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Cascadia 4x4 VSS Tundra specific Solar System Just Installed

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by cquilichini, Mar 3, 2021.

  1. Mar 3, 2021 at 11:04 AM
    #1
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    Hey Guys,

    I just installed the Cascadia 4x4 90 watts front hood mounted solar panel with their mppt charge controller and is a very cool kit to keep your battery always topped out and allows you to run your accessories for longer periods of time without the need to start your truck to also allows you to keep the fridges going almost indefinitely.

    Here some pics of the install.

    IMG_7180.jpg
    IMG_7184.jpg
    IMG_7185.jpg
     
    bulldog93, CorsoTundra, Voss and 8 others like this.
  2. Mar 3, 2021 at 11:21 AM
    #2
    Skey44

    Skey44 GreenvilleOverland

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    Lift, tires, wheels, roof rack
    I see you were able to color match yours :)
    Sweet looking truck and seems like a great idea!
     
    Black Wolf and cquilichini[OP] like this.
  3. Mar 3, 2021 at 11:37 AM
    #3
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    Thanks!
     
  4. Mar 3, 2021 at 12:02 PM
    #4
    mountainpete

    mountainpete Explore more

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    Function before sparkle.
    Very cool to see...

    Did you mount the panel directly to the hood or did you add a clear film first?

    Any whistle or wind noise?
     
  5. Mar 3, 2021 at 12:06 PM
    #5
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    I added the film they include on the kit. I haven't noticed any noise produced by the panel.
     
    mountainpete[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Mar 3, 2021 at 12:11 PM
    #6
    Bakershack

    Bakershack Critical of Noncritical Thinkers

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    Cool! Is it easily removable? Does the kit protect the paint on the hood?
     
  7. Mar 3, 2021 at 12:14 PM
    #7
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    It's installed with 3M double sided VHB tape. It can be removed but is intended to stay permanently. The kit includes a vinyl film to protect the hood.
     
    619Tundra and Bakershack[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Mar 3, 2021 at 1:44 PM
    #8
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I'm really liking this. A lot. Hmmmm.....
     
  9. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:10 PM
    #9
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Can you post a close up of the control box? I'm going to be spending a lot of time at my off grid property this spring and summer. This would be ideal. Especially on a blaaaaack Tunny:thumbsup:
     
    619Tundra likes this.
  10. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:18 PM
    #10
    gladecreekwy

    gladecreekwy Wyoming

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    6" lift, bumper and winch.
    Any reason I can’t be mounted on the roof?
     
  11. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:38 PM
    #11
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    It can be mounted in the roof but it’s designed to be mounted on the hood.
     
  12. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:40 PM
    #12
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    here you go.

    8D4914B1-3B54-42AF-86BE-7975DC03F1F8.jpg
     
  13. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:40 PM
    #13
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    ......and the roof isn't flat due to the risers in the sheet metal. Might not stay on plus would negate having a roof rack.
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2021
  14. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:42 PM
    #14
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Kuul. But your mounting setup/location. I thoroughly checked out Cascadia's site. I'm really thinking about getting in on the April pre order shipment. Out of stock now.
     
  15. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:51 PM
    #15
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    That I don’t have pictures of. But if you look at the first picture of my post, the charge controller is actually hidden at a cavity on the right back hand by the firewall. You will see the cables with the MC4 connectors from the solar panel if you look closely.
     
    Black Wolf[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:53 PM
    #16
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I do my own wiring and it looks fairly simple actually. Damn it. I'm going to get this. Ha!
     
  17. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:54 PM
    #17
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    Is a real easy project. The wiring cannot be simpler.
     
    Black Wolf[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:55 PM
    #18
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Aesthetically is doesn't look bad at all on black. Prolly look good on white and other colors too.
     
  19. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:56 PM
    #19
    Black Wolf

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    I wonder if Cascadia would be interested in a group buy?
     
  20. Mar 3, 2021 at 2:59 PM
    #20
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    I will show you later. I have 2 80watts solar panels in parallel fixed on the truck bed charging the Dometic PLB40 Lifepo battery. I use the battery for my Dometic CFX50 fridge. I have a problem with solar panels.:bananadance::bananadance::bananadance:
     
    bulldog93 and Black Wolf[QUOTED] like this.
  21. Mar 3, 2021 at 3:01 PM
    #21
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I think the hood location is ideal. Fitment looks perfect too. A bit different but I like the utility of it there.
     
  22. Mar 6, 2021 at 2:59 PM
    #22
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    Here are the twin 80 watts panels in parallel that I use to feed the Dometic PLB40 directly. Pictures as promised.

    IMG_7200.jpg
    IMG_7203.jpg
     
  23. Mar 6, 2021 at 5:40 PM
    #23
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Sweet!
     
  24. May 31, 2021 at 12:59 PM
    #24
    Punisher29073

    Punisher29073 New Member

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    Clearance lights, Light bar in front bumper, Ditch lights, CB Radio, AGM Battery, SLEE Sliders,
    still happy with this kit? What do you run off it?

    Ryan
     
  25. May 31, 2021 at 1:54 PM
    #25
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    I'm happy with it, I use it right now to keep the truck battery topped. Is a second layer of assurance if my secondary battery fails.
     
  26. Jun 22, 2021 at 12:18 PM
    #26
    Piki

    Piki New Member

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    Hey OP, how is the system holding up so far, any issues?
    I'm about to pull the trigger and get one too.
    Thanks
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2021
  27. Jun 22, 2021 at 3:18 PM
    #27
    cquilichini

    cquilichini [OP] New Member

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    Really good. No problems whatsoever.
     
    Piki[QUOTED] likes this.
  28. Jun 22, 2021 at 4:35 PM
    #28
    Unclebuck

    Unclebuck New Member

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    First I have heard/seen this setup. Looks like a reasonably priced setup and easy install.
    I just got my tundra and will be moving my dual battery setup that I had in the Taco to it. I have been running a Redarc BCDC1240 with a 170AH lithium mounted in the rear of the cab and using a foldable Overland Solar 130W panel when in camp. My only goal is to power my National Luna fridge and occasional items through the 1000w inverter...The Cascadia panel looks like it might be something to seriously consider to integrate into my system.
     
  29. Jul 28, 2021 at 8:01 AM
    #29
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra New Member

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    I'm strongly considering this product for my upcoming FJ Cruiser 2022, I think it will look sick on the yellow hood. For the Tundra, I have the Redarc 112W SOLAR BLANKET AMORPHOUS CELLS (SAF1112) with the Dual Input 50A In-vehicle DC Battery Charger (BCDC1250D)
     
  30. Jul 28, 2021 at 8:01 AM
    #30
    1794-BlackTundra

    1794-BlackTundra New Member

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    One can only hope :fingerscrossed:
     
    Black Wolf[QUOTED] likes this.

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