400w Solar Install on Geo Pro 19fbs - Travel Trailer solar system

[@eddiex72]

Someone always has to go first. Thanks for making the video. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Awesome stuff here. ✌️🇺🇸

[@nathanmciver6496]

You my friend are awesome! Couldn't even lie about this! Thanks for your delivery!!!!!!!!

[@glenmuir219]

Thanks for helping me not make the same mistakes..... I really look forward to the follow-up video. Great Job!!

[@downloadableskills]

I have watched all of your videos for the information, and out of admiration for your editing skills. Whomever is editing the video, well damn done. You are not just sharing tips, you make these videos look like memories taken from your mind and placed directly on the internet.

[@philc.9280]

We have a similar TT with a rubberized roof too. I chose to use four 100 watt flexible panels that are taped to the roof with VHB tape. They are so light and thin I don't think they will ever pull the roof off. I realized that flexibles have a limited life as over time as they delaminate and peel. I'm not a full timer and the unit is often covered so after 3.5 years the system is still going strong. I don't need to squeeze every watt out of the system as 400 watts is plenty to run everything in the RV. I do occasionally treat the panels with a glossy protective spray so maybe that why I'm not having any issues so far.

[@fckurvtc]

That’s crazy to find this video. I was looking at these on amazon yesterday. Thanks for the video

[@silaslongshot941]

Looks like a well thought out project. I would have left the factory installed panel in place and just added it to the power input with the new panels. Your 4th rigid panel would have fit nicely beside the factory panel, in line with the AC box along the center line of the roof.

[@richsims6703]

Thank you for the video. Getting ready to add solar to my ePro 19FD and this was really helpful! Nice job!!

[@oaky26]

Wife and I are going to get the Geo Pro 20BHS model. We have been preparing for couple yrs paying stuff off and setting up some businesses to support us full time. Glad to see someone out there doing videos of the Geo Pro. Solar setup is sweet, we would love to Boondock a lot to. Thanks for sharing man

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Thats awesome to hear, we have been planning on moving out for around 3 years now and have been planning slowly ever since. I'll have more videos soon, and was supposed to be moving out April 13th, but might be pushed back due to the Virus and everything being shutdown.

[@jav9888]

Love the video, These companies should make brackets, that you can drill in, install forget about it, then years later when one dies you can unclamp the panel and replace it with a new one. No dealer needed DIY kind of thing. would be efficient for the end user. Question, how deep did you drill into the roof and how did you know what spot to drill into ? 2nd question, how did your patches hold up now years later? anything diff you would of done? Thanks for the install

[@ledzepandhabs]

You should have used aluminum unistrut as the base/frame mounted to your roof, then bolt the panels to the unistrut, that way if you service or change panels a simple unbolting and no messin with the roof is all that is necessary.

[@rhensley05]

ledzepandhabs unistrut. the material of many uses. I use it a lot

[@TheRayDog]

I'm embarking on this project now and have gone back and forth on whether to do a simple screw-on mounting like this or the strut channel route. No doubt a strut channel makes swapping panels a breeze. But given the expected lifetime of rigid panels and the not terribly big deal of peeling up some lap sealant, I went simple. No wrong choice.

[@alanlevine2844]

thumbs up my friend. you "done did good"

[@sandyentoronto]

Thanks for video

[@randalrand]

James, would you be able to give more details about drilling into the roof? For example, how far down can you drill, did you pre-drill the holes, or are the screws self-drilling? Like everyone else has said, thank you for this video. Now, I have more confidence to add more solar to my 2021 geo pro f19d.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

I just used the self taping screws that came with the Renogy solar panels. If you order them on amazon or directly through renogy it should come with the mounting brackets and screws included. I just used them and sunk them in the roof.

[@silaslongshot941]

Nice install. Personally, being cheap or lazy, take your pick, I would have left the factory flex panel in place until it died. They usually last 2 or 3 years. Your 3rd new panel could have gone down next to the AC as you did with the first two

[@puggsandgunsandthings]

Nicely done!

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

Hey, I admire you for tackling that, I wish could. I think you did great ! I have an epro 19QB and the factory solar and batteries are not good.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

It was alot easier then I thought it was going to be. You can choose to just use flexible panels if you wish, might be a little easier.

[@leewarner9357]

DUDE!!! Great video

[@ruthaspen2076]

My FBS 19 has a 1000 watt Inverter which won’t allow me to use the 1100 watt microwave. I think they should use a 2000 watt Inverter. Also I have 200 watt Zamp suitcase which plugs in and handy when parked in the shade. My issue is enough battery storage with 2 interstate batteries that came with. They drain pretty quick with the furnace fan, a couple lights, and tv by morning. Now I’m looking into better batteries and perhaps more than 2. 300 watts does the job for me.

[@nathanmciver6496]

Lmao! Here's the best part! I recall these videos from years and years and years ago and they are still trying to sell the same expensive junk phycology as if these trailers are new! I even showed up to the exact same location within Canada and called and the cheap phycology is to expensive! I actually have a legitimate need for my family because this trailer would be small, safe and compact!!!! Plus I want to work for this, just not slave for somthing that should be more affordable

[@robertkampen1693]

Good stuff here. Wife and I are looking at the Geo Pro 20BHS. We want a lightweight travel trailer we can pull with our 2016 Highlander XLE. Mainly, we want it for hockey travel with our son. I'm considering doing some upgrades as well (i.e. 100ah Batteries x 2, 100w panels x 4 and 30lb propane bottles x 2) Not sure how much boon-docking we'll be doing during the summer, but we have planned a trip to Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills for at least 2 weeks in June. Looking forward to your follow-up videos.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

We have nothing but good things to say about the Geo Pro so far, so I would highly recommend! Thanks more videos coming soon as we leave full time in April.

[@PeonSanders911]

Thanks for making the Video Dude!! well done sir!!

[@user-uy3eq5hg1s]

Thanks for the great video. This looks like quite the job and I'm the opposite of handy. I also weigh a good 240lbs and nervous about getting on my trailer roof. Trying to figure out if doing all of this is worth it or if I should just get the foldout solar panels and just lay them out during the day or something.

[@brucekung7977]

Great stuff! Thanks! ... In Nov. we bought our 19BH and so far have picked up a couple of victron charge controllers to manage the solar port and to replace the stock PWM controller. Thinking about picking up some of the curved brackets along with the z brackets so I can remove the panels without having disturb the screws. Ive also been looking at 60 cell residential panels and throwing some legs on it to make one portable. Would also love to mount one on the roof... Maximum power / dollar, leverage the higher voltage of the panel (~37) combined with the mppt charge controllers. I just can't bring myself to drill into the roof!!!!!

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Bruce Kung that’s awesome, we will be upgrading to a MPPT eventually. I was going to buy those brackets ur talking about but it was around $80 per panel and I couldn’t justify that. I hear ya about drilling in the roof, I really wanted to do flexible panels but rigid panels last much longer. Also just an FYI the panel that comes with the Geo/E Pro is drilled into the roof.

[@brucekung7977]

@@JamesVonwiegen yeah no kidding they're a hundred and twenty bucks here in Canada for those mounting bracket... Wowza. That said now I'm inspired to go get lithium batteries myself which obviously dwarfs the cost of any solar panels and hardware that I could Buy. Have you had to rely on Shore power to charge up your lions and how does your converter on board work for you for that purpose? Now I'm all over those UT1300s and trying to find them here in Canada. This solar slope is damn slippery!!!

[@JamesVonwiegen]

No the Solar Panels can charge them up in 1 day if its sunny out enough. I pull in around 15-18 amps on a sunny day. You sadly cannot charge the batteries using shore power, the converter isn't a charger also just a converter. I haven't had any issues with the Lions and would recommend them.

[@brucekung7977]

@@JamesVonwiegen hey james, wondering how the dicor took to the tpo /alpha super flex roof? Ive read that regular dicor can cause the membrane to bulge/Bubble... Any signs of that? Sadly I read this after I bought a 4 pack of dicor... Aparently, alpha systems has its own self leveling material that is compatible as they are made by the dame company.

