Solar Prewire - 2005 Safari, 22 ft

[jsutro]

I cannot find top end of the solar electric panel prewire. The manual states that it is in the top of the refrigerator compartment. This model Safari has two vented access panels in the side wall, with no vent to the roof.

The lower end is right where it's supposed to be, front left bottom, in the compartment with lots of other connections to battery, umbilical, disconnect relay, et al.

I'm not eager to do any unnecessary destructive surgery looking for the green and yellow wires. Certainly one or more of you have done an installation on this model AS. And where did you mount the charge controller with its display panel?

I have installed a couple of other solar battery charging systems - one on a 2003 Bambi, and one on a SOB. And I have 28 panels on the roof of my house, which produce more power than we use. So I'm a true believer in Solar Electric, and this isn't my first rodeo.

Many thanks to the Moderators and all of you who share your considerable knowledge and experience. I have looked through pages and pages of related threads, and learned a lot, but my eyes glazed over before I found the answer to my question, so I thought I'd just ask. jim

[AWCHIEF]

What a great concept. What year did Airstream start prewiring for solar panels?

[Friday]

Me too! I have an 06 22 and can't decode Airstream's gibberish on where the wires are.

[dznf0g]

My 07 has the green and yellow wires loose at the streetside battery box behind the electrical distribution center and the other ends taped up in the harness just below the fridge roof vent.

[JDL]

Hi,

I had trouble finding my solar pre wire on my 2005 Bambi ccd. I ended up putting tone on the wires to find them. (Tone is what telephone repairmen use to trace wires to yor house.)

Good luck

JD

[StreamRollin]

Yes, I to would like to know what year did Airstream prewire for solar panels. Anyone know.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by StreamRollin

Yes, I to would like to know what year did Airstream prewire for solar panels. Anyone know.

Our '03 Classic has it.

Bob

[dznf0g]

If you call AS and ask for Randy, I am sure he could tell you if and where you have it. That's what I did, to find the end at the roof.

[TinLoaf]

My 2006 Safari had the green and yellow solar pre-wires terminating in the LOWER fridge vent. They weren't visible because they were wrapped up in the corrugated heat protected wiring lume with the fridge wires so I had to open the lume. It's hard to explain, so I can take a picture when I get home, but here's a picture I found online that may help.

[clancy_boy]

My '03 CCD had them tucked behind the radio in the cabinets above the sink. The inside panel of the cabinet gave access to the back of the radio that I replaced from tape to cd/external input radio. The heavy guage yellow wires were tossed (and I meant that the way it was written) with little concern for damage in that space. Lots of sharp aluminum edges in the internal skin panels without any protection for the wires.

[jsutro]

Oh, I hope not, Clancy! So far I have found NO coordination between wiring systems - radio and CD over the sink where the discs and remote can fall in the drink, with speakers in every corner except the shower. TV over the fridge, with no access to the speaker wiring.

Thor needs Wally Byam more than ever. Too many interior decorators, and not enough campers. I'm nominating Pahaska as a consultant for design.

I'l follow up on Tin Loaf's suggestion this afternoon. Thx to all. jsutro

[clancy_boy]

Originally Posted by jsutro

Oh, I hope not, Clancy!

I had wire connections from the original radio made to the speaker wires and power wires using tan masking tape. Not electrical tape, not crimp connectors, twisted wires and paper back brown masking tape. Must have been a long day on the JC assembly line that day to run out of electrical tape.

[bolerama]

I have a 23ft CCD and after asking Airstream the same question you are asking, they told me that the wire is coiled by the rear Fantastic Fan. Take the shroud off and feel around the insulation and you should feel it there. The shroud comes off easily.

I hope this helps

Paul

[jsutro]

I'm starting to wonder how many ends can there be on one length of wire??
Is one of your dogs a Veichla? The red one looks like my daughter's dog.

Happy New Year, All Y'All. jim

[ROBERT CROSS]

It's an Airstream....at least three endz on lengths less that 10 feat.

Bob

[jsutro]

Found them! Ten gauge Green & yellow poked through the ceiling and were covered by the light fixture.

Following Lewster's suggestion I will likely abandon the factory 10 gauge in favor of heavier wires, as I expect to install at least two panels. Jsutro

[mcintoshMD]

I am not sure if this is the right place to post. I am new here but desperately need solar panel for the way I am using my AS. I have a 20' Flying Cloud, 2012 model. Can I have the dealer to install the factory solar panel? I asked them before I took the delivery but they are too hurry to get rid of me and never got a clear answer.I do not want collateral damage in doing so either.

Thanks

[ROBERT CROSS]

"I am new here but desperately need solar panel for the way I am using my AS."

MD,

I would contact Lewster here on the boards, a straight shooter and will steer you in the right direction.

Bob

[BambiWannabe]

Colonial Airstream just installed two 60 watt panels on the roof of my 2009 19ft Bambi International Signature, using the pre-wire and a Zamp 30 amp controller. Today is my first true test. My main draw is a CPAP machine for sleeping hours.

http://tabadabadoo.wordpress.com/201.../off-the-grid/

I'll let you know how it goes...