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Topic: Energy System Vendor Review (Read 579 times) previous topic - next topic

Energy System Vendor Review

As readers of the forum know we recently did a complete overhaul of our energy system including Battleborn's and a full Victron complement of gear.  During the shopping for parts I spoke to Battleborn (who also sells the Victron equipment), AM Solar, Bay Marine and Northern Arizona Wind & Sun.  I quickly ruled out AM Solar simply because they were backlogged months in system design assistance.  Since I needed help with system design I ruled out Battleborn as they are helpful with product but not as quick to respond to the system design questions I had.  Remember....I don't do installs but want to know exactly what I"m getting, how it operates and how it "fits" together.

So it came down to Bay Marine and Northern Arizona.  Justin at Bay Marine was always helpful during our early conversations but it became apparent that they were swamped with business when it came down to the final decisions and ordering.  As a result I ended up ordering all the components, including the Battleborn's, from Northern Arizona.  I'm leaving this review to let fellow members know what great pricing and terrific service I got from Northern Arizona.  In particular I want to complement Adam Douglass, B.S.E.E, Solar Applications Engineer at Northern Arizona.  Adam was easy to reach, quick to respond to questions, provided a really professional series of design schematics and timely replies to both me and my installer when it came to any aspect of the system design and installation.  Through the Victron Connect VRM system Adam has internet access to virtually all components of my system and has worked with me to make sure that all settings are proper.  Adam can be reached at 800-383-0195, extension 108.

I've encouraged Adam to join the Forum and participate in the technical aspects of energy system design as appropriate to help our members.

As always this is strictly my opinion.  If anything in this review doesn't meet muster with the Forum administrators I am OK with any needed changes.
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Energy System Vendor Review

Reply #1 –
Note for us Foretravel folks. Battleborn now has 8D sized lithium batteries. You could remove the 3 Deka MK's (775AH) and use 2 BB 8D Lithiums (540AH) and have 200ah more usable power than the MK's.

We're on our 3rd Solar/Battery system using Victron/Magnum/Battleborn/Lifeline and others. Things have ramped up over the past 5 years, actually kinda crazy. I've been to Arizona Wind and Power to pick up components, good folks. Bay Marine has good pricing and the guy there is very knowledgable. Love the folks at Battleborn too, been to the factory a few times and seen how they build and test the batteries. Cool Geek stuff.

I've noticed a bit of a disturbing trend that I wish would stop. Many DIY'ers will call a distributer multiple times and beg for tech install info, and then do their purchasing of materials with an online vendor.  AM Solar still has a ton of online diagrams for free, (they were bombarded with calls) 

Here's a few folks I know personally that DO mobile installs, but as mentioned backlogs are long!

Lithium Battery Installation | Off The Grid Camper
Cameron is very skilled and has a ton of experience, nice folks too!

RV Solar Solutions
Greg and Bill, such good folks mostly in the east, they do have scheduling online to see where they will be.

Good luck!

Prior 2003 U295  40ft  400Hp -Sold
2020 F350 Tremor - Sold
2021 Bundutec Roadrunner - Sold
2017 Airstream Classic - Sold that POS
2017 F250 - Sold
2019 Sprinter Van - Sold
2022 Winnebago Revel 4x4


Army Airborne Vet.

Re: Energy System Vendor Review

Reply #2 –
Quote from: OSIN –
Note for us Foretravel folks. Battleborn now has 8D sized lithium batteries. You could remove the 3 Deka MK's (775AH) and use 2 BB 8D Lithiums (540AH) and have 200ah more usable power than the MK's.

We're on our 3rd Solar/Battery system using Victron/Magnum/Battleborn/Lifeline and others. Things have ramped up over the past 5 years, actually kinda crazy. I've been to Arizona Wind and Power to pick up components, good folks. Bay Marine has good pricing and the guy there is very knowledgable. Love the folks at Battleborn too, been to the factory a few times and seen how they build and test the batteries. Cool Geek stuff.

I've noticed a bit of a disturbing trend that I wish would stop. Many DIY'ers will call a distributer multiple times and beg for tech install info, and then do their purchasing of materials with an online vendor.  AM Solar still has a ton of online diagrams for free, (they were bombarded with calls) 

Here's a few folks I know personally that DO mobile installs, but as mentioned backlogs are long!

Lithium Battery Installation | Off The Grid Camper
Cameron is very skilled and has a ton of experience, nice folks too!

RV Solar Solutions
Greg and Bill, such good folks mostly in the east, they do have scheduling online to see where they will be.

Good luck!




Cameron from Off-the-Grid Camper is fantastic.  He did such a great job our Class C, we're having him do the install on the Foretravel in a couple weeks.  And yes... good people.

Joe Phebus and Jaime Trujillo
2002 U270 3410  Build: 5953 Motorcader # 18595
2100 W Solar, 600 AH Battleborn Batteries,  Victron Multi-Plus II 3000 Inverter, Cerbo GX, & MPPT Chargers
1992 Geo Tracker