Pre-wired Solar Connection

[Ras82310]

We recently purchased a used 2020 Dutchmen voltage 4185 and love the rig!! I have a question and hope someone can help me out. I noted that there is a solar connection on the side of the trailer above the house power connection. Does anyone know if this trailer came with a solar controller onboard buried somewhere? I cannot find one. Or is this a connection for portable panels with a built in charge controller? I have a one page add for new equipment in the paperwork and booklets the previous owners had from the dealer. The dealer was zero help and only wanted me to trade this trailer in for a new one. I checked the Dutchmen web-site and cannot find one thing about "pre-wired solar".

I am looking to add roof top panels and a fully system when I can, but would like to use this in the mean time.

Can anyone help me out?

 

[persistent]

A prewired solar connector on the side of a Dutchmen, Voltage, Keystone, or Kodiak is usually just a connector and a fused wire to the battery.

It is intended to be used with a portable solar panel that has its own charge controller.

There may be a solar prewire on the roof. This one is usually designed to be used with an optional kit located in the front pass through.

The kit that I saw had a solar charge controller and a small inverter. Of course a solar panel was also included in the kit.

 

[dsol]

And you likely need a connector like the attached. along with the reversing adapter in case a panel you buy has opposite + and - connectors.

I bought a large, maybe 3' x 4' solar panel and controller form Harbor Freight, an adapter like shown and an extension cable with the same fittings and use if I am dry camping (no hook-ups) which will generally keep my batteries topped off so i can use lights, etc in the evenings and avoid the generator.

Lastly, as Persistent said, there might be an inline fuse holder between that connector and the battery, but unfortunately all you get is likely that connector and the small gauge wires directly connected to your battery.

Google this and you can find them:

10AWG 2 Pin Power Industrial Circular Connector to SAE Adapter Cable, Furion Solar Plug to SAE Connector, Fit for Furrion, Solar Panel Suitcase, Forrest River RV Ports

 

[chrisski]

We recently purchased a used 2020 Dutchmen voltage 4185 and love the rig!! I have a question and hope someone can help me out. I noted that there is a solar connection on the side of the trailer above the house power connection. Does anyone know if this trailer came with a solar controller onboard buried somewhere? I cannot find one. Or is this a connection for portable panels with a built in charge controller? I have a one page add for new equipment in the paperwork and booklets the previous owners had from the dealer. The dealer was zero help and only wanted me to trade this trailer in for a new one. I checked the Dutchmen web-site and cannot find one thing about "pre-wired solar".

I am looking to add roof top panels and a fully system when I can, but would like to use this in the mean time.

Can anyone help me out?

The ground mount panels are awesome. A good rule of thumb is a single 100 watt panel per battery will prevent overcharging a lead battery.

Several people here have a solar build. To get yourself smart on the roof stuff, I recommend DIYsolarforum. Very few reputable places out there to install a mobile system, not enough money in it., so it’s best to get smart on it.

 

[Ras82310]

Thank for all the info!!!