Updated – July 20th, 2022: Updated wiring diagram and parts list for my buddy Al to reference on his trailer upgrades
Explorist.life
Thanks to Explorist.life – Great website to learn about solar and power for RVing. Although I used many different wiring diagrams and tutorial videos, this is the base package I started with.
Solar Upgrade
In October 2021, I added 600 watts (6 x 100watt Renogy Solar Panels). The panels are wired in sets of 2 using the Airstream prewire ports on the roof. I used a Victron 150volt/60am solar controller to convert the solar power into battery power. I mounted the panels using AM Solar Brackets which are quite expensive, but highly worth it. They use 3M VHB tape to attach to the roof with no holes. I also purchased extension bars so I can tilt the panels 45 degrees to get better sun.
Battery and Inverter Upgrade
We doubled our battery capacity to 400Ah by adding 2 more Battle Born Lithium Batteries. I moved them from the battery box behind the propane tanks, to under the bed. I also upgraded from the 1000watt standard inverter to a 3000watt hybrid Inverter charger also mounted under the bed. We now have enough battery power and inverting capacity to to “Off Grid” for extended time. I also added a Smart Shut to monitor the Battery Capasity, Smart Dongle to interface to the Inverter and a Cerbo GX monitor and Cerbo Touch 50 touchscreen to see what is going on.
| Device, Manufacturer (purchased from) | QTY | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Panels, Renogy (Amazon ) | 6 | $600 | |
| Mounting Feet, AM Solar (AM Solar) expensive but great mounting feet | 6 | $480 | |
| Solar Controller 150/60, Victron (Battle Born) | 1 | $540 | |
| Circuit Breaker for Solar, (Amazon) | 1 | $10 | |
| Solar Wires, iGreely (Amazon) Various lengths | 6 | $11 | |
| Solar to SAE Adapter, Cerrxian (Amazon) | 3 | $42 | |
| 300amp Battery Switch, Blue Sea (Amazon) | 1 | $32 | |
| Inverter – Charger, Victron (Battle Born) | 1 | $1,570 | |
| 0000 Battery Cables, custom lengths (BatteryCablesUSA.com) | 12 | $144 | |
| 6/3 w/ground NM-B Romex – 40′ (Nassau Cable) | 1 | $207 | |
| LiFe Batteries, Battle Born (Battle Born) | 4 | $3,200 | |
| Smart Dongle, Victron (Battle Born) | 1 | $87 | |
| Lynx Distributor, Victron (Battle Born) | 1 | $212 | |
| Mega Fuses: 40, 50, 80, 400amp + extras (Amazon) | 8 | $80 | |
| Smart Shunt, Victron (Battle Born) | 1 | $130 | |
| Single Post Terminals, Ampper (Amazon) | 1 | $9 | |
| Cerbo GX Touch 50, Victron (Battle Born) | 1 | $232 | |
| Cerbo GX System Monitor, Victron (Battle Born) | 1 | $350 | |
| Enclosure, Midnite (Amazon) | 1 | $52 | |
| Circuit Breaker: 50amp, Midnite (Amazon) | 1 | $37 | |
| DIN Terminal Blocks for Neutral & Ground (eBay) | 1 | $5 | |
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Parts List / Components Used / Cost
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