Surthrival Trailer Mark 1 Update #28

Hello beautiful humans!

Tonight I have a new update for my trailer project. I worked on completing the wiring for the second string of solar panels and performed some testing of the completed wiring.

I started by striping the 10AWG solar wire about 1" from the end of the cable.

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You need at least 1" of wire to crimp the MC4 connection fitting.

I soldered the connection, and started by tinning the end of the soldering iron.

After crimping the connector I soldered the MC4 connections to the end of the wire.

I slipped on the back of the connector, notice how this is the + connection and its larger diameter.

I attached the other half of the + MC4 connector.

I screwed on the back of the connector to complete the assembly.

I crimped and soldered the - connector, notice the smaller diameter of this connector.

I completed its assembly.

I connected the - connection to the - side of the wire completion for the Sol-Ark on its second solar panel input circuit.

Here is the picture of the wiring run for the 2 solar input circuits run in separate 1/2" metal conduit.

I used these 3/4" screws to fasten the conduit holders to the trailer.

I used 4 holders for each conduit.

I connected 3 of the panels on the rood in series by connecting the + to the - sides of each panel as can be seen in the photo below.

Here is another example of how this was done on the 2 side panels which are wired in series with 1 roof panel.

Here is the end of that string on the - side entering through the LB of the trailer. 4 10 gage solar wires were passed through the 3/4" LB into the trailer.

Here is the positive side of the string that enters the trailer.

Here is the negative side of the panel that connects to the positive side of the side panel for a series connection.

Here is another example of how the rooftop panel series connection is made. Notice how the longer wire extends on one of the panels.

Here's another demonstration with the closest panel wire extending toward the camera as the connection that will enter the trailer at the end of the series string.

Here's the overview of how all the wires enter the trailer. I will be collecting and fastening the rooftop wires to keep them together and from moving around during transport.

Here's one more view of that layout.

Here is another view of how the wires enter the trailer.

I gave it a test by plugging in a vacuum cleaner to the Sol-Ark to clean up some. It worked great, I could see how the energy was being consumed by the vacuum and partially taking energy away from charging the batteries.

Thank you for your time if you gave my update a read!

Yours in Liberty toward a brighter future, may the great creator bring peace and joy withing your hearts, Greg @makinstuff