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Old 10-17-2021, 06:41 PM   #1
BrokeDown
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Super SolarFlex or Generator at Order Time

We looked at several smaller 5th wheels and fell in LOVE with the Montana 3231CK. It really checks a lot of boxes for me and the DW.

At the moment, I really want the Super SolarFlex option. But I also want 3 ACs and a Generator. According to the build sheet, the Super SolarFlex can't be ordered with the 3rd AC or the Generator.

I am thinking about ordering the 3231CK with the 3rd AC and the Generator and then taking it to a Solar shop to have them do a big Solar system.

What would you all do?

Thanks
-B
 
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Old 10-18-2021, 11:07 AM   #2
66 Galaxie
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The current SSF package sits in the same spot as the generator box. The advantage of the SSF package is that it's prewired up front. You could always mount a small generator in the front right compartment on a sliding tray.
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Old 10-18-2021, 11:24 AM   #3
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Originally Posted by 66 Galaxie View Post
The current SSF package sits in the same spot as the generator box. The advantage of the SSF package is that it's prewired up front. You could always mount a small generator in the front right compartment on a sliding tray.
The installs that I have seen are in the pass-thru bay. But let's assume it is in the Gen bay. Why no 3rd AC?

I spoke to a couple of installers. They suggested getting the Gen and AC and let them deal with where to put the components.

I would give up a bit of space under the bed for the batteries. Then the rest of it can be in the pass-thru.

-B
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Old 10-18-2021, 11:45 AM   #4
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It depends on how the trailer will be used. Unless boondocking, solar would be low on my list. If I needed 3 AC's and a unit that would handle all living conditions for full timing, I would opt for a motorhome.
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Old 10-18-2021, 11:53 AM   #5
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If I needed 3 AC's and a unit that would handle all living conditions for full timing, I would opt for a motorhome.
I'm guessing that you can't see my signature? A motorhome is what I have now and we've been full-timing for 5 years in it. We want to downsize so that we can get into more places. Another motorhome is out of the question. BTW: The motorhome will live on our lot in FL. We will spend 5 months in it and 7 in the new RV.

-B
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Old 10-18-2021, 11:57 AM   #6
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Gotcha. Didn't know what that description was but the hyd mc lift was a curiosity. Although I've seen them on fivers before.
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Old 10-18-2021, 12:23 PM   #7
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Gotcha. Didn't know what that description was but the hyd mc lift was a curiosity. Although I've seen them on fivers before.
I should change my sig... I took it from the Newmar forum where everyone would know what a MADP is. It is a 45' Newmar Mountain Aire Diesel Pusher.

Sadly, we do not ride the MC much. I prefer to go 4 wheeling these days. The future plan would have the wife following me. She would be in the Jeep pulling a small trailer with a side by side on it.

Most of our boondocking would be while we are moving from place to place, on some weekends and maybe a week or so here and there. Otherwise, we will use Thousand Trails where we can, Boondockers Welcome where we can, and then whatever we can find when those two don't work.

-B
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Old 10-18-2021, 04:02 PM   #8
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Brokedown,

With the SuperSolar you get whole house inverter, already wired, power control system, and Lithium batteries.

With this setup, and In-Command, you have the ability to run the AC going down the road (for a little while anyway) with out using fuel.


With the Residential fridge, 3rd AC, etc. I would think about adding 2 more batteries for a total of over 1000 Amp hours would be a good move.

I do have the SS and really love it with the 3230CK.

Future Sales, (builders of the SS system) is moving the SS system into the forward compartment, on the wall.
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Old 10-18-2021, 04:16 PM   #9
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John,

Where do you plan to do most of your camping when you use the trailer vice the motorhome? How much will be boondocking? There is only about one day in twenty that a 3rd a/c seems like a good idea but we tend to move away from heat.
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Old 10-18-2021, 05:10 PM   #10
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John,

Where do you plan to do most of your camping when you use the trailer vice the motorhome? How much will be boondocking? There is only about one day in twenty that a 3rd a/c seems like a good idea but we tend to move away from heat.
We spent 4 months in The Dalles, OR this summer. It was over 100 A LOT. The high was 117. In FL, it is not as hot, but 100% humidity is pretty rough.

We don't run all 3 AC's now. During the heat of the day, especially when the DW is cooking, we will run the front and middle ACs. Then at night, we will run the bedroom AC and if it is particularly hot, we might add the middle AC.

