Google is officially making me think I’m thinking about this way too hard, I figure this would be the place to ask since it’s specifically about overlanding/bugout.

I’m new to it all, haven’t even got the vehicle yet, but I am a freak for researching everything to death before I fully commit. The more I understand what I’m doing, the better. Don’t expect to be an expert by any means, just like to be well informed.

Anyway, question at hand has to do with solar/battery charging. I’m thinking of getting some lifepo batteries (5-10kw depending) to run a variety of things depending on the occasion, from a fridge/freezer to 12v A/C and temporary ham stations, projectors and lights, RV water pump and osmosis filter for field collection/showering, etc etc. wether it’s a weekend glamp with the wife and friends, or an actual weeklong trip, I want to have the capability.

For charging, I’m considering a 400w fold-out setup atop the truck, and with an upgraded alternator to charge while driving. I’ve also considered having 200w of the solar open mounted to supplement charge while driving, and that’s where I’m getting stuck.

When it comes to charging an independent battery, would a single charge controller with solar and 12v input be what I need, or is there a correct way to use 2 charge controllers (solar and dc12v) hooked to the same battery(ies) to charge? Based on what I’m seeing from marine forums, most people are hooking the alternator directly to the battery to be charged, but I would like to keep my engine’s battery independent from the lifepo so there’s no chance of draining it with accessories and being stuck while solar gets it up to turnover charge, or having to jump.

Am I overthinking the problem, or can I just get 2 charge controllers and connect them both to the same battery with a bus (from solar and an inverter or 12v from the car) or should I be doing something else?