Solar Cable Run on an Alante?

[JesseS]

Hello All;
I realize that the Alante is new and not to many owners yet but as I pick mine up on the 4th I thought I would ask.
The coach is NOT pre-wired for solar (and I can't understand that at all) and I normally put about 300 watts of solar up to keep the Trojan house batteries charged (I do a lot of Boondocking on BLM land) and was wondering if anyone had a good idea for running the cable?

On my last 2 RV's I just drilled a hole in the side of the Fridge vent cap and ran the wire down the vent and thru the floor into the house battery compartment. But on the Alante the fridge vent is in the slide, preventing that. I also posed this question to the factory help line, not holding my breath on a answer.
I could always use peel and stick cable channels and come down the end cap seam but I really want to keep it as clean as possible.

[Bobs A Class]

Jesse, I know nothing about solar. I do know that there is a community group in JOF called RVing With Solar. Perhaps they can suggest something.

Bob

[JesseS]

Originally Posted by Bobs A Class

Jesse, I know nothing about solar. I do know that there is a community group in JOF called RVing With Solar. Perhaps they can suggest something.

Bob

Thanks Bob, I will check it out.

Jesse

[JesseS]

Just as a followup to my original question on the cable run, the Jayco Production Manager contacted me and sent me both photos and a diagram along with instructions on where to run the solar cable. Good customer service over there.

[Arniesports60]

Below is a link to the Gone with the Wynn's experience/info on adding Solar...

Our 960 Watt RV Solar Install – A Step by Step Guide

[Fairenatic]

The solar prep on the models like my Eagle would not of done you much good anyway. They are limited to 20 amps.

[JesseS]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

The solar prep on the models like my Eagle would not of done you much good anyway. They are limited to 20 amps.

I have it all installed at this time, running the cable was a snap, right into the Battery compartment. Added the 30 amp controller and 2500 watt inverter and ran the remote switch along with the battery management data cable to the entry bulkhead.
I used Marine 5200 thru-hull adhesive to install a J-box over the drilled hole, and ran my MC-4 connector cables into that. I have 2X 160 watt panels with plenty of room and capacity for 2 more.
Next project is to install a Hi-gain 2.4 GHz antenna on the roof for long range wi-fi reception.
I do not drill holes for solar panel install, the Marine 5200 cures as vulcanized rubber and is stronger than screws for holding the brackets down.

[Fairenatic]

Originally Posted by JesseS

I have it all installed at this time, running the cable was a snap, right into the Battery compartment. Added the 30 amp controller and 2500 watt inverter and ran the remote switch along with the battery management data cable to the entry bulkhead......................

I hope you took pictures.

Where did you enter the roof?

More pictures!

Also interested in what the Production Manager had to say.

[waynem]

Where did you get your 160W panels?

[Seann45]

My installer (Solar Mike of "The SunWorks) used a weather proof junction box on the roof and had the hole leading inside the RV under the junction box. 5+ years and it has been dry and working great..

[JesseS]

Originally Posted by Fairenatic

I hope you took pictures.

Where did you enter the roof?

More pictures!

Also interested in what the Production Manager had to say.

I posted a photo of the cabinet I went thru onto the roof, as well as a diagram with the spot market. The coach is at the dealer now so when it is back I will post more. The production manager is the person who sent me the information on where to drill to miss any wiring or supports.