5 years of doing this has taught us that WE need 3 ACs.

-B
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Old 10-18-2021, 07:01 PM   #11
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Was most of the OR camping boondocking?
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Old 10-18-2021, 07:21 PM   #12
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Was most of the OR camping boondocking?
We would boondock on our way across the country, but once we got where we were going, the MH would stay connected. We rarely stay somewhere for less than a month. We were in The Dalles for 4 months, Ogden, UT for a month, and Wears Valley for 6 weeks (we are 2 weeks in.) Then we will be in FL for 5 months.

We have been traveling the same way for 5 years. The plan is to downsize and spend more time remote... at least on the weekends. I still work and need good internet and cell. I can't risk not having those things. Once I retire, we will travel in western Canada and Alaska. We expect to boondock a lot more there.
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Old 10-18-2021, 07:59 PM   #13
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Brokedown, the 3231 is a great option. Arkware and I both have the same floor plan with Super Solar and love it. I believe the solar is being relocated up front now instead of under the stairs. First, we had the same hot weather traveling and two AC’s did just fine. If you feel you need three, have your dealer add it where the two fantastic vents are in the kitchen. We use two Honda 2000’s in a cage in the truck bed with a six gallon feeder. The 3231 isn’t conducive to a massive solar system. You maybe able to piece some smaller panels around the four 300 watt panels, but we didn’t even have room for a Travl’r satellite dish. You have options, but I can tell you that the Super Solar is a great package. Keep us posted on your decision and PM me if you have questions on the 3231. Be sure to get the RV fridge if you plan on doing much boondocking. .
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Old 10-18-2021, 08:07 PM   #14
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John,

Based on your planned usage, going with a genny and 3 a/c units vice super solar seems reasonable. You can add solar and a decent sized battery bank.
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Old 10-18-2021, 08:21 PM   #15
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John,

Based on your planned usage, going with a genny and 3 a/c units vice super solar seems reasonable. You can add solar and a decent sized battery bank.
Thanks. That verifies what I am thinking too.

-B
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Old 10-19-2021, 07:22 AM   #16
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B,

We ordered the generator on our rig. I've also added 600 plus Ahrs of LiFePO4 batteries and Victron Multiplus II 2x120v inverter that can run our rig off batteries (only 1 AC). Were I to do it over I'd have gone Super Solar and carried a Honda portable gas generator to supplement the SS.
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Old 10-19-2021, 07:56 AM   #17
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B,
Were I to do it over I'd have gone Super Solar and carried a Honda portable gas generator to supplement the SS.
Why is that?

The generator is less of a deal-breaker for me than the 3rd AC. I have a 3,000W Honda generator that I can use for powering the RV. What I can't do is add the 3rd AC that would help cool the place down in the hot climates that we visit.
-B
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Old 10-19-2021, 08:23 AM   #18
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Primarily fuel consumption - it is easier to deal with gas than 30 or 40 lb propane tanks. Now that I can run an A/C w/o generator for an hour or so before we reach our CG, I think we'll use our genset even less.

I'm with you on the 3rd A/C unit. I guess roof real estate is the reason they don't/can't do it on a SS. It is next on my to do list. Once we got above 90 it was tough to get below 78 inside.

BTW - the 5500 won't run 3 A/C units as it only puts out about 46 amps, maybe with soft starts and Nothing else running and careful watch... Actually with our new inverter's power assist, we will be able to run 3 A/C units off of our 5500. The Victron will boost as much as 25 amps.
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Old 10-19-2021, 08:36 AM   #19
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I'm with you on the 3rd A/C unit. I guess roof real estate is the reason they don't/can't do it on a SS. It is next on my to do list. Once we got above 90 it was tough to get below 78 inside.
In the Newmar, we never run 3 ACs, just 2 at a time and mostly during the day. When the DW is cooking, the front gets pretty hot when it is 90+ outside. We will run the two front AC's most of the time.
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Old 10-19-2021, 08:40 AM   #20
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Another idea to digest

Take a hard look at the features the Victron Multiplus and what it can do for your particular plan. The Multiplus integrates solar production, power from a generator, and also use the power from a a weak 30 amp shore power to seamlessly integrated them into the camper’s electrical system. 2 Multiplus units can combine a strong solar storage capacity and a small generator to supply both electrical legs of your breaker panel. Victron’s Multiplus $1300 price tag is well worth the features it provides! A reputable solar installer can be your best source to help you plan going forward.
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