First I want to apologize to Saturndude. I hate it when I tell people my idea(s) and they shoot it down right away, especially without any reasons. That's exactly what I did to you.
I already bought the lifeP04 batteries, BMS, and everything which included $50 shipping I would of had to pay that shipping back making my return only around $70. I didn't feel like taking that loss.
I read the electrical load made by MetroMPG with his numbers for his firefly and recently someone posted their measurements on a 2005 Astro:
I figured my numbers would be higher but thats about double just idling. I haven't checked my van for accuracy, but should be close. Just using the LifePo4 batteries I could only idle for about 45 minutes. I definitely have reconsidered the deep cycle battery. If these LifePo4 batteries don't work I have a few ideas about what to use them for.
On another note:
I built the battery box and got the BMS soldered and almost ready, Solar panels are ready for mounting on the roof.
I have to mount the charge controller, and run the wiring for it. I'm using 10 AWG wire, the same I used for my e-fan. Max amps output listed is ~5 amps, 24V (sorry couldn't find actual value in manual they're 2 12V panels so I think its around 36V).
I'm looking for alternative ideas on my wiring plan for going through the roof mostly.
I got a second, 3rd brake light/middle light from the junkyard and got the chance to check it out without ruining watertightness on my van. Also it lets me cut it up if needed.
Currently I plan on taking out one of the screws that holds it on and just running the wire (I only need one for the positive, The manual for the panels says that there was no difference between a grounded and ungrounded panel) through it. The hole is actually a double D shaped hole so the wire fits fairly tightly inbetween the flat sides but leaves a small gap between the rounded sides. I was going to fill this in with some sort of caulking, any suggestions as to what kind? Otherwise I have seam sealer and some left from when we remodeled the bathroom, I forget what exactly the second one was. The light has a sort of adhesive on it also that holds it on and seals the holes from water, would it be enough to keep water out without having the screw on it?
After that just running it to the side of the van where I'll have the controller and batteries. Do you think it could cause any problems having the controller and batteries within about 5-10 inches of each other? I was planning on taking one of the side panels off and making a lexan replacement with some computer fans on it for better airflow.
Thanks, Matt