Attaching Suitcase Solar to T@B 400

rcuomo

I thought there was a video or pictures somewhere showing the 400 production line with a view of the sidewalls.  Maybe Paul the Air Force Guy on YouTube?

rcuomo

Here you go:  
https://youtu.be/lBDgzCYjxZM

dvgibson

Btw, I got my new suitcase solar and jury rigged it up to connect through the TV connector and so far I am pleased. Works really well and will be easy to set up and break down. Photos when I get it cleaned up a bit. 

ScottG

Tabfortwo said:

My question is do I need a suitcase with a controller if I charge through the 7pin since I have solar built into the trailer already.

I agree with Verna--hooking up a solar panel to the 7-pin connector will bypass your built-in solar controller.

To use this arrangement you would need a second controller installed before the 7-pin connection. You would effectively have two separate solar chargers plugged into your battery, but in my limited knowledge I don't think this would cause a problem.

A simpler solution would be to install a dedicated connector for the suitcase and splice its leads directly into the existing leads on your built-in solar controller. You would now have two sets on panels wired in parallel and regulated by a single controller.

There are two major caveats here:

First, the built-in controller may not be large enough to handle the increased amps from the parallel panels, and might need to be upgraded. However, if you're already considering another controller anyway...

Second, we're back to the issue of how to get the leads into the camper without cutting a hole somewhere.

I agree with you that if you can't get out from under the trees (or don't want to) than having panels attached to the camper are of limited use. A suitcase requires a bit more management but--with enough extension cord--offers much greater flexibility.

Tabfortwo

Is there a way I can figure out what my factor installed controller is rated for ?

Tabfortwo

Called nucamp the controller will handle the extra 200 watts without any problems. 

Ratkity

I read that most PWM controllers can handle up to 400W. Then you have to switch to MPPT.

Tabfortwo

That's what nucamp said

ScottG

My Renogy PWM controller is only rated for 10 amps. A 100W panel can put out up to ~6 amps, so I couldn't go much above 150W without a controller upgrade.

However, it sounds like the controller nuCamp is installing can handle the extra input. If you can figure out how to tap into it with your suitcase, you can spare yourself the expense of a second controller.

Ratkity

@scottg I was reluctant to put a definitive wattage because I remembered the PWMs can come in smaller sizes. My Bogart was 30A because I never thought I'd ever want to haul around more than 400W of panels (panels were bigger and heavier then). I believe the highest you want to go with a PWM is 30A and then it's suggested you go to MPPT. 

Where'd that ClassA photo of all the 100s of solar panels around it go? hehehe. That was hysterical. We have a plethora of solar threads. It's somewhere in one of those.

Tabfortwo

Ok I moved the solar controller to where I can access it without climbing under the bed. Also put a kill switch on the raidio and TV.

Ratkity

Very nice!!! Also a great idea for the kill switch. I know people unplug and plug in the television, but I think a kill switch doesn't put any stress on the connections.

Tabfortwo

You can unplug the TV but not the stereo. So I put a switch on both

dvgibson

@Tabfortwo: can you give us details on how you put in that kill switch? I think the AV system is sucking about 300 WH a day, and I do not use it. (No reception any place I have been so far.) What screws do you remove to get to it? I see a number of possibilities. 

Tabfortwo

There are 4 screws one on each corner the the red supply wire clip it and wire in your switch. Make sure you use a switch without an LED 

Tabfortwo

Now other than the fridge all that's using power is the co detector and I'm going to put in a battery operated one in place of that hard wired one

ScottG

It's been reported here that USB jacks also consume a little power, even when nothing is plugged into them.

I can't confirm this personally, and I don't know how much power we are talking about. I only have one jack in my 2015, but I think more may have been added in later models.

Tabfortwo

I think so there a few in the 400s

driftless

For the solar controller I use the bluetooth connected app for a phone or tablet to monitor the battery and solar panel.  This is with factory installed solar.  Information on getting the app is in the manual for the controller.