Forest River E-Pro 20bhs Travel Trailer Solar Upgrade!!!

[@derekbrown9960]

Very nice video

[@drawersystems]

Thank you!

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

While the solar monitor panel shows good results, factory installed solar wiring typically isn’t 6 or even 8. What was the size of factory installed wiring? I suggest cautioning others to check and replace if needed.

[@drawersystems]

Good point. Before I installed everything I checked with the manufacturer specs and found that the solar was rated for 600w max. Checking the wire size is definitely good practice.

[@ernestcook4285]

I calculate 44 amps with full sun. I would up grade your controller as well

[@drawersystems]

In hindsight I would have upgraded the solar controller first thing.

[@ernestcook4285]

@drawersystems joy of learning. Another issue is that your original lead wires to the controller are most likely not rated for 44 amps. 8 guage solar cable wire. The same guage needed the controller to the battery.

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

Very valid point IMO. One of the tips I got from WindyNation was don’t overload the controller.

[@michaelagreb9635]

How has your setup held up over the past two years? I found a FR document saying the it wasn’t enough to just screw the panels into the roof, but you had to find the support struts in the roof. I am going to install more solar on my Epro 19FD and have been curious about mounting process. Love the install and instructions!

[@thestapler0x419]

I was wondering this too, it was my understanding that the roof is aluminum and not plywood.

[@sboy1955]

Cool 🤙🏽

[@dominique___1980]

Thanks for this video. Another video I watched, they used the cardboard box the panels came in, cut them the same size, and used the cardboard for placement.

[@oliveraerobatix]

Hello, Great how to video. About to do the same solar add, really Helpful. Do you know the length of cables you used for the 2 panels you added. Thank you!?

[@drawersystems]

Good luck on your install! I unfortunately don't remember...I order the cable by the spool and cut to length. I didn't run any cable into the trailer so i think a 25 feet should work along with the adapters to tie into the factory wiring.

[@anothersomebody8195]

I'm waiting for your van trailer build. I was thinking of doing that last month with the back end for a boat.

[@drawersystems]

Ha! Thanks, yeah Cyborg is going to be an awesome rig once I’m done with it. Stay tuned for sure ;)

[@mannyb4959]

Very good video, thanks. Do you have a link for the 3 way Mc4 connectors? Are they rated for a 50 amp current? And are you happy with the quality of the panels compared to the stock "go power"?

[@pdalefaja]

Great video bro!! You give me confidence to do the install myself on my own Rockwood ultra lite. BTW, how is the butyl tape and the Deck screws working out with holding the panels on the roof??🤔

[@ronwahler4004]

Can you provide a list of parts ? screw type, length, did you cut the solar cables to length and then attach the connectors ? any special tool for attaching the solar connectors ?

[@drawersystems]

I think I showed the type of screws in the video and if memory serves me, they were 1 1/4" exterior deck screws from Home Depot. Regarding the solar, yes I cut the 10 gauge wire to length and then added the MC4 connectors to make the install as clean as possible. Here is a good kit to get started with making your own solar wires: amzn.to/3KT8vHQ

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

The manufacturer of the connectors determines if any special tool is needed.

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

The screw length is determined individually and depends on roof thickness.

[@jefferydailey9129]

Thanks for the video! What made you choose the 170W panels over the 200W panels?

[@drawersystems]

My pleasure and thanks for watching! At the time I bought the panels, the 200 watt were not available so I ended up with the 170’s. So far it’s worked out great and I actually need more battery storage rather than more solar for my needs/usage.

[@jefferydailey9129]

@@drawersystems Also expecting to have to replace the flooded batteries in the future, but on cloudy days or partly shaded sites the stock 190W just can't keep up. Thanks for the quick reply.

[@drawersystems]

You hit the nail on the head...my next 2 videos are about replacing the 2 flooded batteries with a single 200ah lithium and also swapping out the the converter to a lithium compatible model to handle 30amp 120v charging. :) Hoping to get the battery video out this week :)

[@sergiochavez3530]

Hi I have a question what kind of tape do you use are under the bracket?

[@drawersystems]

It’s called butyl tape….it makes a good deal between the bracket and the roof. Then use “lap sealant” to cover the screws and outside of the bracket.

[@kevinburroughs6583]

Thanks for the video. I Have a forest river product with an upgradable solar system and was looking for something like this. Couple questions. How do you know if you have a 12v system? Was the cost affordable? What can you run off the upgraded panels? Also when you did the wiring, did you buy pre-made wires to exrtend the runs coming off the solar panels, or did you have to make your own wire extebtion? If so what connectors did you use? Sorry for all the questions, I am a noob when it comes to RV solar, and it seems overwhelming to me.

[@Cfox2000]

Just about to purchase a 20BHS… any tips for a beginner?

[@garrett7101]

Upgrade to a 200ah battery and only buy a 200w solar on the side panel with 30ft extension cord so you can move it with the sun. I spent about $1200 total for that and it’s night and day.

[@Cfox2000]

@@garrett7101 I have had it for 8 months and unfortunately must have gotten a lemon… multiple failures and problems… I wish I had gone with the “Solar Package” which was never explained to me. The dealer told me it came with it… which it came with Solar, but not the package… I was really bummed about that as well

[@garrett7101]

@@Cfox2000 why are you saying it’s a lemon? What’s wrong? Should be under warranty, no?

[@TheRayDog]

@@Cfox2000 The solar package is $8600 iirc. It's a nice setup with high quality, well regarded electronics and battery. But that's expensive.

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

Your movements on the roof scared me. Too fast. Too much stuff to step around.

[@drawersystems]

I'm part ninja. Lol. valid point, definitely be cautious walking around on the roof of a tall vehicle.

[@MrBoo-zg2hz]

What ac do you have? Is that an upgrade for a less noisy one??

[@drawersystems]

It is the standard AC that came with the camper...trust me it isn't quiet when it's running! Most likely my microphone lowered the noise coming from the AC.

[@rgwaldron719]

what size/length screws did you use for the panels ?

[@drawersystems]

I believe they were 1 1/4" deck screws from Home Depot

[@josephclosurdo568]

Did you upgrade your inverter/charger?

[@clawson7064]

I am thinking about doing this but with only 2 200W panels. There Pmax current would be 20A. I am worried about the Geo Pro's stock wiring though. The wiring going to the original panel is only 12AWG. Can you just drop in 400W at 20A into that stock system? I have a Geo Pro 19FD

[@TheRayDog]

This was my concern as well. Where did you find the spec showing 12ga wiring stock? 12ga is nominally rated for 20 amps max

[@lawrencewiddis2447]

That’s ok but use large wire. Rewiring for more panels isn’t fun.

[@garrett7101]

Why so much?

[@drawersystems]

It was cheaper to add more solar than more lithium batteries and 530 watts allows our 200ah lithium battery to charge very quickly during the day. Most of our camping is at campgrounds without power hookups so we needed a way to ensure we had enough power and a way to recharge every day.