Electrical: A System

systemsĭs′təm | noun

1. A group of interacting, interrelated, or interdependent elements forming a complex whole.

When adding accessories to the Rebel build a 2nd 12v system was priority. My goal was for this 2nd system to rely on the main 12v system as little as possible.  Having "something" that was not the main starting battery was critical, I didnt have massive power requirements so a single deep cycle should provide plenty of power and reserve. The real goal is to prevent any accessory or luxury electrical item leaving me stranded.

Requirements:

• Self sustaining system
• Critical systems remain functional while in motion
• Critical systems remain functional while parked for 2-3 days
• Requires little to no monitoring
• Requires no physical effort (no setting up solar panels, flipping switches, or plugging things in, etc.)

I don't think I have ever gone more than 3 days without "moving" or starting my engine while out camping or exploring. That helped me define the requirements and what my overall "goal" was. As you think if your system and design overall capacity is a very important consideration.

The Build (components):

• Deep cycle battery
• DC to DC Charger
• Solar Charge Controller
• 12v Fuse panel / Breaker(s)
• Auxaliary 12v ports (12v, USB)
• 12v Fridge I picked this Aplicool model, if I did it again I would get something like this.
• 100w Solar Panel
• Systems monitoring and alerts: 12v battery | Solar
• 6g welding wire (run from the main battery to the DC > DC Charger)

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Testing:

‌I did plenty of testing - running fridge temps, and freezer temps while documenting battery voltages allowed me to monitor what I can expect for real work run times when not charging. If you are wondering, I was able to get 40 hours at safe battery voltages.  

To meet my goals, I added 100w of solar power. This allowed me to do nothing, and have the battery topped off anytime there is sunlight. This is 100% hands off and requires nothing.

I have forgotten the fridge on while the truck has sat parked and after 4 days, the battery was still at 90%.