[@davidramsaur1984]

James Vonwiegen great video! Is there plywood under the entire rubber roof? Any issue with wind going down the road? Thanks for putting together an awesome video...wife and I just ordered a geopro 19bh.

[@timdeleij7105]

Like the idea but don't like screwing in roof. I'm getting a cheap truck cap and mounting 400w worth of solar on that and use it to charge my bluetti ac200. Then I can park trailer in shade and pickup in sun to get full charging and stay cool. Then just run extension cord to trailer electric hookup. The bluetti ac 200 is amazing with 1700 kw storage and cheaper then lithium batteries by itself . Trailer setup I'm keeping original seeing it will always be plugged to my solar generating pickup

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Alot of people seem to not like drilling in the roof, but dont realize the factory ones have 6 holes drilled in the roof for them. But I get you, I would have rather not drilled.

[@sacreligious74]

@James Vonwiegen look how many huge holes in the roof with AC, Fan, antenna and factory solar plug ins. Lol Just do it right and you will be fine. People.just need to relax sometimes 😆

[@jthomson2001]

Any chance you might do a video on storage and use of space on the inside of your camper?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Yes we will be in the future. We are in the works of making a entire video going over everything after 6 months. We are going full-time once the virus is over.

[@bensanchez1532]

James, it has been over 2 years. Time for an upadate please... How did mounting of those brackets hold? Recently I installed 2 of the Renogy 100W using same method but was not too happy about the mounting screws not ending up tight. I did find out that using none self taping screws is better. So I am relying on the DICOR to hold them. But I do think a strip of Eternalbond tape over the brackets/Dicor will help.

[@deepmountaingrass]

I am installing 2 - 200 W panels on my roof. Can't decide whether to run them parallel or series. Shade isn't an issue.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

You will technically be fine with either, I would do research on your specific panels and see if the manufacturer recommends anything.

[@TheRayDog]

Assuming your controller can handle the higher voltage of serial, do that. Higher voltage is less amperage. Less amperage means lower cabling losses. All else equal. Also means running fewer cables up top, fewer connectors, and less cost there.

[@davidlewis9068]

So how is it going over a year later?

[@davidgood9345]

Not solar question but curious how the Tacoma tows this size and weight trailer. I am looking at the Geo Pro 19FD. Do you use a brake control and anti sway hitch which ones. Great videos.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

It was my dads Tacoma but it pulled really good. I have towed a Jeep behind this Tacoma before and it pulled the trailer alot better and braked decent without my brake controller. I would recommend getting a brake controller however for longevity of the truck brakes and safety. I didn't use a anti sway in this video, but I now have a weight distribution hitch, but not the sway control!

[@davidgood9345]

@@JamesVonwiegen Thank you sir, I should of included a weight distribution in my question. Thanks again

[@Ironwind1972]

Appreciate the video. Wish you would have filmed how you wired it to your RV though. Does it just plug in where the factory solar panel was wired in?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Yes I didn’t wire anything into the RV itself. Just plug the new cables into the box on the roof!

[@Ironwind1972]

@@JamesVonwiegen Sweet thanks!

[@MM-ub3jy]

Just a question, about how much do you weigh? I’m ~225, and have a 21 epro. 19fds. Did you feel that the roof was solid enough to walk on, or spongy? Thanks

[@JamesVonwiegen]

About 175-180. I was careful but yes it felt solid to me, it helps its such a short trailer and has support from the bathroom walls, kitchen and closet.

[@CB-A6KZ]

Love your video, I'm looking at the G20BHS. Wondering if yours had the absorption fridge or the 12v and how this affected your power consumption?

[@deltabravo1257]

In a previous video, I could tell it was the absorption fridge.

[@jamesbean9221]

WHY didn't you just use the existing panel plus three new ones?

[@erniecw60]

I was wondering the same thing.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

james bean when wired in series like I did, you cannot mismatch panels with different voltage or amperage. Not sure which one but every website and video I watched said the same thing. If you do, it won’t run as efficient

[@TheLifeandSadEnding]

@@JamesVonwiegen Maybe it would have been better to just leave it there, disconnect it, and put the new one on top of it. Or maybe not.

