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02-13-2010, 05:23 PM
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#1
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 49
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Vectra Solar Panel
My 2009 Vectra has the solar charger. As we all know, the panel cannot even off set the draw on the batteries created by all the radio backlighting. My question is, can you upgrade the panel realistically so that the solar charger can keep the batteries from going dead if the only draw if the backlighting? Just wondering...
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Jim
2009 Vectra 40WD
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02-13-2010, 08:49 PM
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#2
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Michigan
Posts: 468
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Jim,
I'm not a guru on this but I've seen similar messages before in this and other forums.
In a nutshell, the biggest concern is the capacity of the existing wiring and controller. If the panels are upgraded to supply more power then most agree that heavier wiring would need to be run as well as a upgraded controller unit.
Others with better info will probably chime in...
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Ed & Joie
2004 Vectra 40KD
Freightliner Chassis and Cummins ISC
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02-18-2010, 08:11 AM
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#3
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Anywhere, USA
Posts: 200
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emiddleb
Jim,
I'm not a guru on this but I've seen similar messages before in this and other forums.
In a nutshell, the biggest concern is the capacity of the existing wiring and controller. If the panels are upgraded to supply more power then most agree that heavier wiring would need to be run as well as a upgraded controller unit.
Others with better info will probably chime in...
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Thanks Ed -- I was hoping some other folks would 'chime' in as I've got the same concerns as Jim. This is something I wouldn't attempt to tackle on my own, but knowing the approximate labor/parts involved beforehand would be beneficial.
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John & Marilyn Yoder, Sophie & Misha (Bichons)
2008 Vectra 40TD, WIT-151980 FMCA F265880
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02-18-2010, 12:31 PM
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#4
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 530
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The existing Vectra system will not support any additional solar panels that will maintain batteries efficiently. If you want more solar power I suggest leaving the existing panel in place and forget about it. Then add whatever supplemental sytem you need after calculating your needs. We have a 400 watt system that we bought from Welcome to AM Solar - Your RV Solar Specialists since 1987 Their web page shows prices and can give you a good idea of what to expect for installation.
Jim
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2011 Mobiles Suites, 2011 Chevy 3500 Dually
Our Webpage
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02-18-2010, 02:49 PM
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#5
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Winnie-Wise
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 429
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I have a 10 watt solar panel that I wanted to upgrade. The wiring and controller are not sized for a larger panel. I had a 130 watt panel and new controller installed and they left the 10 watt panel alone.
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Wayne & Roberta and Maggie the Miracle Dog
08 Winnebago Destination 39W Gas UFO Workhorse Chassis
Making the Journey in our Destination
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02-19-2010, 05:44 AM
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#6
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Winnebago Camper
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 49
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I appreciate the info. Sounds like the short story is; leave the old panel alone and add a whole new set up. Does anyone know if Camping World does this type of work? Or is this a specialty job that needs to go through a solar panel business?
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Jim
2009 Vectra 40WD
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02-19-2010, 06:29 AM
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#7
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Winnebago Owner
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: McCordsville
Posts: 216
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I downloaded the wiring spec for my 2002 Ultimate Advantage and found that the wire size used in the 10watt panel could support the current output of a 40-50watt panel.
I installed a 50watt panel and find that it keeps the batteries charged up in storage unless it's under 3 feet of snow like we've had this year. (I'm so disliking snow........)
I did make the mistake of thinking the 10watt onboard charge controller would handle the increase in amperage. It does for about a month. That cost me a 'solar charging when lit' light. So I installed a charge controller behind the OnePlace panel and continue to use the same wiring. No issues so far and the batteries are happy.
My 10watt panel is next to my refridgerator vent and uses the vent for wire access. I left the 10watt in place and used those wires for the 50watt panel. I bought a bilge vent fan from WestMarine and installed it in the top of the refridgerator vent and connected it to the 10watt panel. Helps out a bit in warm climates.
I don't know if Camping World does solar, but none of their solar products comes with a 'let us install it for you' price. That would lend me to think they don't do solar.
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Jim
2017 Cedar Creek 38EL/2015 Silverado 3500HD
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02-19-2010, 12:07 PM
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#8
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Winnebago Master
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Buxton, North Dakota
Posts: 1,037
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ua40j
I downloaded the wiring spec for my 2002 Ultimate Advantage and found that the wire size used in the 10watt panel could support the current output of a 40-50watt panel.
I installed a 50watt panel and find that it keeps the batteries charged up in storage unless it's under 3 feet of snow like we've had this year. (I'm so disliking snow........)
I did make the mistake of thinking the 10watt onboard charge controller would handle the increase in amperage. It does for about a month. That cost me a 'solar charging when lit' light. So I installed a charge controller behind the OnePlace panel and continue to use the same wiring. No issues so far and the batteries are happy.
My 10watt panel is next to my refridgerator vent and uses the vent for wire access. I left the 10watt in place and used those wires for the 50watt panel. I bought a bilge vent fan from WestMarine and installed it in the top of the refridgerator vent and connected it to the 10watt panel. Helps out a bit in warm climates.
I don't know if Camping World does solar, but none of their solar products comes with a 'let us install it for you' price. That would lend me to think they don't do solar.
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I agree that the existing wiring should support a 50 watt or less solar panel. Harbor Freight is selling a 45 watt system complete with controller for under $200. Here is a DC wire capacity chart
__________________
2003 Winnebago Adventurer 38G F53/ V10 605 watts of Solar
1999 Winnebago Brave 35C Handicap Equipped
F53/V10
1999 Jeep Cherokee & 1991 Jeep Wrangler Renegade
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