This is the enclosure.  While waiting for the 2nd pack, I only made the frame for the right pack.  The board with the switch and meters is temporary.  I wanted to do a quick pine panel to figure where things are going to go.  The final version will be in soft maple.

Today I drilled a hole in the shell for the first time!!  (I had put a hole in the floor).  I think it worked out.  With this mod, when I am using the batteries / inverter, I can just run an extension cord to the standard plug on the camper and the power strip will work like normal.  And I can split it and also power items outside the camper.  This mod was easier than I thought after the initial GULP!

I used to have one solar panel and carried it on the standard roof racks.  I am adding a second panel so I wanted a second set of racks.  I found this set on Amazon for cheap (about $50) because it was returned.  I need to modify it and paint it before installing.  Here’s the start.  A little angle grinder music.

Hey Carlo,

Great work! I agree that a forum opens up much more for out community, I’m glad your here and finding it useful.

I think you have a great plan to execute but for m, I hate losing my roof rack for the panels. I’ll be documenting my build here shortly, as soon as I have the time lol

I’m looking forward to seeing how this turns out!

@tiny-om Thanks, Matthew!

 My new pack arrived from China in 91 days!  I decided to get an active balancer and it solved a lot of my frustration in getting the packs top balanced and charged up.  So I’m ordering another one for the second pack.  Also ordering other parts for the second pack.

Today, I put the BMS and active balancer in the box.  Also installed some switches for the BMS and active balancer and a panel of powered switches (didn’t get picks of those this week).

I tried to smooth out the really rough plywood.  Spent a good hour with #7 foreplane and disappointed with results.  The plywood is just too rough — deep pits and cracks.  So, I decided I’m not going to try to make the case a trophy piece and just put a finish on it and focus on functionality.

I haven’t documented very well.  Since my last post, I’ve been installing wiring for the recently-arrived pack.  I wanted to be able to switch the BMS’s and Active Balancers off when not in use.  In talking it over with Dexter (owns Current Connected), I learned that the only safe way to switch the new BMS was a 4PST switch because the 150A BMS doesn’t have a built-in switch harness like the 120A Overkill BMS does.   So got some proper switches and went to work. 

I think at this point about all I have left on the battery center is the wiring to the inverter and then install the batteries and wiring from the panels. 

@ccinbr200 How’d it go? did you get it all set up?

Hi, MAtthew!   It’s going great!  All internal wiring i done and functioning.  All I really have left is adding extra racks to the camper so I can put both panels on.  Will remember to post some pictures when I get that done (taking a break till it warms up a bit).

Carlo