Maximize Boondocking Power with a Renogy Dual Input DC to DC Battery Charger & LFP Battery Install

Welcome back to another Renogy solar component installation video from Freedom in a Can! This time, we're working on our own truck / trailer rig to make a significant upgrade to our food storage system by adding a 12V ICECO fridge / freezer. After over 8.5 years on the road, we are no longer relying on a standard cooler and ice bag to keep our food fresh. The technology (and the price) finally caught up with our space and budgetary constraints. In this video we'll cover (overall parts list below): 1. How to take advantage of both solar power as well as your vehicle's engine (via starting battery) to reduce charging times on your RV's service battery through the Renogy 30A Dual Input DC to DC Battery Charger. 2. How we use the Dual Input Charger to power a new ICECO 12V Refrigerator/Freezer located in the covered bed of our towing vehicle. 3. Our step-by-step installation of the Dual Input Charger, 50AH LiFePo Battery, RMS Monitor & VL45 ICECO Cooler on our 2015 Nissan Frontier (Crew Cab) which tows our 15-foot vintage "canned ham" Sportcraft travel trailer, which has been our full-time home since 2012. Parts List: 1. 30A Dual Input DC to DC Battery Charger - https://renogy.sjv.io/qnk2Kj (or 50A Dual Input Charger for more charging power if appropriate for your battery: https://renogy.sjv.io/9WxJ60) 2. 50AH LiFePo Battery - https://renogy.sjv.io/5bm7d9 3. 8' 10 AWG Tray Cables - https://renogy.sjv.io/MXoDOq 4. 2 x 40A ANL Fuses with housing - https://renogy.sjv.io/rne2yD 5. 4 x 10AWG Battery Fuse Cables - https://renogy.sjv.io/a1YWzY 6. Monitoring Screen for DC to DC Charger - https://renogy.sjv.io/AokENj We installed: VL45 - Single Zone Fridge Freezer For 12% off ICECO Cooler / Freezer, use our AFFILIATE LINK (http://icecofreezer.com/CANLIFE) and PROMO CODE (CANLIFE) at checkout! Brief Overview: Powering a 12V cooler simply by plugging into your vehicle's utility port might work for a weekend getaway. If you have dreams of going "full-time," even for a few weeks, you will want a more consistent power source that won't tax your vehicle's alternator. While hooked up to a deep cycle battery, the cooler can more reliably keep your food fresh, and your drinks cold. The Dual Input DC to DC Battery Charger is the perfect option for anyone looking to go solar as well as take advantage of the vehicle's engine. With the charger integrated into this system, it acts like a pump to electronically boost the voltage (pressure) and amperage (flow) coming from the starting battery to provide a more effective charge to the service battery, and greatly reduce charging time. Because the Dual Input DC to DC Charger takes a solar input, it replaces the need for an additional charge controller in your solar powered system. The MPPT technology offers greater efficiency as well as reducing charging time. The 30A version can receive a maximum of a 15A charging current from the starting battery, in addition to 15A from the solar panel array. The 50A version is also available for larger set-ups. If you are trying to decide between a standard or dual input DC to DC charger, as well as how to size it appropriately for your system, the charts in this article will walk you through it: https://www.renogy.com/blog/so-many-dc-to-dc-charger-options-so-little-timewhich-one-is-best-for-your-system/ This is the perfect device for anyone interested in putting solar panels in your van, RV, motorhome, or trailer! Check out our product review video, taken 2 months later, of how things are working for us! https://youtu.be/1utrd-KJyaU Other parts available at any auto parts / hardware store: 1. 15A Inline Fuse (2) 2. 4AWG, 8AWG, 10AWG, 16AWG Ring Terminals and Butt Connectors 3. 16' (length is specific to your tow vehicle) 4AWG Supply Cable 4. 16' (length specific to your tow vehicle) 8AWG Ground Cable Note: For any installation that requires a lot of turning and bending of the wire along the underside of the vehicle, we recommend using "welding wire" which is much more flexible than standard AWG, offers more strands per gauge, and minimizes voltage loss of longer runs. It's a bit more expensive per foot, but worth it in the long run. ~~~~~~~~~~ Disclaimer: Most of the videos we make include affiliate links and paid sponsorship, this helps keeps our information free and us on the road (10 years and counting!). This video is intended to help users plan, organize, calculate, and install a personal DIY solar powered electrical system. We, Shari & Hutch (Freedom in a Can, LLC), are neither professional electricians nor solar installers; we are educators who have learned to install our own system and to empower others to do the same. If you have questions, reach out in the comments section and we'll get back to you. If you need further assistance beyond our advice, consult a solar professional or certified electrician. Electricity is dangerous, so do your homework, take it one step at a time, and good luck!