2023 Ford Ranger build: Projecta 12-volt system

After we confirmed we were fitting the Trig Point service body canopy to the Ranger, and Trig Point’s Murray Brookes told us there would be space for an induction cooktop, we had to rethink our 12-volt power set-up.

When we spoke to our partners at Projecta about the power-sapping induction cooktop, they got pretty excited, saying they could supply all the power we needed… and more!

Projecta’s Intelli-Grid power systems were primarily designed for caravans, motorhomes and camper trailers, but with the growing want for more electrical power in 4x4 vehicles, the system has been adapted to suit this application.

40

Projecta told us that this need for more power isn’t just for those living on the road and running fridges, lights, inverters, cooktops and even microwave ovens, but also for tradies who need to charge batteries for the multitude of power tools they use on the job. This also applies to travellers who carry battery powered tools as well.

With multiple charging options to keep the system powered up, we should be able to keep our gear running no matter where we take the Ranger.

The system that Projecta designed for us centres on the company’s INVCHR3 Inverter/Charger. This is a 3000-Watt inverter with a built-in 12V 180A charger. Put simply, this inverter will provide enough power to charge and run all your accessories and tools via 240V outlets, as well as change the vehicle auxiliary battery which in this case is one of Projecta’s LB200-HD 200Ah lithium batteries.

40

The five-stage charger can output up to 12V 180A when plugged into mains power, enabling us to not only charge our batteries but also power any 240V appliances we might be using at the same time. The charger works with lithium, wet cell, gel and AGM batteries.

The 3000W inverter should provide plenty of power to run appliances and tools when away from the grid via the GPO power points which are separate from the main unit.

The 40A MPPT solar controller will also help out when we are off the grid once we have fitted some solar panels up top.

While driving, the Projecta PMDCS60 DC-DC charger manages the battery charging duties from the alternator. Again this is a five-stage charger, but 60-amps, and it still works with lithium, wet cell, gel and AGM batteries, and compensates for so-called smart alternators and their variable outputs, ensuring reliable charging regardless; this has become essential in modern vehicles. It also has inbuilt temperature compensation to maintain operation in various conditions.

40

A new product from Projecta is the ready-to-fit plug and play powerboard range. Available in a variety of sizes to accommodate all the hardware needed for your power solutions, they are supplied with all the kit and just need to be fitted and wired into your vehicle.

The team at Trig Point installed the system into our canopy and as it was a first Projecta set-up for them, it required relocation of a few regular Trig Point canopy components. Both the inverter/charger and the LB200 battery are relatively large, requiring extra space, although once fitted there is still enough room available to fit a second LB200 battery if the need ever arises.

As it is designed for use in caravans and motorhomes, the INVCHR3 Inverter/Charger doesn’t have a standard GPO power outlet as you would find on most vehicle-based inverters, and so requires separate wiring to install the GPO.

40

In this case Trig Point fitted a four-outlet GPO to run our 240V tools and accessories, and this part of the installation must be certified by a qualified electrician. Located next to the power points we have 12V and USB outlets for powering and charging smaller accessories.

The Projecta Intelli-Grid is a relatively set-and-forget system once it is installed and up and running. The monitor panel displays the state of charge of the battery as a percentage, and the input and output of the system. It also has a warning for low voltage and a switch to turn the system off if you need to put the vehicle into storage.

Pricing

• Projecta INVCHR3 inverter/charger: $3999
• Projecta PMDCS60 DC-DC charger: $990
• Projecta SC540 MPPT solar charge controller: $649
• Projecta INVCHRD-BT lithium battery monitor: $215
• Projecta LB200-HD: $4586