Must have missed this post by eddyturn originally
I love Bogart Engineering stuff, that said you could start making a case to move away from a PWM charger. Many more of the available panels are putting out 18+ volts, especially in colder temperatures you could be missing some of that power. A MPPT controller also opens you up to the high cell count (higher voltage panels if you like). While I generally agree with Bogart's assessment of PWM controllers, they are loosing that battle every year it seems.
Having the Solar tied into the SOC monitoring device is nice but not necessarily needed. The mini equalization is interesting but certainly would not be a deal breaker for me. Using as a DC to DC charger would be great, better if it was a MPPT controller, depending on your alternator output, it could be limited. Also hooking a straight supply is for a shore charger is interesting, but depending on your battery bank size this could be limited.
As far a wiring the controller, I would focus more on the output of the controller to the battery, minimizing voltage drop etc on that run. This is where plugging into a 12 volt outlet leaves a lot to be desired, Who knows how much drop along the way.
If sticking with the PWM controller I wouldn't invest in 8 awg from panel to controller. I do recommend running a aux connection in parallel, this will allow you to easily connect portable panel if needed. I am not a fan of the SAE connectors, I really dislike Zamps port roof cap, there are a couple out there now that have MC4 connectors
While the cost is high, if you are fighting over cargo box area and solar there is the
Packasport Apollo. You could also try mounting panels on top of your own box.
-greg