Solar Power Package - x17z

[CO Mtns]

I am a newbie x17z owner (2021 model) and was thinking about going back to the dealer to have them add the solar power package (one of the options when you buy it). I understand that Jayco pre-wires the units for Go Power for solar.



Anyone add Jayco's solar power package?



Does it include an inverter (or is that even needed)? I don't know what their package includes, other than 190w panel and 30 am controller. Will the dealer say that something "extra" is needed to make it work (like an inverter)??



Thoughts about Jayco's solar power package for the x17z?

Is it roof mounted? Or something else?


Is it sufficient for 2-4 days of boondocking?



Thanks!!!

[BT43]

I have your exact same setup (2021 X17z) and was curious about the same when I purchased it. I ended up buying this suitcase style solar panel with a built-in controller off Amazon. After some research this brand Renogy seemed to be the best purchase for the money.https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I went with the suitcase style so that I can maneuver it towards the sun incase I'm parked under shade. I can even move it throughout the day to keep it angled straight at the sun. It's been great!

That's literally all you need to buy unless you want some extra length to move the panel around. I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

As long as you have full sun, it's enough to keep you charged to be able to use lights, fans, etc at night while boondocking. This will not power the outlets though, those will only work while connected to shore power.

I couldn't recommend the panel enough though, it has been awesome!

[CO Mtns]

BT43 - Thanks! That is very helpful. So you can plug right into the port by the hitch? No adapter needed? Great to know that this 100w kit is enough to power lights/fans/etc (of course, not A/C, microwave/outlets)!

[BT43]

Actually, I did have to purchase this adapter...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

One end connects to the solar panel cables (+ and -) and the other end plugs right into the plug by the hitch like you mentioned. Super easy.

The only other thing I had to look up was the battery type. The controller wants you to select what type of battery your trailer has so look for that setting. If ours are the same, which I don't know why they wouldn't, it's a wet lead acid battery so choose that option in the settings of the controller. That's it, super easy.

Good luck!

[BT43]

Looks like they make a 200w kit too if you want/need the extra wattage. The several days I’ve used mine not once did I not have a full battery by evening time.

[CO Mtns]

BT43 - Thanks for all of the advice! The price jump to go from 100w to 200w is pretty big so I am trying assess whether it is worth it.



How much would your battery (typically) charge up to during the day from the 100w panels? 75%? And how far would the battery (typically) drain after each night's usage? Would it fall to below 50% by morning?

[BT43]

The times I've used it I've been in full sun camping at the beach, so at the end of the day I would be at a full battery according to the instrument panel by the door. That is a variable though - how much sunlight you have each day.

By the end of the night typically I'd say we have about 25% left. But it all depends on how much you're using (obviously). We typically would have a few of the lights on inside, the awning light and the light by the step, and the water pump for a short time.

I've never had a situation where we drained it completely but we have LED lanterns just incase. I think the 100w system would be perfect.

Try searching on here for solar panel discussions and if I remember correctly a lot of people with similar trailers have 100-130w systems and all have great things to say about them...which is how I ended up finding mine!