washers at the base to elevate the platform by 3/16". This creates a massive problem for the tire change compartment cover, more so if you have a tailgate table!

This was remedied by removing the lowest portion of plywood from the trim and using it as a substrate. This allowed the trim to be butted up to the main platform instead of overlapping, giving about 5/8" of additional clearance.

Video on how to solder: https://youtu.be/qxqZJH3SfN4

Email: [email protected]

Amazon Links:
Victron Energy Battery Protect 12/24-Volt 65A https://amzn.to/3IQ7Kz2

Victron Energy SmartShunt 500A Battery Monitor (Bluetooth) https://amzn.to/3IL5NUq

Eco-Worthy 12V 30Ah LiFePO4 Battery https://amzn.to/3tw0jWZ
2x Eco-Worthy 12V 30Ah LiFePO4 Battery https://amzn.to/3KeZp8a

RecArc BCDC25 DC and MPPT Charger https://amzn.to/35JGMdz
Budget Alternative Renogy 20a DCDC Charger - No MPPT https://amzn.to/3hGrYPM

Budget Alternatives (Probably won't fit with ARB Compressor)
Renogy 50a DC + MPPT Charger https://amzn.to/35JH8kp
Renogy 30a DC + MPPT Charger https://amzn.to/3vKfhM5

Fuse Block https://amzn.to/3hBv33q

SunPower 110W Flexible Solar Panel https://amzn.to/3CebPuc
Budget Alternative
TopSolar 100W Flexible Solar Panel https://amzn.to/3MnDRbl

3M VHB Dual Lock Tape https://amzn.to/3INqEGA

3M VHB Double Sided Tape https://amzn.to/3Kg3sRB

ARB Twin Air Compressor https://amzn.to/3vyWaV4

ARB Hose Coupling Kit https://amzn.to/3tOkIaf

00:00 Intro
00:30 Walk Through
00:57 Teardown
01:51 Components in tub
02:22 Raised GooseGear Platform and altered Trim
02:51 Strength of Velcro
03:23 Wiring
04:31 ALWAYS SOLDER
04:44 Battery Dimensions and VHB Tape
05:04 Wires run to Roofnest & Solar Panel + Additional LED Light.
06:12 Victron Accessories and Wiring'
07:17 ARB OnBoard Air Wiring
07:53 Finished and Conclusion
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