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Old 11-24-2017, 03:02 PM   #1
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
For the "Sun Worshippers"...

So the Missus and I are pretty set of adding solar recharging capability to our Outlaw, and we've found a kit on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSZUHRC...a-309877293546

My question(s) to experts:
Are there any changes that you'd make to this kit, before nailing it onto your roof?
Do you think that it would provide enough charging power, for a couple of coach batteries?

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Old 11-24-2017, 03:16 PM   #2
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Brand: Thor Motor Coach
Model: Hurricane 35C
State: South Dakota
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THOR #3761
That is the exact kit that we have. Depending on placement, you may want to consider adding a few extra feet of cabling and Y connectors, as well as fuses. We tried to build ours for future expansion. Our coach did not come pre-wired, so we made our own cable pathway to the battery compartment.

Just a note - the controller in that package will handle the 400W (30A) of panels but you can't add a 5th panel (or more) in parallel without changing the controller to handle the additional amps that are to be generated.

Lastly, you will want to get your roof diagram from Thor so you can figure out where the roof studs are and drill into them for better holding power. Use plenty of Dicor and/or Eternabond tape to seal it up good. I used Dicor to put some "spot adhesive" on the cabling along the route to hold it in place.

400W isn't a lot of solar power, you will need more to keep your 2 batteries fully charged. Of course, a lot depends on how you use the battery power that you have. We generally run the genny an hour or 2 in the morning and then before bed to top off the batteries as we are energy hungry technology people always watching TV or playing Xbox, as well as charging laptops and phones and powering our 2 MiFi access points.
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Old 11-24-2017, 03:27 PM   #3
I Think We're Lost!
 
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
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THOR #8860
This is EXACTLY the type of information that we were looking for!

http://www.thorforums.com/forums/att...1&d=1511537199
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Old 11-24-2017, 05:26 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bob Denman View Post

My question(s) to experts:
Are there any changes that you'd make to this kit, before nailing it onto your roof?

Are you talking about the same motorhome that's already overloaded? Regardless of solar expertise, adding 75 pounds or more to an existing bad condition seems like a horrible idea to me.

It's really a safety issue. Whether you need it or can make it work is secondary in my opinion.
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Old 11-24-2017, 06:15 PM   #5
I Think We're Lost!
 
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
We'll fix the shortcomings as we go...
All that it takes is some careful planning,. and a HUGE boatload of cash!

Tires, Wheels, Springs, and (potentially) axles; are on the list.
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Old 11-24-2017, 10:53 PM   #6
I Think We're Lost!
 
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Brand: Still Looking
Model: Tiffin Wayfarer 24 BW
State: New York
Posts: 22,195
THOR #8860
By the way: have you found your rig yet, or are you still shopping?
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