Solar Prep ??

[Bigmike1461]

I am the proud owner of my 3rd Jayco a 2018 28.5rsts HT 5th wheel. My question is my trailer has the solar prep hook up on roof and down by the landing gear switch and a sticker on the wall inside camper. What do I need to use my solar panels that I saved from my old trailer. I had to leave the controller in old trailer. I've read some threads on here but haven't found the answer yet.My panels are the ones you get at harbor freight,they worked fine. People on here say the spot on the wall inside camper is to far from battery,with that said can that spot still be used ? Thanks for any info.

[GHen]

I have a 291rsts, Eagle, not HT. Same set up. I installed a controller inside where the sticker is. Roof mounted a 100watt panel on the roof and it all works great. I did buy mounting rails that allow me to tilt the panel 45 degrees left or right to maximize exposure to low sun position.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bigmike1461]

Who makes the controller and panel. Did you install everything or did the dealer

[chuck5395]

I'm going to be doing a roof solar install on our 2018 28.5RSTS in three weeks. I purchased the Renogy 200 watt kit with the Adventurer controller. I've done some preliminary searching for the wires coming from the roof and I think I have a plan of attack. I'll be taking photos during the install and will post the process. I hope that you might find it useful.

[Mustang65]

Originally Posted by Bigmike1461

.... What do I need to use my solar panels that I saved from my old trailer. I had to leave the controller in old trailer.

As for the distance from the SOLAR charge controller to the batteries should be 5' or less of cable. As always the closer the better (best performance). Granted that may not always be possible.

As for a SOLAR Charge Controller, I would go with the Renogy Wander PWM 30Amp. This model will care for your current SOLAR panel needs and should you decide to upgrade your SOLAR panels in the future, this controller can still be used

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[Trailgypsy]

I'm sure it will work fine, but it won't work as well as a system where the controller is installed close to the batteries and bigger wires from the roof down. I've chosen to ignore the whole "pre-solar" system and put in my own.

[rsday75]

On my 2016, the wires from the roof were 8 gauge, so I used them. Plenty for the run length for 300 watts. I put a battery monitor in the wall where they wanted the controller to go, and mounted the controller in the basement 2.5 feet from the batteries.
so, check the roof connection. Unless they have cheaped out in the past 2 years, it actually is a decent size wire....saved me much headache running the wires down from the roof.

[Bigmike1461]

The sticker on the wall says it is setup for 30 watt. Can I go with more watts.

[GHen]

Originally Posted by Bigmike1461

The sticker on the wall says it is setup for 30 watt. Can I go with more watts.

30 watts or does it say 30 Amps? If it’s 30 amp then that’s like 360 watts of panels and a 30 amp controller. Somebody should be able to correct my math based on the correct conversion.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Bigmike1461]

Originally Posted by GHen

30 watts or does it say 30 Amps? If it’s 30 amp then that’s like 360 watts of panels and a 30 amp controller. Somebody should be able to correct my math based on the correct conversion.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Sorry my bad should have put my glasses on....tried to delete that one . Thanks for the clarification .

[rsday75]

Mine said 30amp and was 8 gauge wire....pretty substantial. I am carrying 300 watts on mine. Works well. 300-400 watts on 12 volt panels should be fine on 8 gauge if the run isn't too long.
You can go higher wattage with higher voltage panels and a MPPT controller.