2003 Scottsdale Solar Panel Questions

[park_ridge_dave]

I have a 2003 "pre-owned" Scottsdale that has a solar charging panel. I have several questions:

1.) It appears to have been "factory installed" ( charging lite on dash) was this an option then?

2.) I haven't found any charge regulator and I am concerned about "boiling out" the batteries when I am parked outside. Is there a regulator?

3.) Is there a "cutoff" switch anywhere? (I haven't found one)

4.) I just installed new batteries as the original ones have 7 seasons on them and they were overheating during normal charge cycles (shorted cells). Anybody else have much experience with this setup?

Just curious I guess, OBTW Sears has Die-Hard deep Cycle marine cells on sale right now.

Cheers,

Dave

[DandS]

The panel was more than likely factory installed since they are still putting them standard on newer coaches. Not sure if they use a charge regulator but as far as I know, there is no shut off switch and I'm quite certain with the limited amount of amperage available off these panels, you could not boil a battery.

["007"]

The 1' square solar panel is for your coach starter battery for parasite loads. Is wired through your Bird setup where main battery buss from coach battery cutoff solenoid and starter circuits are. All behind clear plastic panel on fire wall.
The Bird wiring diagram does not show where its connected as allot of other things in your starter circuits, trust me its there.

[Norm4015]

Originally Posted by park_ridge_dave

I have a 2003 "pre-owned" Scottsdale that has a solar charging panel. I have several questions:

1.) It appears to have been "factory installed" ( charging lite on dash) was this an option then?

It was factory installed. It is only a 5 watt solar panel and its job is to help the engine battery maintain a float charge. It will not charge a battery, but will help maintain a battery if it is fully charged to start with.

2.) I haven't found any charge regulator and I am concerned about "boiling out" the batteries when I am parked outside. Is there a regulator?

There is no regulator.

3.) Is there a "cutoff" switch anywhere? (I haven't found one)

No cutoff switch.

4.) I just installed new batteries as the original ones have 7 seasons on them and they were overheating during normal charge cycles (shorted cells). Anybody else have much experience with this setup?

Just curious I guess, OBTW Sears has Die-Hard deep Cycle marine cells on sale right now.

It is best to buy true deep cycle type batteries. Marine type batteries are a combination of an engine starting battery and a deep cycle battery. They do a fair job of both, but are not true deep cycle batteries.

Cheers,

Dave

Good luck,
Norm

[Jazzz10]

My 2003 Scottsdale battery also boils out when not In use. You would think that Newmar would have installed a cut off switch.

[park_ridge_dave]

Wow! Thanks to all you guys! I really appreciate the help.

007, Very helpful info on the "Bird isolator" I'll check it out this weekend.

Norm Thanks, but "My Bad" on the batteries on sale reference. It should have said "Die Hard Deep Discharge AND Marine Batteries"are on sale , I got the Deep Cycle Batteries and the ratings are just a little better than the Intestate Brand batteries that I replaced (which I assume were the original OEM Batteries??)

Your observation was "spot on"! I always get the True "Deep Cycle" type. They really don't cost that much more than the Marine Cycle Types.

Cheers,

Dave

[park_ridge_dave]

Originally Posted by Jazzz10

My 2003 Scottsdale battery also boils out when not In use. You would think that Newmar would have installed a cut off switch.

Jazz10, I had troubles with the batteries "boiling out" when I was parked on the "mains" (Shore power). I installed the smart charger module for my unit (I have to look up the manual for mine) and it has helped a Lot. It is a three mode charger when you install the module. I don't know which rig that you have, but if you get the part number off of the charger just "google"the part number and manufacturer to find the manual. That's what I did. I ordered the module from one of the forum advertisers (hint hint ) it was just about 40 bucks if I remember correctly YMMV . It took all of 30 minutes to install (I had to dig the tools out of the "Basement"

If you need more help just ask,

Cheers,

Dave

["007"]

Welcome Jazz10 to the Newmar forum & irv2.
Not knowing what your converter is dig out your information or Google for it.
Some converters have a strap like telephone plug wire jumper to charge your batteries at a higher rate. Maybe you need to remove it for lower charge.
Enjoy the forums and do post often.