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Topic: Victron BMV-712 install (Read 655 times) previous topic - next topic

Victron BMV-712 install

Finished installing my battery monitor yesterday afternoon when some warm weather rolled into town. I've got all the components for a full solar install, but waiting for warmer weather to put a coat of epoxy paint on roof before the solar panels, so I'm working backwards - battery to roof. Install was straight forward. Installing a Victron solar charge controller 150/70 TR. Both units have bluetooth built in and I like not having to run control wires for monitor panels into the living area.

Everything fired right up and once I entered bluetooth passcode it went through firmware updates via the phone app on the BMV. Entered my battery capacity into the settings and it started feeding me info. Ordered the cable for the battery monitor connection and cable crimper from Tempco. Wish it had been installed when we dry camped for a week at Wild Rivers in NM last summer. Six months to retirement.

1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Victron BMV-712 install

Reply #1 –
Looks great. Which solar charge controller are you using?
1997 U270 34FT Build 5140 Cummins 8.3 Allison 3060R
Solar 1920Watts, 14KWH lithium. Orion BMS.

Re: Victron BMV-712 install

Reply #2 –
Victron 150/70 to operate 4 180 watt panels with option of one more for total of 900 watts.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Victron BMV-712 install

Reply #3 –
Realmccoy,  just a quick question. Are you going to hold down the solar panels with VHBTAPE tape or screws?
If tape then if the roof right now before painting is in good shape where panels mounts will be, I would be very cautious  and make sure that the paint has a very good bond with roof as that is what the tape is holding onto (paint)and if not you will loose the panels.
I personally would rather stick the tape to original finish of roof as I and many others did.
If you are using screws then paint it first.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Victron BMV-712 install

Reply #4 –
If you use VHB tape use the 3M cleaner/adhesion promoter on the clean gel coat and the brackets. If you can get the brackets mounted first, caulk the brackets and then paint is probably a best way.  Otherwise mask the bracket location and don't paint where the brackets are going.  Otherwise your weakest point will be the bond between paint and gel coat.

Screws work if you can hit roof aluminum framing and that is not likely.  VHB tape works great.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Victron BMV-712 install

Reply #5 –
Great suggestion. I am planning to use VHB tape and will follow your suggestion to mount the panels on the original gel coat.  I had wondered if that might be a problem. I had not known about the 3M adhesion promoter. Do you have a part number for it?
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.
 

Re: Victron BMV-712 install

Reply #6 –

Solar panel mounting

Cleaner/adehesion promoter
Amazon.com: 3M 111 Clear Tape Primer - Liquid Bottle - For Use With 3M VHB...

Caulk
Amazon.com: 3M 06580 Marine Adhesive/Sealant Fast Cure 4000 UV, White / 1/10...

VHB Tape
Amazon.com: 3M VHB Heavy Duty Mounting Tape 5952, 1.5" width x 5yd length (1...

My mounts are 1.75"x12" and made to fit the curve of the roof.  I use 12" of the VHB tape above.  No screws, very solid. Some of the commercial mounts are only 2.5" long x 1" wide.  Too small for my comfort level. 





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Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN