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10-25-2013, 06:31 AM
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#43
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,138
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Vince (VSHEETZ) is the system designer for which spurred my install. I basically modeled my design similar to that which Vince has posted. Very doable...very solid...nice and simple. But... here is the catch in my portion of the install....we are all going to have a slightly different concept of where we mount everything. One great rule that I gathered from Vince and several others ... mount your charge control system as close to the batteries as possible. That distance is critical to BEST Charging and battery conditioning. BIGGER wire is better...when it comes to certain segments (under kill means more system losses or poor charging rates). Planning is indeed paramount to perfection. What looks like a big pile of electronic junk...is actually a tiny series of 3 projects. If you break the Vince install down to Battery Wiring, Electric Closet and monitoring Wiring and Roof Top install... you find this much easier to digest. I bought my components in stages to meet these projects. I placed the 4 batteries in position first since I could use those immediately....then I did the charge controller install and left some wiring unfinished until my panels were ready to be installed. After cutting loose the old charging system....and coupling up the new charging system....I was feeling that Vince and i should sip a cold one together on my dime one day.
Now remember the Vince system rule.... you will be removing the original charging system.
__________________
Craig Gosselin
1994 Fleetwood 33H
1995 Fleetwood 30H (parts vehicle)
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10-25-2013, 08:01 AM
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#44
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Senior Member
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Buxton, North Dakota
Posts: 3,940
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Quote:
Now remember the Vince system rule.... you will be removing the original charging system. __________________
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Don't you mean switching off or unplugging converter. It would make no sense to remove it as it is still the preferred charging system on shore power.
__________________
2003 Winnebago Adventurer 38G F53/ V10 605 watts of Solar
1999 Winnebago Brave 35C F53V10 Handicap Equipped
1999 Jeep Cherokee, 1991 Jeep Wrangler Renegade and 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Diesel
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10-25-2013, 10:09 AM
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#45
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,749
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Quote:
Originally Posted by John Hilley
Don't you mean switching off or unplugging converter. It would make no sense to remove it as it is still the preferred charging system on shore power.
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Disconnecting (correct, not physically removing) the converter is a must if you have whole house inverter as I do so as to not create a charging loop. I installed a wireless switch for about $10 cost inline with the AC power cord to the converter).
While disconnecting the converter is not mandatory from the solar system perspective, I seldom use the converter leaving it disconnected. The MorningStar solar controller is a better charger than my converter. When stored between our typical monthly trips I do not plug into shore power, saving on the sticks and bricks power consumption (I have 28 250w solar panels on the sticks and bricks). When camping with shore power I typically do not use the converter either, rather using the solar system for the 12v coach system - being green if for no other reason.
__________________
Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
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10-25-2013, 10:15 AM
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#46
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,749
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gocoffeer
Vince (VSHEETZ) is the system designer for which spurred my install. I basically modeled my design similar to that which Vince has posted. Very doable...very solid...nice and simple. But... here is the catch in my portion of the install....we are all going to have a slightly different concept of where we mount everything. One great rule that I gathered from Vince and several others ... mount your charge control system as close to the batteries as possible. That distance is critical to BEST Charging and battery conditioning. BIGGER wire is better...when it comes to certain segments (under kill means more system losses or poor charging rates). Planning is indeed paramount to perfection. What looks like a big pile of electronic junk...is actually a tiny series of 3 projects. If you break the Vince install down to Battery Wiring, Electric Closet and monitoring Wiring and Roof Top install... you find this much easier to digest. I bought my components in stages to meet these projects. I placed the 4 batteries in position first since I could use those immediately....then I did the charge controller install and left some wiring unfinished until my panels were ready to be installed. After cutting loose the old charging system....and coupling up the new charging system....I was feeling that Vince and i should sip a cold one together on my dime one day.
Now remember the Vince system rule.... you will be removing the original charging system.
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Craig, glad to hear my experiences were helpful to you. Would be great to share experiences first-hand one day should our paths cross.
As for the existing charging system / converter see my other comments in this thread - I don't advocate it's physical removal, rather providing a disconnect method. Mandatory with a whole house inverter, recommended in most usage scenarios.
__________________
Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
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11-10-2013, 10:07 PM
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#47
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Senior Member
Entegra Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Crestview Florida
Posts: 235
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Can you park overnite at Lowe's
__________________
Carol & Doug French ECOA National Director
2014 Entegra Aspire 44U
2016 F150 Bronze Super Crew Cab 4X4
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11-10-2013, 10:48 PM
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#48
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,749
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigmoneySr
Can you park overnite at Lowe's
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If you are asking the OP or other if their solar system will provide enough battery charge for over-nighting at locations such as Lowes, then
yes if properly designed and installed.
