2018 Axis 24.1 OEM Solar connections

[Dwarkentin]

Hi Folks

I have received many answers to questions on my "new to me" 2018 Axis since march this year by searching the threads. Unfortunately, I cannot find a good answer to this question.....so, my first thread!

Can someone tell me where the wiring from the rooftop solar panel connection provided by the factory goes?

Thanks

Dave

 

[16ACE27]

Exactly where they go vary's by RV model - maybe someone with your model will chime in. In the meantime:

Generally, they go to a compartment near the house batteries where you can install a solar controller. Since your house batteries are under the steps, I would look under the kitchen sink cabinet or even as far back as under the fridge.

 

[DavidEM]

My 2021 Axis 24.1 came with a 100 watt solar panel wired to a connector on the roof, then down to a 10A GoPower PWM controller mounted to the aft of the entry way near the door and below a 110V outlet. From the controller it is wired to a 15A fuse near the battery and then to the battery terminals.

If you remove a panel behind the cabinet underneath the sink, you should be able to see the wiring there.

How many panels and what wattage are you thinking about installing?

David

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Do you have a little box on the side of the cabinet in the entry stairwell labeled Go Power! ? If so, that's where the panel connects.

 

[taylorbob1]

My 2017 was NOT pre-wired. I ended up going thru the Fridge roof vent, down side wall, thru cabinets, and mounted charge controller on the entry steps wall.

I know that 2019 Vegas/Axis models included the pre-wire. The bare wires/pig-tails were located under the kitchen sink area.

2018 was a “tweener” year. Early builds did not have the pre-wire, late builds probably did.

In the 2020 year & beyond, Thor included one 100 watt panel mounted on roof and a charge controller mounted on entry wall…all wired & fully installed.

 

[Dwarkentin]

Thanks for your reply. I am only looking to add 200 watts at this point. Not trying to get full solar chargingof battaeries but an add on when boondocking to reduce generator usage. I have 2 100 AH lithium.

 

[Dwarkentin]

No solar controller installed. As far as I can see only the roof connectors visible.

 

[Chateau_Nomad]

Strongly recommend getting a single 200 watt panel (I got Rich Solar), NOT two 100 wat panels. Less mounting hassle, and more room for expansion later if desired... you never know. Also get a set of aluminum Z brackets (kit) for mounting, a tube of Dicor self leveling sealant and a roll of Eternabond tape. Done properly it will NEVER come loose OR leak.

You have what's called an MC4 gland on the roof... the panel will have MC4 connectors installed, ready to just plug in.

Almost certain the wires from the roof gland terminate under your sink area. Recommend getting an MPPT controller... 30 amp would be a good choice... about $100.

Pick a convenient spot on the cabinet side to mount the controller. Cut a small hole to pull the wires through. You'll need to run a positive and negative cables to your battery bank. Hook it all up!

 

[taylorbob1]

Here’s a couple of photos of the solar charge controller mounted on inside wall (I’m using a 30amp PWM).
To get to house batteries under the steps, I went thru the floor & over.

 

[ducksface]

My ags(never used it) and inverter controls are in that same place.
It's the easiest.

 

[MichFigs]

In our 2018 Vegas the wiring was bundled down below the kitchen counter area, closer to the furnace and microwave. You may have to pull the drawers and/or access panel between fuse box and furnace intake grille to find the cablile. The wire runs down the wall along the Norcold reefer. That is the extent of the "Prewiring" for the solar hookup.

 

[RJ Schubert]

Exactly where they go vary's by RV model - maybe someone with your model will chime in. In the meantime:

Generally, they go to a compartment near the house batteries where you can install a solar controller. Since your house batteries are under the steps, I would look under the kitchen sink cabinet or even as far back as under the fridge.

My 2018 Thor Quantum RQ29 solar wires were under the dinette bench that houses the power center.