[@dingdongdaddy589]

Hey this was pretty cool. Have you used it enough to determine if 400w was adequate for you? What do you run mostly. Thanks for the video...

[@JayyKilz]

Wheres the follow up!? Great vids!

[@JamesVonwiegen]

We are full-time and ended up swapping rigs. We now have a Class A with 1000w of solar and plan on creating a video within the next week.

[@roypase8488]

Jim how did you see your markers with caulking down and did you just use the mounting screws that came with panels? How do you know (1) deep enough to hold panels, (2) wont protrude thru ceiling or hit anything? Thanks for a great video.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

I lay the panel where I want to mount it, then I mark all the holes (8 holes). After that I would pull the panel up and put the Dicor Sealant over those marks I made with the market (yes the marks are then covered). But I know where I want the panel mounted because the dicor is now onto of the marks. I then put the panel ontop of the dicor and bam, the panel is where I want it! I did use the screws that came with the mounting hardware and I looked online to find the thickness of the E/Geo Pro roofs before installing them.

[@brianjmt5213]

Is the underbelly enclosed? Also I would ditch the pwm controller and go with MPPT. The MPPT will give you better performance it is way more efficient then the controller that comes installed. Nice job up till the panel removal but hey thanks for the heads up on that. I am looking at the 19QB.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

No the underbelly is not closed. The NoBo trailers have an enclosed underbelly though. Good luck, we switched over to a new motorhome and have a MPPT and 1000w!

[@vanmoss2965]

Have you had any problems with the screws penetrating the roof?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

I have not, and I had now done solar to 3+ campers with the same method.

[@daviddaniels09]

I just started following your channel because I’m really interested in getting into a travel trailer myself. But I was curious about something. Why did you go to the class A?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

We are now fulltime travelers and have lived on the road for over a year now. We needed more space because we work in our camper and the GeoPro was just to small to live in 24/7.

[@clawson7064]

Did you use 12AWG wire throughout? I feel like 12AWG isnt enough to sustain a ~20A load like those panels probably do. Have you had any troubles?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

I believe it was 10 or 12 I forget. But I just tied into the box on the roof that came factory and never had any issues.

[@jmora6529]

1. Why do you need so much power? 2. Did you install a different battery?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Sorry for the late response! We are full-time so we needed 400w of Solar. We now had 200ah of Lithium batteries and are on the road full-time with no problems.

[@adammelchert]

Do you have an update? I wouldn't think the roof would provide enough for the screws to bite into. I'd be worried the panels would fly off going down the highway.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

We have had 50mph winds while stationary and driven it around 60mph on the highway. Everything is fine so far!

[@JLS..Pacheco]

How how is your tacoma towing the camper, do you drive in "D" or 4th gear. Also what size tires are you running. Thanks for any info thinking about buying a Geo Pro.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

The Tacoma did fine pulling and I kept it in Drive. If you are going up and or down mountain passes then 4th or a lower gear would be better so it doesn't go into overdrive. These are 32s I believe but not sure.

[@horizon2667]

Any updates? Is 400w enough electric

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Yes, I plan on making an update video but 400w is enough and have lasted 8 days.

[@bensanchez1532]

Hi James,. have you upgraded the Controller? IF yes, what did you installed? I just purchased a 2018 Geo Pro 19FBS. It does not come with Solar system. Prewired evidently; roof entry to I guess where the GO Power controller goes. My plan is to install two 100W = 200W. I am debating if I should go with GO Power 30A that comes with these models or get a MPPT 30A Controller. Your comments and recommendations are welcome.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Hey, no I did not upgrade the controller because I had no need to unless I wanted to go above 500w of solar and 400w is fine. I would personally leave the PWM standard charger and just install the extra panels. There is really no need to upgrade unless you want over 5002 to handle the Volts.

[@jeffmezzullo5864]

Great vid. Did you pre-drill before the initial lap sealant? I was considering adding more Go-Power panels but the price of one is almost the cost of this whole job.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

No I did not pre-drill, I used self tapping screws. Yeh Go-Power is way overpriced which is why I used renogy 100w.