If you are asking if Lowes allows over-night stays, I suggest you start a new thread or find a appropriate thread related to this and pose the question.
__________________
Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
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11-10-2013, 11:18 PM
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#49
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Over the next hill, around the next curve...
Posts: 5,662
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Even the best SP system, will have power problems at night... Lowes, Walmart, anywhere...
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Smitty
__________________
07 Country Coach Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600
Roo II was our 04 Country Coach Allure 40'
OnDRoad for The JRNY! Enjoy life...
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11-11-2013, 12:08 AM
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#50
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Senior Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SoCal
Posts: 15,749
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smitty77
Even the best SP system, will have power problems at night... Lowes, Walmart, anywhere...
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Smitty
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OK. I'll bite, why is that? Unless you are speaking to RV solar with no battery bank. My response to the Lowes question commented about battery charge.
__________________
Vince and Susan
2011 Tiffin Phaeton 40QTH (Cummins ISC/Freightliner)
Flat towing a modified 2005 Jeep (Rubicon Wrangler)
Previously a 2002 Fleetwood Pace Arrow 37A and a 1995 Safari Trek 2830.
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11-11-2013, 06:12 AM
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#51
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,138
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Vince...I saw your note on NON removal of the CONVERTOR. I have mine in place still and it can provide power to the 12v system when plugged into the shore power. I disconnected it from the charge system so it can no longer find my batteries. I only use the Solar charge system at this time. I do think it does a much better deep cycle charge and has equalization as you have discussed earlier.
__________________
Craig Gosselin
1994 Fleetwood 33H
1995 Fleetwood 30H (parts vehicle)
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11-11-2013, 06:15 AM
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#52
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,138
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Smitty....I have a much smaller system than Vince.....if I am frugal during the day....my 4 battery system and two 100w solar panels can do enough to stay topped while boondocking. I will also add that in the LOWES concern. I do not frequent LOWES but on several occasions i asked the store manager and was given the thumbs up on use of the parking lot for an overniter.
__________________
Craig Gosselin
1994 Fleetwood 33H
1995 Fleetwood 30H (parts vehicle)
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11-11-2013, 07:13 AM
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#53
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 2,200
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigmoneySr
Can you park overnite at Lowe's
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I have seen lots use and used lots of different parking lots including Lowe's. If the business is going to be open then of course ask permission but if you pull while they are closed then park way in the back. Almost all really do not care as long as you are not taking up spaces for customers.
__________________
Thom and Christine having fun in a 1993 Monaco Crown Royale Signature Series 40ft 300hp RV. Towing a Fiat 500 Abarth and a Harley.
Our blogged repairs and travels
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11-11-2013, 10:48 PM
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#54
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Over the next hill, around the next curve...
Posts: 5,662
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vsheetz
OK. I'll bite, why is that? Unless you are speaking to RV solar with no battery bank. My response to the Lowes question commented about battery charge.
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Vince/Craig - My post was a 'attempt' at humor, did not work well.
At night, no sun - thus the comment about not working well.
I was surprised (warning, more bad humor) to find my 1200W of 48V panels, produced no power in the direct sunlight of noon - amazing that 4-6" of snow would shut them down!
Good thread, I've enjoyed - sorry I side tracked it.
Best to all,
Smitty
__________________
07 Country Coach Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600
Roo II was our 04 Country Coach Allure 40'
OnDRoad for The JRNY! Enjoy life...
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11-11-2013, 11:02 PM
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#55
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: seattle, wa.
Posts: 413
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Smitty77
Vince/Craig - My post was a 'attempt' at humor, did not work well.
At night, no sun - thus the comment about not working well.
I was surprised (warning, more bad humor) to find my 1200W of 48V panels, produced no power in the direct sunlight of noon - amazing that 4-6" of snow would shut them down!
Good thread, I've enjoyed - sorry I side tracked it.
Best to all,
Smitty
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The humor was appreciated, only way to fly.....
__________________
1999 National Dolphin
1995 Range Rover County SWB.
Sailor, Dickens, Zooki, Koko.
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11-13-2013, 06:15 AM
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#56
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,138
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Smitty...Vince and I just did not pick up on that humor....it is getting too chilly out and the thicker blood alters our perception....or is it week 11 in the NFL and we are running low on brewskis. Would love to have a 1200W solar system and an 8 pack of batteries. I might even try out the AC unit on a system of that size. I did once read about a MH that had the capability of running the AC unit from its solar array. Been hunting that article to get more details.
__________________
Craig Gosselin
1994 Fleetwood 33H
1995 Fleetwood 30H (parts vehicle)
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