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tlaffourtit · 07-19-2015, 02:53 PM

added another 310 watt panel and a second mppt-60 controller. total of 1240 watts. high to date was 1367 watts which was over 100 amps.

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MattTaylor · 07-19-2015, 02:57 PM

That's a lot of amps!

What type and size battery bank does it feed?

tlaffourtit · 07-19-2015, 03:02 PM

1450 ah of agm batteries

MattTaylor · 07-19-2015, 03:27 PM

I had a heck of a time giving up most of a storage compartment for the 6 T-105s. Where did you ever find the room!?!

With that much battery bank, about 700 amps usable, are you able to run your A/C units? We're going to wait until we buy a new coach then spring for a large lithium battery bank so we can run ours. Until then we're stuck with the generator if it gets to hot.

tlaffourtit · 07-19-2015, 03:32 PM

two in the original battery compartment, and 4 in two boxes mounted under coach. they are 12 1/2' from ground across from my steps. the steps are also 12' from the ground.

vsheetz · 07-19-2015, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlaffourtit

two in the original battery compartment, and 4 in two boxes mounted under coach. they are 12 1/2' from ground across from my steps. the steps are also 12' from the ground.

excellent idea, please share some construction and mechanical details of how the battery box is mounted, and any access?

tlaffourtit · 07-19-2015, 04:27 PM

battery boxes are 12 ga steel. except for one side they are closed boxes. (welded). the side facing the middle of coach will open. attached by machine screws with screw into 3/4" angle iron which go around the opening. I used four 1 5/8" unistrut across the ford frame then two rows of three 1 5/8" unistrut long ways. attached by 5/8" treaded rods. I believe I used 9 threaded rods. each one can support 1000 pounds. the unistrut can support 1200 pounds each.

tlaffourtit · 07-19-2015, 04:32 PM

this picture shows the front of one of the boxes. the one on the right has a heat shield because the cat converter is within 18" of the one box.

Reed Cundiff · 07-19-2015, 05:18 PM

Any worries about the battery boxes hitting the ground? We boondock a lot and this would be a consideration for us. The Open Range 337RLS 5th wheel has 24" of clearance outside of the axles.

Also, what is the total weight of the batteries?
Reed and Elaine

tlaffourtit · 07-19-2015, 05:30 PM

the batteries are higher than the lowest part of the mh. but I never went off road yet. few more months before I retire. there are 2 batteries on the left side of front door where the original batteries were.. (210 pounds) 8 batteries between the drivers seat and 5 ' back. they are near the drive shaft on the drivers side of coach. (840 pounds.)all together inverter, boxes, cable, controllers, batteries, solar panels and misc. parts I guess around 1400 - 1600 pounds.

**CountryFit** · 07-19-2015, 07:42 PM

quite an accomplishment... enjoy it.

Redridge · 07-23-2015, 10:49 AM

great job!!! any pics of the roof? can you share anymore specs such as what panels, wire gauge and controllers used? TIA...

tlaffourtit · 07-23-2015, 05:14 PM

these are the gauges. I used 2 mppt-60 controllers.

tlaffourtit · 07-23-2015, 05:29 PM

the first picture you can see the front two panels and combiner boxes, the last picture you can see the two rear panels and the combiner boxes also. the panels are 310 watts each made my Canadian solar. the model number is CS6X-310P. I was given a great price per panel of $248.00 for each. that included tax. the place was only 7 miles from home so I picked them up saving shipping. the panels also tilt.