[@jeffmezzullo5864]

@@JamesVonwiegen Did you notice any change in towing as far as weight and drag that equated to lesser gas mileage on your TV? I am still on the fence about doing this job with flex panels.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

@@jeffmezzullo5864 no the solar panels are not that heavy and rigid panels last longer and generally pull in more amps.

[@jeffmezzullo5864]

@@JamesVonwiegen Totally unrelated question if you remember how many boxes of the peel and stick flooring you bought for the inside of the FBS. That looks nice.

[@HausVerk]

What size screws did you use to mount to the roof? I am about to add to ours and I am dreading screwing into the roof!

[@JamesVonwiegen]

I used the screws that came with the mounting brackets from Renogy. I got them off amazon!

[@Waco-Silos]

Did you get a weight distribution hitch for the trailer? If so, what did you go with and was the install simple ? Thanks

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Yes we got a 10,000lb one from Harbor Freight. It was easy to install yes I recommend!

[@clawson7064]

Can you run a generator to charge the batteries while the solar is charging? Did you have to upgrade the charge controller? Did you upgrade your inverter?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

I never upgraded anything just solar power itself. And yes you can also use a generator.

[@bt4b4]

Any update on the power? Peacefrom510

[@arelytriana2710]

How does the Tacoma tow the rv?.I have a Tacoma and I'm thinking of getting an e-pro.

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Its pull great much better than our Jeep!

[@rdl7309]

How does your Tacoma do with that trailer thinking about buying a geo pro and towing it with my 2013 Tacoma

[@JamesVonwiegen]

It was my dad's Tacoma but it did great. We did even have a brake controller and we went into decent size mountains out here in PA / NY. I would just recommend getting a brake controller for long trips and big hills to save your brakes on the truck!

[@roberthudnall7235]

I appreciate the video. Just put a deposit down on a 2021 e-pro 20 bhs. What other changes did you make to the e-pro's solar setup bedsides the batteries? Was the pre-installed system able to handle your panel upgrades?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Yes everything worked great and we boondocks for around 8 days onetime not plugged in. Works great I would highly recommend this upgrade.

[@nelsondungo6455]

Did you change your solar control panel?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

no I kept the original one.

[@sebastianheil8002]

Did you add batteries as well? Any changes to the controller?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

We added 2 - 105ah Lion Energy UT1300 Batteries and kept the stock controller. We have lasted 8 days boondocking in decently sunny conditions.

[@sebastianheil8002]

James Vonwiegen Thank you for the reply! Where did you install the batteries? In the pass through? I am very interested in the very same trailer but wanted to see what you were able to do. I would want it to boondocks as well, but wondered where the batteries would sit. Is the 39gal Tank sufficient for a while on the fresh water? Thank you

[@JamesVonwiegen]

Sebastian Heil We have been able to boondock for up to 7 days with showering once and minimizing water. I actually wrote a blog about the RV batteries and how I relocated them. wanderusliving.com/rv-battery-box-install-lithium-battery-upgrade-geo-pro-camper/

[@sebastianheil8002]

James Vonwiegen thank you!

[@akburwell]

What was the inverter and battery bank size you're thinking?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

It came with 1000w and 160ah. We upgraded to 210ah of Lithium and have been fine with the 1000w inverter but would prefer 2000.

[@amandav1748]

@@JamesVonwiegen Can you tell me what all the included 1000w inverter ran? I am researching our new TT and have read conflicting responses to this question. We are getting the 2020 ePRO 19FD and were hoping that with 300 watts of solar, 400AH lithium batteries (2X200) and the included 1000w inverter we can power the 120 plugs to charge our laptops plus use the 12v to charge phones. We have very basic electric needs, but have read the outlets will not work unless on shore or generator power. thanks for any information you can provide.

[@amandav1748]

I found my answer. It works everything but the microwave and AC. Found it in this video at 19:40. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpOki4eVYp15jpY

[@fckurvtc]

Any updates?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

We are working on an update video. We did however sell our rig to purchase a class A since we are fulltime.

[@jthomson2001]

How many amps is you solar charger rated for?

[@JamesVonwiegen]

30!

[@jthomson2001]

Thanks. Was wondering how much the controller that comes with the camper could handle.

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

Another RVer that discards crummy glued flexible solar panels.