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Old 10-10-2018, 10:04 PM   #1
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds
State: Ontario
Posts: 265
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Solar and Inverter Installed on a Four Winds 31E.

I have been meaning to document this for awhile and finally got around to it. Here is my install.
During the winter, I frequent the beautiful Southwest of the USA. I do quite a bit of boon docking there. Last summer I installed Solar , an Inverter , and a battery monitor. Last winter I added a third 100 amp/hour battery. This is my second solar and inverter install on a RV.

For the solar panel to controller, I used the 10 gauge cable which the RV came pre-wired with from the factory. The cable from the roof entry point, terminated under the rearmost dinette seat with a enough to route it through the existing cable entry into the the compartment below the dinette. In the front most part of the compartment, is where I mounted the inverter, 15 amp auto transfer switch, solar controller, and battery shunt. This compartment is next to the entry door where the batteries are under the step. I drilled holes in the rear and battery side of the compartment then used PG11 waterproof cable glands to pass all wires into and out of the compartment. Upon completion I then sprayed with foam, for further waterproofing. From the main AC Panel, I rerouted the general receptacle circuit to the auto transfer switch in the compartment. From the auto transfer switch output, I routed romex back to the first general circuit receptacle. The second input of the transfer switch is the Inverters output. Connections to the transfer switch are done in metallic junction boxes on the roof of the compartment. I installed the battery shunt behind the solar controller. The shunt and solar controller monitor cables along with an inverter on/off cable were then routed back into the RV, under the shower, behind the bathroom sink, into the wall behind the medicine cabinet then into the wall behind the control panel for the RV. I then mounted a single pole switch along with the solar controller and battery monitors in the control panel.

I purchased residential solar panels thus went with an MPPT solar controller. I purchased a 8 ft piece of 2X2 angle aluminum. Cut it to make mounting brackets for the panels, and then used the left over to mount the controller. I used ¼ -20 Blind well nuts and all stainless steel hardware to mount the panel brackets on the roof, and used screws when the bracket was over the satellite backer EGS(electro-galvanized sheet metal). After drilling the ½ inch hole for the well nut applied self leveling dicor around the hole, then inserted the well nut and bolted the bracket to the roof. I applied dicor after, all around the bracket edges. The well nuts hold the large 65 X 40 inch panels very well. The brackets also allow for air flow under the panels. I have no plans to climb on the roof or position the RV to tilt the panels, thus did not use any tilting mechanism.
Although not needed when you combine only 2 panels in parallel I used 15 amp in line fuse holders and fuses in the wiring from the panels, as a means of disconnect on the roof and future addition of a panel if needed. According to the schematics from Thor , I added up the factory pre-wire runs and it was 33.5 feet. This would mean a 4.5 % voltage drop over the run. It has not been an issue as the controller normally sees over 30 volts. Had I hooked the panels in series, then the voltage drop would be in the 1% range.
The inverter, solar controller, and battery monitor I chose were Victron Energy products. Victron is the equipment you would find in high end yachts, which are similar to our RVs *smile*. The 15 amp transfer switch is Xantrex. The inverter model I chose is no longer available. It is the predecessor to the current model that comes with a VE Direct port. As I had no intentions to monitor the inverter over blue tooth, I choose the older model, at a better price and it also came hardwired with the battery cables. These items I purchased on line from Bay Marine Supply in San Diego. From them I also ordered custom crimped and finished battery marine cables with specified lugs and shrink tubing to the color, gauges and length I required. This is a business that I highly recommend, a very easy straightforward transaction. The Solar panels I sourced locally and paid 85 cents a watt.

I attached the electrical and solar documentation . Hope this helps others.
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File Type: pdf ELECTRICAL1.pdf (48.5 KB, 102 views)

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Old 10-10-2018, 10:10 PM   #2
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Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
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Brilliant!

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Old 10-11-2018, 08:39 PM   #3
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Model: 2017 Axis 25.4
State: Arkansas
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Thats a nice setup. Thanks for sharing. Solar is on my list for next year.
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Old 02-15-2021, 07:01 PM   #4
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Model: 2020 4 Winds 31Y
State: Texas
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Great documentation, planning and execution. I have 2020 31Y and hope to install larger system shortly. Have 4 AGM batteries and 3000 watt Go Power inverter. Will look later today for controller, down wiring and roof connectors.

I do have one question, Do you have or know the roof rafter spacing for your unit?
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Old 02-15-2021, 08:04 PM   #5
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: 2020 4 Winds 31Y
State: Texas
Posts: 80
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Solar for 4 winds 31Y 2020

I just went to my unit and find nothing on the roof or under the rear bench. I guess mine in not prewired.

I am thinking of 600-800 watts, non flex solar panels.

A 60a MPPT Charge Controller,12V Max Input 100V 1560W

As stated previously I have 4 AGM batteries at 92 AH and a 3000k Go Power converter.

Likely will increase battery bank.

Any ideas or suggestions.
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Old 02-15-2021, 08:34 PM   #6
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Four Winds
State: Ontario
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Not sure if you are aware, but you can get all the schematics for your unit from Thor.* The majority of them are available at their web site, (*https://www.thormotorcoach.com/owner-login/ * *) I do not believe the roof schematics are there though.* I phoned Thor gave them my number and they gladly sent me a 5 page diagram for the roof.* If you get them you can see why I went with installing the panels with well nuts.*
Good to see that your from Texas. I always enjoy visiting Texas. I have boon docked at Magnolia Beach south of Port Lavaca.* Nice spot to watch the boats.
Good idea on the AGM batteries.* I have lead acid and the compartment under the steps is very tight and hard to get three batteries in.* I had to add a Flow Rite system to add water.
Enjoy your 31Y. I enjoy mine.
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Old 02-15-2021, 08:41 PM   #7
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
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Do a search on solar entry gland and you will see what they have installed on the roof. If you get the Chassis Harness Schematic it will tell you the color of wire to look for under the bench.
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Old 02-15-2021, 08:41 PM   #8
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Model: 2020 4 Winds 31Y
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Thanks. I was able to fit, in the battery compartment under the steps, 4 AGM batteries from Sam's. They are size 27. It was a tight fit and I had to relocate the 2 large breakers to the outside rear of the battery compartment. Plenty of battery cable to do that. Now breakers are easier to locate and reset if necessary and battery compartment if full.
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