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09-19-2018, 11:37 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Minden - NV
Posts: 501
M.O.C. #22360
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Inverter rewiring
We took delivery of our unit on 8/26. We camped Labor Day weekend with full hook-ups. After the first weekend of dry camping the weekend after Labor Day, we learned the factory installed 2000W Inverter/solar package left a little to be desired. Most of the time we camp, we are not plugged in. After a call to the dealer, the factory only wires the inverter to the refrigerator, an outlet on the counter next to the cook top and a outlet opposite the bed near the TV in the bedroom. This layout wasn't going to work. We need power to the living room TV, power recliners and ALL locations. So I started tearing down our 2 week old 3790 at the lake and reconfigured the main panel. I pulled all the circuits that I wanted on the inverter. I bought a 100A Homeline panel from The Home Depot for $17 and a few extra tandem breakers. I added separate circuits/breakers for the refer, microwave and vacuum and ditched the load sharing module. In total, I have 7 circuits on the inverter. I removed the 20A single pole transfer switch that came with the inverter and added a second 50A 2-pole transfer switch that is feed with a 30A 2-pole breaker in the main panel for generator and shore power feeds to the subpanel. While I was in there, I pulled the 3rd AC out of the second load sharing module and placed it on its own circuit so it's ready when I install the 3rd AC in the kitchen next year.
The subpanel is installed in the same void behind the main panel accessible by opening the cabinet door around the corner. I can run the microwave, vacuum, refer, any outlet as long as I stay under the 2000W limit of the inverter. On shore power or generator, those same circuits are limited by the 30A 2-pole breaker.
I purchased a remote turn-on switch for the inverter. I don't know why this isn't part of the package from the factory. I located in the side of the upper cabinet in the same mess of wires where the main panel is for the lighting/slide controls. I also took the time to relocated the generator switch from the front closet (who came up with this idea!?). I recycled the 5500W Onan from my 2006 Wildcat I sold. I ordered the gen prep only.
__________________
2013 F350 Lariat Ultimate CC LB
2019 3790RD
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09-19-2018, 12:21 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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Nice Job!
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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09-23-2018, 07:40 AM
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#3
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Anaheim Hills, CA
Posts: 161
M.O.C. #17873
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Great job, I can't understand why they don't at least hookup the recliners to the inverter.
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09-23-2018, 09:47 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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Nicely thought thru. If factories would be more methodical, it could potentially same the money and they’d appear more organized
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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09-23-2018, 10:08 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 894
M.O.C. #14417
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Nice work. Now you are ready for your solar install .
__________________
Lenny and Ros
2012 Montana 3400RL,680 Watts Solar,4xT-105 Trojans,GP-ISW2000-12 Inverter,Trimetric 2020, EMSHW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ Duramax 4x4 CC Dually, Banks Speed Brake
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09-23-2018, 10:10 AM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,933
M.O.C. #20477
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Jetskier,
Welcome to the forum!
Your install looks great. I wound up installing a 3000 watt inverter with a hybrid transfer which allows it to augment your power if you are on 20 or 30 amp site or genny - it will also work stand alone. The factory installs are all focused on the residential reefer which may not be the best option if you boondocks a fair amount.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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09-23-2018, 02:15 PM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Anaheim Hills, CA
Posts: 161
M.O.C. #17873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jetskier
We took delivery of our unit on 8/26. We camped Labor Day weekend with full hook-ups. After the first weekend of dry camping the weekend after Labor Day, we learned the factory installed 2000W Inverter/solar package left a little to be desired. Most of the time we camp, we are not plugged in. After a call to the dealer, the factory only wires the inverter to the refrigerator, an outlet on the counter next to the cook top and a outlet opposite the bed near the TV in the bedroom. This layout wasn't going to work. We need power to the living room TV, power recliners and ALL locations. So I started tearing down our 2 week old 3790 at the lake and reconfigured the main panel. I pulled all the circuits that I wanted on the inverter. I bought a 100A Homeline panel from The Home Depot for $17 and a few extra tandem breakers. I added separate circuits/breakers for the refer, microwave and vacuum and ditched the load sharing module. In total, I have 7 circuits on the inverter. I removed the 20A single pole transfer switch that came with the inverter and added a second 50A 2-pole transfer switch that is feed with a 30A 2-pole breaker in the main panel for generator and shore power feeds to the subpanel. While I was in there, I pulled the 3rd AC out of the second load sharing module and placed it on its own circuit so it's ready when I install the 3rd AC in the kitchen next year.
The subpanel is installed in the same void behind the main panel accessible by opening the cabinet door around the corner. I can run the microwave, vacuum, refer, any outlet as long as I stay under the 2000W limit of the inverter. On shore power or generator, those same circuits are limited by the 30A 2-pole breaker.
I purchased a remote turn-on switch for the inverter. I don't know why this isn't part of the package from the factory. I located in the side of the upper cabinet in the same mess of wires where the main panel is for the lighting/slide controls. I also took the time to relocated the generator switch from the front closet (who came up with this idea!?). I recycled the 5500W Onan from my 2006 Wildcat I sold. I ordered the gen prep only.
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What brand solar panels and inverter comes on the Montana's from the factory? I just ordered a 3120RL with the solar package plus I am going to add another panel and install the Battle Born Lithium batteries.
