I bought a 200 watt portable solar panel from Renogy and trying to figure out a way to run the cables out the bottom of the battery bay area in a efficient, dry way. I hate to just partially close the bay door as rodents and thieves have access to the batteries. I'm going to use it for other batteries in the fleet so figured 200 watts is better than nothing. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Isn't there a vent on the bottom of that bay?
Sounds like this will be a portable solar panel vs roof-installed.
You can always use a magnet to verify where the floor beams are. Drill a hole large enough to accommodate a pipe you can run the wires through. Diameter and how to block it from bug intrusion is up to what gauge wire you want and what kind of connections.
Have you thought about using a bulkhead connector? sealed and weatherproof.
6 gauge bulkhead electrical connectors marine - Bing images (https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=ZxiEAvsI&id=CBD703B45AF1582272768A5172FC1F053B57F068&thid=OIP.ZxiEAvsIB9GkDSDD3BxWbQHaHa&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fi.ebayimg.com%2f00%2fs%2fMTAxMFgxMDEw%2fz%2fyAUAAOSw-jFZ6VNQ%2f%24_57.JPG%3fset_id%3d8800005007&exph=1010&expw=1010&q=6+gauge+bulkhead+electrical+connectors+marine&simid=608030007682991093&ck=2281C2D780C4086C4AEE99A56E3CBF79&selectedIndex=45&FORM=IRPRST&ajaxhist=0)
Ok. As Craneman suggested, there is a vent in the bay below the diesel tank . I cut enough screen out to let the wires clear and then cut a piece of foam to block and prevent access when not in use. Should work great
Thanks
I used something similar to this on a boat. In the same listing it shows related items that might work also.
Amazon.com: Kohree SAE Power Socket Sidewall Port Connector, 2 Pin SAE Quick... (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XLK4CH3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_btf_awdb_MLJyFbYX8CEFM)