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!!!

 

[DuckPen]

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

THis is helpful and with my research - I feel correct in ordering this adapter. I also purchased a 30 amp controller to install inside the hatch to connect between the panel and 2-pin connection. As someone previously mentioned, the hatch either has to remain open when connected or I will need to create a hole somewhere. I'm not mechanical so am doing the easiest I can without blowing up the rig!

 

[chrisski]

As someone previously mentioned, the hatch either has to remain open when connected or I will need to create a hole somewhere. I'm not mechanical so am doing the easiest I can without blowing up the rig!

There's a few entry points I have found to use.

For my portable panels, I route the wires through where the jacks enter the frame and there's room for at least two more connections.

Other easier safe ways to drill a small hole would be the plastic bins by the storage doors that is nothing but plastic on the bottom. Also, a safe place to drill is the storage door themselves, they tend to be nothing but Styrofoam coated with plywood and fiberglass on each side with no frames in the middle.

I think a better way is to go through the wall, and after you make the first install through a wall, the rest are easier. I've found no one good way to find wood or metal frames in the wall, but a best guess based off:

1) Feeling the wall for the frame (Least useful)
2) Looking for morning dew on the frame (Not good for my Desert Climate)
3) Occasionally you can see them through the sides
4) A stud finder (Very inconsistent)
5) Thermal Imager (Spotty at best and won't find all the studs)
6) There's other imaging devices that work good on house walls, but are very inconsistent with the Styrofoam insulation. (I've tried the other ways, not this.

Finally I measure inside and out and then get brave and finally do a test drill. Then I'll either cut a square or go through with a circular drill bit.

I did have an issue on my first install, and had to move where I planned drilling a couple inches does.

 

[DuckPen]

Good info --- I'll get my husband to do this. In case there's a leak, its not my fault! LOL

 

[DuckPen]

So my husband, in all his wisdom has decided that he'll cut the wires INSIDE the RV panel and connect the 2pin connection there to the solar controller and the battery wires to the solar controller. As long as he does it correctly -- we should be all OK.

 

[dsol]

You might consider an inline fuse holder so you can drop in a fuse just in case the solar controller has an issue.

 

[chrisski]

For solar questions, I refer people to diysolarforum.com.