Freedom Express Rooftop Solar Question

[lorettaboy]

The new Freedom Express TT's come with a rooftop solar port. I'm wondering if anyone knows what gauge of wiring they use, and also, where the wires lead to? I'm hoping they terminate near the battery rack on the A-Frame, or inside the front storage area.

[glsimms]

I would suggest sending an e-mail to Coachmen. They are really good about responding, Good Luck....

BTW, Here is a start, Simon Micola. He is the Coachmen Freedom Express service rep. Here is his e-mail link:

https://coachmenrv.com/contact-us/13/15

[PhilFromMaine]

Originally Posted by lorettaboy

The new Freedom Express TT's come with a rooftop solar port. I'm wondering if anyone knows what gauge of wiring they use, and also, where the wires lead to? I'm hoping they terminate near the battery rack on the A-Frame, or inside the front storage area.

Let us know what They say. I would bet it is already connected to the battery grid with a 10 gauge wire which would include a 10 or 20 amp fuse.

[lorettaboy]

Coachmen has confirmed that they used 10 ga to the rooftop solar port.

[PhilFromMaine]

Originally Posted by lorettaboy

Coachmen has confirmed that they used 10 ga to the rooftop solar port.

So according to a chart on AltE WEB site, 10 gauge wire can safely handle 35 AMPS, but should have a 30 amp breaker or fuse as per the National Electrical Code.

[distracto]

I'm about to purchase a Freedom Express 257BHS and was wondering this exact thing.

Where do the wires terminate at the other end? I'm glad they're using 10ga wire, I was worried they would have sized it to the 80 watt panel they provide.

Cheers

[lorettaboy]

The wires terminate and are connected to the battery.

[distracto]

No controller? They can't wire straight to the batteries with no controller in line.

I'd want to add more panels using the existing wiring and upgrade the controller.

If solar ready means a raceway from roof to battery there must be a way to throw a controller in line somewhere like the front pass through.

[lorettaboy]

If you don't get the trailer with the solar package, then you have to add your own MPPT. Here is a link to a post which shows my setup; https://www.facebook.com/groups/1847...95676647643019

[NevinsFamily]

I just bought a 238BHS which is supposed to be Freedom Solar Ready, but I can't find a solar port, or anything anywhere. Any ideas? I'm beginning to thing they skipped it on this one, and the order paperwork states it has it.

[Rover Podder]

Originally Posted by NevinsFamily

I just bought a 238BHS which is supposed to be Freedom Solar Ready, but I can't find a solar port, or anything anywhere. Any ideas? I'm beginning to thing they skipped it on this one, and the order paperwork states it has it.

Did you look on the roof for the solar connector?

[NevinsFamily]

I have, yes. And there's nothing there, and u looked in the pass through. Nothing.

[jpgowin]

On my 257BHS I found the Jobani charge controller located in the front storage compartment on the left side behind a small decorative panel

[distracto]

That's exactly where mine was.

[TPayne]

Originally Posted by distracto

No controller? They can't wire straight to the batteries with no controller in line.

I'd want to add more panels using the existing wiring and upgrade the controller.

If solar ready means a raceway from roof to battery there must be a way to throw a controller in line somewhere like the front pass through.

Climb roof with solar suitcase kit.
Plug in solar suitcase kit.
Commence leeching sun.
Problem solved.


(same as solar side port)

[TheRangerStation]

Originally Posted by TPayne

Climb roof with solar suitcase kit.
Plug in solar suitcase kit.
Commence leeching sun.
Problem solved.
(same as solar side port)

Wish I had a solar side port, but it's an easy enough tap on the controller - but you gave me an idea...

for about $10 it would be a great idea to get a panel parallel tap in the ports on the roof and I can use my portable panel up there or down off the controller, whatever works better for the landscape. I'll likely add an XT60 or SAE tap so I can run an extension out to the sun

[Fire Instructor]

Originally Posted by lorettaboy

The wires terminate and are connected to the battery.

If you only have “solar prep”, but no solar system, the wires terminate in an accessible lower area, usually directly below the rooftop connection. Look for a coiled pair of 10AWG wire that isn’t connected to anything.

[Hooverjc]

Does anyone have a259FKDS? Have one being built and looking to add more solar to the 175 watt unit it is to come with. Have a 12 vdc refrigerator in it also. Would like to add up to 700 watt and an inverter, but it is very difficult to find as-built info on rvs!

[Fire Instructor]

Originally Posted by Hooverjc

Does anyone have a259FKDS? Have one being built and looking to add more solar to the 175 watt unit it is to come with. Have a 12 vdc refrigerator in it also. Would like to add up to 700 watt and an inverter, but it is very difficult to find as-built info on rvs!

It might seem to be a great idea (at first glance) to put 875w on the roof, but you need to calculate the battery capacity that you need for sufficient storage to take advantage of all of that panel output. If you use traditional batteries, you’ll struggle for both space and weight capacity to carry enough battery. If you use lithium batteries, you’ll still struggle with space, plus it’ll cost a king’s ransom to pay for them.

I had 300w on my previous 5th wheel. I found that four 6v golf cart batteries, wired as two “big” 12v batteries was a good balance, but it added a lot of dead weight in the nose compartment. My new coach has only 175w on the roof. It has a pair of marine-type deep cycle 12v batteries. When they require replacement, I’ll likely replace with a pair of 6v golf cart batteries. BTW- I have the same or similar 12v DC fridge….

[Hooverjc]

Thanks for the reply, I hear you on the batteries. I have been looking at 4 AGM solar batteries, but have not bought them yet. I got word yesterday that our trailer is to be built on 6/20, so need to wait to see exactly what equipment is installed in it, before I buy what I need.