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05-13-2022, 09:27 PM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 5
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Finding prewire solar panel wires
Hi, I recently aquired a 2006 Triple E Topaz 280RK. I have decided to add solar panels and this unit is prewired for solar. The problem I am having is where the wires come out after they exit the battery compartment. I have taken the covers off the vent on the roof for the fridge as was suggested to me and did not find the wires. Has anybody run into this problem before? Any help would be appreciated!
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05-13-2022, 09:33 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2021
Posts: 122
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Just make sure you have an adequate solar controller between your panels and your batteries...otherwise they could cook due to higher voltages and lack of charging regulation.
__________________
2019 Vilano 369 FB / 8" Axles / Disc Brakes / Triple AC's
2019 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali DRW Duramax 6.6 Turbo Diesel 8' CC/ Curt A25 Hitch / Air Lift air bags/ Furion Camera System
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05-14-2022, 05:28 AM
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#3
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 5
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I plan on getting a larger controller than needed for future expansion.
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05-15-2022, 04:32 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Foxboro Ma.
Posts: 1,024
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Fluke sells a wire tracer that you can use to find the end of the wire lost. Hook it up to the frame ground on the black clip and strip the solar wire on the end where you know where it is and clip the red lead to it. The other piece of the tracer is like a radio antenna, and you can follow the wire threw the RV walls to the roof without taking everything apart. It will not work through steel but plywood and insulation is no problem.
__________________
2015 42' Redwood RL38 Morryde IS , disk brakes, 1920W of solar with Victron everything,Battleborn, 2020 GMC DRW 3500HD Hensley BD5 air ride hitch
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05-17-2022, 08:42 AM
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#5
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Community Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Full timing
Posts: 4,458
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ski24
Hi, I recently aquired a 2006 Triple E Topaz 280RK. I have decided to add solar panels and this unit is prewired for solar. The problem I am having is where the wires come out after they exit the battery compartment. I have taken the covers off the vent on the roof for the fridge as was suggested to me and did not find the wires. Has anybody run into this problem before? Any help would be appreciated!
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On the side of your rig is there a plug-in installed. Sometimes, when they state "pre-wire" for solar, it is for the suitcase style solar panels.
__________________
2018 Road Warrior 427/2016 golf cart (gas) sold
2013 Can Am Spyder RT Limited
2017 Ram 3500 w/Aisin w/4:10
2 Dachshunds DJ (RIP 9-12-19) & Joey (RIP 5-14-21)
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05-17-2022, 03:06 PM
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#6
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 5
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Finally found the wires! Had to remove the roof cover for the fridge, cut the screen carefully and I found the wires coiled up on top of the fridge under the insulation! Thanks everybody for your input.
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05-17-2022, 06:45 PM
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#7
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Community Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Full timing
Posts: 4,458
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Make sure that is what the wires are for. Sometimes there are wires for a satellite installation that is pre-wired on some rigs.
__________________
2018 Road Warrior 427/2016 golf cart (gas) sold
2013 Can Am Spyder RT Limited
2017 Ram 3500 w/Aisin w/4:10
2 Dachshunds DJ (RIP 9-12-19) & Joey (RIP 5-14-21)
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05-17-2022, 06:51 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Alpine Owners Club
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Posts: 2,823
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Glad you found them........check the gauge and make sure they are sufficient for your installation.....I'll give you 10:1 they are undersized for any kind of decent solar system 
__________________
Paul & Jean
2001 Alpine 36FDDS (74291)-3900W Solar, 13,440Wh (525Ah @24V) LiFePO4
2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk (Hemi)
2006 Alpenlite 32RL - Sold
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05-18-2022, 05:56 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by paul65k
Glad you found them........check the gauge and make sure they are sufficient for your installation.....I'll give you 10:1 they are undersized for any kind of decent solar system |
THanks! They are #8 AWG.
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