Solar Panel Prep

[John317]

I requested that the factory do a Solar Panel Prep for my coach as it is being built, i.e. running wires from the roof down to the battery box. They said ok and I'm awaiting pricing for that mod. Some of you may also be interested. I suggested they place a target sticker on the roof to indicate where to cut the hole to access the wiring. I'll post more info when I get the details. Edited by: John317

[lillyputz]

John317,

What solar system have you decided on.



Lillyputz

[5th_Time]

That's such a good idea! All these mods you guys mention such as multi-coax satellite prep, solar grid wiring, etc. should be listed as optional or made standard. Most are very inexpensive to add on the production line, require no maintenance and littlewarrantee risk.I wish I had the solar wiring idea before mine was produced.

Iinstalled a large solar array/inverter on my old fifth wheel a decade ago and it worked great. Of course, the available space for the multi 6v deep cycles is also a big consideration. John, do we have the space?

[John317]

Originally Posted by lillyputz

John317,
What solar system have you decided on.
Â*
Lillyputz

I have not decided on one. My MH had one and I liked the fact that my Batteries were always charged. Any suggestions?

[Robin'n'Marian]

I am finding all the mods and options available very interesting to follow, as we mentioned a lot of them to Tom Montague back in February 2011 when we had a long phone conversation with him, and in several email conversations after that. Solar prep was one of the things we wanted. Glad to see they can do it, and I think you are right, it, the multi-co-ax wiring, and several other things should be standard, or at least a listed option!

Robin and Marian

[lillyputz]

John317,



The solar system I'm going to go with is through wholesale solar 1-800-472-1142. they have some nice packages put together. using Kyocera panels. the system I'm going with will be either the 420 watt $1450.00 or the 560 watt. $1875.00 and this time I will also install a inverter. our current 5th wheel (still have not sold it) has a 120 watt with (4) 6 volt golf cart batts. one of the best thing I did.



Lillyputz

[5th_Time]

John, don't forget theyneed to run the output cable to go to the front closet first so you can mount the charger/monitor panel next to your other controls. Like lillyputz, I've decided on one of Wholesale Solar's packages when I'm ready to go. Not sure where to install extra batteries. Have to remove the coach 12v and install multi 6vs. Trojan makes the best batteries.

[Dave&Ginny]

Originally Posted by 5th_Time

John, don't forget theyneed to run the output cable to go to the front closet first so you can mount the charger/monitor panel next to your other controls. Like lillyputz, I've decided on one of Wholesale Solar's packages when I'm ready to go. Not sure where to install extra batteries. Have to remove the coach 12v and install multi 6vs. Trojan makes the best batteries.

I want to build some sort of cargo carrier that would slide into the trailer hitch and look classy. But I still want to be able to carry bikes. You could put batteries in something like that too.

[John317]

I agree on the Trojan Batteries, I would really
like to install AGMs but at $300 each, I'll just keep watering.

[5th_Time]

Won't be able to measure until I go get my RLthis weekend, but the battery bay looks pretty good-sized. Maybe design a rack for a second layer of batteries to take advantage of the height of the battery area? If you didn't order a generator, you could use that instead.

[John317]

Originally Posted by 5th_Time

Won't be able to measure until I go get my RLÂ*this weekend, but the battery bay looks pretty good-sized.Â* Maybe design a rack for a second layer of batteries to take advantage of the height of the battery area?Â* If you didn't order a generator, you could use that instead.

I didn't order a gen this time, I'm going with the Honda 2000s. But those are all gret ideas.