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Solar inlet connector

kf4zht

Red Skull Member
Joined
May 20, 2020
Member Number
561
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Adding solar to my trailer. One of the foldable panel types. Going to stick a charge controller in the wiring area for it but need a connector for the inlet.

Needs to be panel mount
Not shared with other stuff so it wont get confused
Preferably weathersealed on its own


There is the "official Furry approved one" https://www.amazon.com/Furrion-FSPINS-BS-Black-Solar-Inlet/dp/B017P8H8XG
But kind of steep for a connector.

There is a cheaper chineseium version https://www.amazon.com/HangTon-Waterproof-Connector-Industrial-Coupling/dp/B07DLTV59M

Or the even cheaper chineiumer one https://www.amazon.com/SZJELEN-Waterproof-Circular-Aviation-Connector/dp/B07CCJQ14J

Or this one, but its a little too close to a SAE plug for my taste https://www.amazon.com/Kohree-Sidewall-Connector-Weatherproof-Generator/dp/B07XLK4CH3

Finally the panel has a 5.5x2.1 barrel out, so I could just stick with the cheapest, but concerned about weather resistance and those skinny little wires https://www.amazon.com/RLECS-Connector-Dustproof-Water-Proof-5-5x2-1mm/dp/B07X1HZLTF

So what say irate? Anyone used any of the options?
 
Pick your poison.

You can just hang whatever connector you want under the side skirt of the trailer and not use a surface mount at all.

I hate SAE connectors so I wouldn't got that route personally. I would be more likely go the furion route or some free on hand industrial (deustsch, MC4 etc.) mounted on the frame.
 
Seems like dc voltage is too much for you. Alligator clips. Red and black. Battery studs, red and black. But either of those other connectors will work too.
 
Seems like dc voltage is too much for you. Alligator clips. Red and black. Battery studs, red and black. But either of those other connectors will work too.
Seems more like DC is too much for you. Bright idea to attach a 20+ VDC source to a battery unregulated. Well, it will be when something catches fire.
 
Seems more like DC is too much for you. Bright idea to attach a 20+ VDC source to a battery unregulated. Well, it will be when something catches fire.
Seems like DC it is too much for you. Your question is a connector question, and not a component question. How many amps are you planning on passing?
 
They make different size Anderson connectors. They do not have to be the large ones typically used on winches and jumper cables. They are pretty nice, and not cheesedick like the typical rv/boat ones. there is no weather seal. But I am sure there has got to be a cover made for them when not in use.
 
Pick your poison.

You can just hang whatever connector you want under the side skirt of the trailer and not use a surface mount at all.

I hate SAE connectors so I wouldn't got that route personally. I would be more likely go the furion route or some free on hand industrial (deustsch, MC4 etc.) mounted on the frame.

I ordered a knock off furrion one from ebay, when it shows up in 3-36 months I'll see how the quality is. DT connectors are great, but dont seem to be built for constant plugging and disconnecting. Same with MC4. Both are more designed for component replacement or occasional maint work.

Seems like DC it is too much for you. Your question is a connector question, and not a component question. How many amps are you planning on passing?

Somewhere between a 50w-120w panel, most that size output 18-20v. So well less than 10a. What I am more looking for is issues like this connector gets grit and stops locking, This one sucks at corrosion.

They make different size Anderson connectors. They do not have to be the large ones typically used on winches and jumper cables. They are pretty nice, and not cheesedick like the typical rv/boat ones. there is no weather seal. But I am sure there has got to be a cover made for them when not in use.

I have a few of the 20a powerpoles, mostly on radio gear. I could use a different color, but every panel mount design I have seen for them is hack at best. The bigger ones with a weather seal front are nice, but massive overkill for this.

I like these, I have them on my boat and cargo trailer as well as my battery charger and jump starter pack.


Cheap, flush mountable, tethered caps, either 10 gauge or 8 gauge with heat shrink butt connectors already attached.
Where were these when I rewired my trolling motor. I used anderson SB connectors since I had them but they are meh. Still an upgrade from the white trash standard 14ga extension cord and wire nuts.
 
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