Where to mount solar controller

[DSchmidt]

Hello,

I am wondering if anyone else has installed a solar charge controller in a Jay flight like my 195RB? Currently I have a 100W Coleman panel on the roof connected to a simple Coleman charge controller mounted inside the battery case.

However I want to get a controller with a display that I can view from inside the trailer. I am considering the Renogy Wanderer unit because it has voltage and amps display and is a reputable brand. Price is reasonable too.

My question is where inside the trailer others have mounted their controller?? Or did you find another controller with a remote display of some sort? Suggestions?

[morleyz]

I have a Renogy Rover, so I struggled with a similar issue. In the end, the controller ended up in the pass through storage. I ended up putting two of these in: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013PKYILS

One monitors the output from the solar panels. The second monitors the output from the charging side.

If you want more direct access to your solar controller, why not use Renogy's BT-2 and monitor from your phone or tablet? You can even change settings with it.

[m2bandit]

It needs to be near the batteries. Get a battery monitor and run it inside.
I talked to renogy about their controller's information because mine wasn't reading right the tech said it's unreliable.
Putting it inside gives you bad info and more drop from wire length.

[DSchmidt]

Good suggestion morleyz. I really dislike having my phone involved at all but I do see how it could eliminate one hiccup. I have read that the Bluetooth link is sometimes unreliable as well.

But on a related note, where did you end up mounting those voltage monitors? I kind of have the same issue even if I go that route. Wiring those somewhere convenient seems tough. Right now I have a simple battery voltage monitor plugged into the cigarette lighter port on the tv antenna port panel. It's better than nothing I guess but I was hoping to get a bit more info. Plus I don't trust that my cheapie Coleman charge controller is working properly.

[distracto]

I put mine in the pass through as well. I'm curious how you ran those meters, I'm very interested in doing that as well.

You can see my install here https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f30/2015-white-hawk-23mbh-mods-77358.html

[morleyz]

I have an Eagle 330RSTS. All the wiring is right in the front cap behind front wall in the pass through storage. I mounted the controller on the front wall. I also have a residential fridge and an inverter. The inverter is mounted on the top of the storage, but there is a remote display that is in the bedroom, just on the opposite side of the back wall of the pass through. I cut a hole for a double gang low voltage ring and then modified a double decora cover plate to hold the meters. I used some CAT5 to wire the meters. Meters are in the bedroom, which isn't the most convenient, but at least I can check on them inside of I want to.

The reviews I read say the newer Renogy BT module is much better than the older version.