2019 Globetrotter Factory Solar

[Ponyfvr]

Thinking about getting a 2019 Globetrotter. How is the factory Solar, the cost is $2200 and wanted to see if anyone any experience with it or would you be better off with a aftermarket solar system .

Thanks for your help

[jwpaquette]

I spent the money on the system. I don’t boon dock beyond a quick overnight at CB, but thought it would be handy. It is priceless in terms of keeping the unit charged when it sits at the storage lot.

[GMFL]

You can install a much better system for far less than $2200 yourself.

[stevejones]

We have the factory system but so far have not really used it because there were hookups everywhere we have camped so far. We anticipate using it a lot during our next trip where we will be on the road for 6-7 months and plan to boondock. At the moment it is keeping our battery charged while the trailer sits in a storage lot until we take it out again. Just checked it today and the battery is 100% charged.

If you look at the roof of the GT there isn't really enough room to put much more up there than the two panels that come with the factory system. You might be able to get a few more watts up there than the factory system if you do your own install but I don't know. Remember you can also augment the roof top panels with a portable panel plugged into the power inlet on the tongue.

I think the advantage of ordering it with your trailer is it is done when you pick it up and nicely integrated with the rest of your electrical systems. It is also installed before they do the leak test in the factory. It would suck to install the panels yourself or have installed by someone and then find out there is a leak when you are miles away from home. The factory system is nice because they can do all the installation and cable routing as part of construction. Otherwise if you do it after market the cables need to be run, controller installed, monitor installed, etc. and a lot of that work is behind walls.

I'm happy that I got the factory system.

Steve

[nryn]

I have the factory system on order. I have no doubt that you can get a better system for less money but I agree with stevejones—I’d rather the initial install be done before pickup, covered by warranty, and an integrated part of the trailer. In a decade or so when I’m ready to renovate or replace the trailer I’ll know more about what I need or want.

At my request, my dealer is offering to add 2 additional panels, which will give 400W on the existing components. It’s pricey but I’m strongly considering it, as we plan to boondock quite a bit on our trip to Alaska. I have a generator but would rather not use it so much.

I know it’s possible to geek out and go off the deep end on solar. I’m not interested in doing that at this time, though the only thing holding me back on the upgrade is whether the additional capacity is compromised in some way due to airstream’s relatively simple solar infrastructure (charging controller, etc).

I just want a system that works well and is simple and reliable. I’ve got a steep enough learning curve ahead of me as it is...