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General Discussion / Re: Solar Install Thoughts

« on: December 21, 2018, 11:22:54 pm »

Thanks for the info.  I am glad to hear PC will work on roof equipment placement and more importantly run 4 gauge wire.  Most rv manufacturers refuse anything bigger than 6 gauge.  One of the reasons for our choice of PC is their willingness to do customization (based on what we have seen in this forum).  We will go with the low profile fan/vent covers also and with a Novacool compressor fridge

I am thinking of all-Victron components as I like the way they integrate the system.  Still working out the numbers, but the hybrid inverter might allow me to delete the onboard generator.  We will have enough battery capacity to run microwave and AC off lithium for rest area lunch stops, etc.  I will have a portable Honda 2kw generator for hybrid inverter power assisted AC.  We are not big hot weather RV people.

One reason for deleting the onboard generator is because I want to discuss with PC about installing a secondary grey water storage tank in that area.  I have some ideas that I have to check with PC.  In the past 20+ years of RV'ing, I can count on one hand the number of nights where we had water/sewer at our RV site.  Hence, bigger grey water tank capacity would be nice.  If the generator area will not work, I have another idea for a secondary tank.   Once I discuss with PC, I will post it here so others can benefit.

2

General Discussion / Re: Battle Born Batteries

« on: December 21, 2018, 10:35:54 pm »

In addition to cold temps, you also have the address high temps.  Lithium does not perform well and longevity is impacted with high ambient temperatures.  While you will get the power/weight ratio, to get the full benefit out of lithium, the overall system (including controller output, charger profile and wire sizes/lengths) needs to be optimized.  The factory installed controller and charger will not cut it.  If you are going lithium, you might want to consider a larger overhaul.  I have been doing a fair amount of investigation including doing a system design to meet my needs. There are some good websites to get further info.  Let me know if you are interested.

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General Discussion / Solar Install Thoughts

« on: December 21, 2018, 09:51:15 pm »

I am new to the forum (been lurking for over a year).  Great friendly forum with lots of information. Wife and I (plus kids who have now moved out) have been rv'ing for 20+ years and we have been looking for the right rig for post-retirement (hopefully soon).  After lots of looking and research, looks like the 2552 is a good match for our rv'ing style.  Some mods, including solar, are high on our llst.

I am thinking ~400 Amp lithium, ~800 watt solar and 3000 watt hybrid inverter/converter.  Since lithium should ideally be in temp controlled environment (read: inside the rig), the entire power plant will likely go under the passenger side bed.  I am comfortable with DIY install but will talk with the factory if they can (during build) run some wires (e.g., 4 AWG from roof to solar controller location, control wires from inverter to display location, and install the breaker box and distribution panels in locations which would make the overall installation easier.   Also, would have to work with factory to make maximize roof real estate and minimize shading (e.g, no fan/vent/skylight over bed area, move antenna back, no roof racks). Since we are planning on compressor fridge, it helps with solar panel layout.

I was wondering if anyone has done a complex solar install on a Phoenix Cruiser (or similar) and have any thoughts/ideas/gotchas to look out for.  Would love to hear and exchange ideas.

Reggie Nath (located in SE Michigan area)