Tailgate standoff, but on a bonnet.

[Sim667]

I’m just putting the basics in my van for a bit of light summer camping until I’m ready to fully convert, but one of the things I want to be able to do is charge a power station inside the van, with my portable fold out panels outside the van, without leaving windows or doors open.



My plan is to run a MC4 cable through the gromit hole in the bonnet/cab divider. That I can connect the power station to inside, and then plug into a cable to the solar panel in the bonnet.



Obviously trapping the cables with the bonnet lid is eventually going to knacker the cables, but I also don’t want to leave the bonnet in a state it could be opened and people can fiddle or knick parts easily. So I was looking at my tailgate vent and wondering if anyone knows of any products that work like that, but for a bonnet. Or if they know of anything else that would work?

 

[Bargy62]

@Sim667 My EHU is under my bonnet and the cable a 2.5mm the bigger EHU cable fits easily though bottom passengers side with the bonnet closed
I don't know if the alarm works properly with the bonnet open someone else will advise if so soon
I'll get a picture later

 

[Bargy62]

It's not trapped or pinched and does move

 

[StratosFearXX]

I do this too, either that gap near headlight or you can route wires out the top past the bonnet hinge without trapping them.

 

[moomin-j]

View attachment 324093View attachment 324094
It's not trapped or pinched and does move

Same here.
Works

 

[Sim667]

Oh perfect, sounds like I was overthinking it. Thanks all.

 

[Salty Spuds]

As an aside, MC4 connectors aren’t designed for repeated connections/disconnections. You’d be better off with a small Anderson connector.

 

[whodat]

I just know I would drive off with it all attached.

 

[Bav]

I just know I would drive off with it all attached.

Funny you should say that...

 

[z1ts]

I just know I would drive off with it all attached.

You need this:-

Post in thread 'What Have You Bought Today?'

31 Oct 2022

WARNING - It is very easy to drive off without the roof being fastened down with these clips!

As we found out leaving the site today!

This is due to you not having two eight foot lengths of straps hanging down when they are not fastened. My wife lowered the roof and thought she would clip it down later. She forgot. I didn’t notice until it popped up on an A road!

Right. You need to employ some kind of reminder system

I've stolen this idea from this thread. @Nige_g has used this simple, cheap and effective method and I LOVE it!!!

• z1ts

• 
• 

 

[Sim667]

As an aside, MC4 connectors aren’t designed for repeated connections/disconnections. You’d be better off with a small Anderson connector.

Anderson connections aren’t waterproof though are they? I’ve been using MC4’s to do a similar setup in the past and I think the amount I actually disconnect and reconnect them means it’s never really been a problem.