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09-23-2018, 05:14 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Thornville
Posts: 546
M.O.C. #21110
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Unless I'm mistaken, Montana does NOT supply the panels or inverter for the solar hook ups in their units. They only PREP the units for solar, if so the end purchaser decides to go that route. I know mine came "solar prepped",with connections on roof for panels, and a label inside for control panel location of said set-up.
__________________
Darwin & Carla
2018.5 3701LK Montana
2022 3500HD Denali Duramax SRW
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09-23-2018, 05:37 PM
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#9
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Anaheim Hills, CA
Posts: 161
M.O.C. #17873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CarWin
Unless I'm mistaken, Montana does NOT supply the panels or inverter for the solar hook ups in their units. They only PREP the units for solar, if so the end purchaser decides to go that route. I know mine came "solar prepped",with connections on roof for panels, and a label inside for control panel location of said set-up.
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Keystone has a option with a 265 watt solar panel and a 2000 watt inverter installed at the factory for $2250 but they thru mine in
Darryl
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09-23-2018, 07:40 PM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 894
M.O.C. #14417
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And how do you tilt that panel when you're dry camping in the winter to obtain the maximum amps?
Too bad they don't talk to campers who use solar. Disappointing!
__________________
Lenny and Ros
2012 Montana 3400RL,680 Watts Solar,4xT-105 Trojans,GP-ISW2000-12 Inverter,Trimetric 2020, EMSHW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ Duramax 4x4 CC Dually, Banks Speed Brake
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09-23-2018, 08:03 PM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Anaheim Hills, CA
Posts: 161
M.O.C. #17873
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I understand what you are saying and yes it would be nice if they asked the end user for our inputs. But fortunately or unfortunately I live in California and we don't to follow the sun it's all around us from all angle.
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09-23-2018, 11:36 PM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Minden - NV
Posts: 501
M.O.C. #22360
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Here's the brochure for the solar/inverter package....
__________________
2013 F350 Lariat Ultimate CC LB
2019 3790RD
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09-23-2018, 11:40 PM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Minden - NV
Posts: 501
M.O.C. #22360
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lenny K
And how do you tilt that panel when you're dry camping in the winter to obtain the maximum amps?
Too bad they don't talk to campers who use solar. Disappointing!
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At my latitude, we just run them flat. It's too cold to camp in the winter as it gets well below freezing overnight from Nov to March.
__________________
2013 F350 Lariat Ultimate CC LB
2019 3790RD
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09-24-2018, 12:36 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 894
M.O.C. #14417
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Quote:
Originally Posted by darrylwt
I understand what you are saying and yes it would be nice if they asked the end user for our inputs. But fortunately or unfortunately I live in California and we don't to follow the sun it's all around us from all angle.
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We spend the winter in Quartzsite and us and the thousands of other campers do have to park facing south and tilt our panels. If you don't, you lose about 30% of the available amps which is a lot when it is your main power source for the trailer.
I agree you don't have to tilt the panels in the summer because the sun is high in the sky and it doesn't matter wherever you live.
__________________
Lenny and Ros
2012 Montana 3400RL,680 Watts Solar,4xT-105 Trojans,GP-ISW2000-12 Inverter,Trimetric 2020, EMSHW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ Duramax 4x4 CC Dually, Banks Speed Brake
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09-24-2018, 02:39 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,888
M.O.C. #19944
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Lenny - Quartzsite, I haven't looked that up - isn't it all wide open parking without any real facilities?
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
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09-24-2018, 02:57 PM
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#16
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Anaheim Hills, CA
Posts: 161
M.O.C. #17873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jetskier
Here's the brochure for the solar/inverter package....
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Can you program the controller?
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09-24-2018, 03:15 PM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Minden - NV
Posts: 501
M.O.C. #22360
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Quote:
Originally Posted by darrylwt
Can you program the controller?
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Not really. I will solar display the volts, amps and watts of the panel and batteries separately, but it doesn't have any programmable options I could see.
__________________
2013 F350 Lariat Ultimate CC LB
2019 3790RD
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09-24-2018, 04:52 PM
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#18
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,933
M.O.C. #20477
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ram Montana High Country
Lenny - Quartzsite, I haven't looked that up - isn't it all wide open parking without any real facilities?
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Quartzsite is the biggest RV gathering in the country - probably the world. There are some parks with hookups but its mostly boondocking.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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09-24-2018, 06:52 PM
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#19
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Anaheim Hills, CA
Posts: 161
M.O.C. #17873
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jetskier
Not really. I will solar display the volts, amps and watts of the panel and batteries separately, but it doesn't have any programmable options I could see.
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I guess I will change the monitor to a Victron BMV 712
and the charge controller to a Victron SmartSolar MPPT 100/30 Solar Charge Controller all with Bluetooth
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09-25-2018, 12:12 AM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 894
M.O.C. #14417
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Quartzsite is wide open desert surrounded by mountains. It is a place that people love or hate. We love it as do thousands of other campers that spend the winter there.
We stay at LTVA La Posa South. There are no hookups so you have to be self contained. We do have access to fresh water, a dumping station and garbage. We are set up with all the conveniences of home except for water and sewer. What we love is the open space and we don't have to look at someones sewer system all winter as you would have to do in the majority of RV parks.
__________________
Lenny and Ros
2012 Montana 3400RL,680 Watts Solar,4xT-105 Trojans,GP-ISW2000-12 Inverter,Trimetric 2020, EMSHW50C
2009 Chevy Silverado 3500 LTZ Duramax 4x4 CC Dually, Banks Speed Brake
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