Anderson plug install on rear bumperusing loop from current 12 pin plug

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Originally Posted by loanrangie

Even on the D3 without a BMS ? Winch uses one of those earth studs now and i know not to mess with earths that are being used by any of the vehicle systems.

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Hello to drivesafe and loanrangie,


Thanks for the continued advice and support re my installation question.

I think I should mention products we have: we have Atem Power 200w folding solar blanket an a Atem Power 20A 12v dc to dc battery/isolater capable charger for all batteries including Lithium - as previous mentioned these were gifted to us.

The install (SIL’s mate) on the charger was done with “8awg/b&s wire” as it was recommended by the seller (Sunyee) to my s-I-l, when he checked with them after purchase, so he says.

I’m reasonably handy with som plastering, stud framing and bit of water pipe plumbing- brother and some other family where in the trade, not me, and learned a bit from. “ I presume I can’t use the nail guns to pin to car anywhere”

So I will give it a go, the install the Anderson plug to the car, now that both you gentlemen have given me more info and a bit of confidence.

One question though, if I use 6B&S wire with appropriate fuse will this cause an issue with the charger being on 8awg/b&s?

Also, the installer suggested that we should in the near future, look at replacing the current calcium battery that’s over 6 y.o. with a 125AH Lithium LiFePO4 battery (battery size restrictions in current location). If we do replace with Lithium not being able to get to the PSU to disable the charge wire from PSU to battery will this cause an issue with the Lithium whilst driving.

Once again thank you all have given advise. John

I read through this and thought I might share a same story.

I recently fitted exactly a similar setup in a poptop Caravan for one of my customer.

We setup with front Anderson plug to charge through 20a dual battery charger, and another Anderson plug on the side of the caravan for solar charger plug. We also setup behind a 2000W power converter and an array of extra accessories, USB, lights.

It was not working at first then quickly I tested the battery was too old and low. So they changed a new FullRiver 105ah and great ever since.

So if your system does not work, assuming you have 12V+ charging from the car to the caravan either from original port or a direct Anderson plug from the front battery, likely the problem stays at the Dual battery charger unit or your battery.

Hi again John, first off, going to lithium batteries can have some advantages, but you have to be very careful when selecting the right lithium battery as there are now heaps of absolutely crap lithium batteries on the market.

Next, what would be the reason you think you need to go to a lithium battery. What advantages do you think you will get?

To maxperformance, thanks for your input and more so let me know we are not the only ones with this type of product. Never heard of Atem Power before receiving the items from family. Refreshing to see how many people in the forum are willing to contribute advise/suggestions.


To drivesafe, I am pleasantly surprise with your patience with my lack of knowledge on the subject and you pushing out questions/suggestions. Please don’t stop

The only reason I brought up the question on Lithium battery was based on the suggestion by the chap (SIL mate) who wired up the van’s charger: it would lighter, a bit smaller in size- we are restricted with space where current battery is set up, and for the size an extra 25amps i.e, 125ah lithium compared to current 100ah calcium battery. There was something else but I can’t recall. He did not recommend one brand to another.

SIL decided to look up Sunyee’s web site, as that where he purchased charger & solar blanket, after mate mentioned Lithium, they have an Atem Power (?) Lithium 125AH battery and smaller in size and weight to current battery. As ours is 6+ y.o. I gave lithium a thought and ran it through the forum?

As with previous post your input is welcomed. Also in previous you suggested using 6B&S wire for Anderson plug on car; would this difference in size to the 8B&S used in van wiring set up be an issue? As previous statement I know jacks..t about auto wiring.

As always any and all input is welcomed include just get on with it and leave every one alone. Regards John

Hi again John, this is by far one of the best forums for seeking and getting help, for a whole range of subjects. People just want to help.

If you can, get the specs for the lithium battery you are considering, or post up a part number for the battery and I will source the specs for you.

As I posted, there are some crap lithium batteries on the market right now, and one I saw on another forum, the battery actually had specs that most AGM batteries bettered.

The suggestion to go to 6B&S is to future-proof your setup and there will be no issues with having the larger cable in the tow vehicle, other than it will help your DC/DC device to run more efficiently.

Just supporting what Drivesafe and others have said, we have good cabling with 50amp fuses running to a rear Anderson plug installed by an auto electrician and it works fine.
To properly charge a van battery requires more power than you would put through a normal trailer plug just to trigger lights and brakes.
You mentioned running a 20amp charger. Your alternator can output more than 20amps, which is why the recommendation is 50amp fuses and suitable cable to cope, for a safety margin.
Don't cut corners on charging van batteries. Lithiums charge best at about 14.2 volts, higher than AGMs.
Personally, not being an expert, I get an auto electrician to do the work, just to avoid the chance of causing a fire.
Hope that helps.

Can I suggest that you use a 2pin 50amp plug as sold by Supercheap as they have a positive locking mechanism flap like a 7 pin plug.

I have helped a bloke on the GRR where his Anderson plug was ripped out by grass in the centre of a track. I luckily had a spare Anderson I could give him.'

Just today I read on AFAIR Exploroz the same thing happened to someone on that forum.
Andersons are great and I use them a lot but not on the rear bumper.
Regards PhilipA

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Originally Posted by PhilipA

Can I suggest that you use a 2pin 50amp plug as sold by Supercheap as they have a positive locking mechanism flap like a 7 pin plug.

I have helped a bloke on the GRR where his Anderson plug was ripped out by grass in the centre of a track. I luckily had a spare Anderson I could give him.'

Just today I read on AFAIR Exploroz the same thing happened to someone on that forum.
Andersons are great and I use them a lot but not on the rear bumper.
Regards PhilipA

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Spot on, they need to up tight and away from being caught.