rookie doubts

I would like to mount separate components, not a complete unit, in case one fails I don't have to change the assembly.
The idea is to be as self-sufficient as possible and not stop while camping, that's why I need to charge from the alternator and the plate.

HRTKD said:

I read those threads a while back and just reread them. They make a little more sense to me. They also worry me. The question I end up asking myself is, "Should I be isolating my two systems?" They're both 12v and all they'll share in common is the negative ground. Since I don't plan to charge/draw between the two, I don't think I need to worry about it.

Click to expand...

If you get the isolated and don't need it then you have just paid a bit more.

If you get the nonisolated and need to be isolated then you will be replacing it.

I don't see any reason to isolate grounds between my 12V and 24V systems. I will be using an Orion Smart Charger non-isolated with my van conversion. It is about $40 cheaper than the isolated version.

And to be clear. The isolated version just means you can leave the output floating (no need to tie ground to the vehicle ground). The positive output is in fact isolated at least as far as protecting your starter battery and alternator are concerned with either version. That is the entire point to prevent damage to your alternator and avoid running your starter battery dead. Unless you are doing something a lot more complicated than I think you are.

Notice that the non-isolated version has 3 terminals to wire to while the isolated version has 4.