Solar Upgrade Kit

We just ordered our 2552+ and ordered the Solar Upgrade Kit.  I cannot seem to get a straight answer on what I get with this kit.  I am paying $2640 for two solar panels (150W each) the controller for them and then another $720 for the solar controller/charger kit.   Does anyone know what parts or products they are using for this?   Very hard to get a straight answer.  In the end, I want to be able to see the electrical system on my unit remotely (when in storage or when away when traveling) via mobile app.

I am guessing you ordered thru Campers Inn.  Did you talk to the Campers Inn rep at the factory or just the sales folk at a local Campers Inn?

Their rep at the factory in Elkhart should be able to answer your questions as to make and model of the controller and so forth.

574-266-2020

Ordered through factory rep....

Ordered through factory rep....

Well, that's not good, the factory rep can easily walk about 30 or 40 feet, onto the factory floor and ask if he/she didn't know, or better yet, walk 20 or 15 feet and talk to whomever actually orders the parts for each build.

Even if they aren't in the factory (social distancing) I will bet they could call and get the information and get back to you.

In any event, I don't have solar so can't give any more info.

Sorry

Hi Phil--

Don't know how much help I'll be on current installations. My 2552 was built in late 2018 and early 2019, and delivered in February 2019.  There may have been some changes in the past year-plus.

The earliest factory solar installations on Phoenix Cruisers were done with Samlex solar kits, and all components were provided by Samlex in the kit. Samlex was a major solar supplier, and provided what was considered a reliable (if not cutting edge) kit. Phoenix was reluctant (refused) to incorporate different brand components--such as the controller--at the request of the buyer, likely because they were new to solar installations at that time and didn't want to take a chance on providing an inferior installation.

That policy had relaxed some by the time they did my installation in late '18/early '19.  An item on their option list then was the Trimetric TM-2030 battery monitor (which was available with or without solar). Trimetric made a solar controller (the SC-2030 Solar Charge Controller) which was designed to interface seamlessly with the battery monitor, and that was the controller that Phoenix installed  when the battery monitor option was specified. I don't know whether they used that same solar controller if the buyer did not request the battery monitor, or if they used the Samlex controller they used before.

In any case, the solar option when I ordered was about $3K, and in my case it included (2) 150-watt Samlex panels, the Trimetric SC-2030 controller, and associated wiring. I also had the Trimetric TM-2030 battery monitor, of course, so that completed my system.  I must say that the system has worked flawlessly, and I have been very happy with the result. Since I specified the AGM batteries, the system requires virtually no routine attention or maintenance, and as long as the coach is parked where there is a little sun, my house batteries stay at 100% charge when not in use with no effort from me. My system as installed does not have a mobile app to allow system review remotely. I have not researched this option, since my PC is parked at my home and I haven't had that need. I don't know whether it is possible with this particular setup.

Again, things move rapidly in the RV building business, but this is what Phoenix was doing a little over a year ago.

All the best,       Mike

Thanks a ton Mike - very helpful!

My 2017 2552 was one of earliest with factory solar and as Mike states they used the Samlex kit.  I included the TM-2030 battery monitor and I really, really wanted the Trimetric SC-2030 but they were not willing (at that time) to do anything but install what was in the 'kit'.  I argued with them but in the end I got the stock Samlex kit.  Glad to hear they started using the Trimetric unit after that.

Despite my disappointment in not getting the SC-2030 the unit installed has worked flawlessly and like Mike I have the AGM batteries so as long as we get some sun during the day the coach batteries are maintained properly without any fuss from me.  Works like a charm.

But that was 3 years ago so who knows what they are using now.  But I would think it will be at least as good and likely better than what they used then.

If you really want to know exactly what is going into your build you will need to be insistent that they tell you or put you in touch with the electrician who is doing the build.  Its very unlikely the sales staff will know.  I think they deliberately don't specify some things so they can swap out freely if something better/cheaper/more available comes along.