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Old 05-22-2018, 09:25 PM   #1
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2004 19' Bambi
2010 23' FB Flying Cloud
Bridger-Teton , Wyoming
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23 FC FB Solar...Where to go in from the top?

I recently purchased a 23' FC FB. I have an AM Solar set up that I bought for my Bambi but never installed...Luckily. I have three solar panels, a blue sky controller and all the heavy duty wires, etc.

So I'm in the process of installing the set up on my new 23' FC and I am wondering where I run the wires into the inside. When I was doing the research on installing this on my Bambi I was going to go in through the refrigerator vent. Well, my 23' FC FB doesn't seem to have the same type of fridge vent.

I know these trailer are "pre-wired" for solar but with my set up I don't think the 10 gauge wire will work. I prefer to use the bigger wires that came with the kit. Any ideas how I can route these through the trailer without cutting any holes in the roof?

Thanks
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Old 05-22-2018, 09:42 PM   #2
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2016 25' International
Amherst , Massachusetts
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I ran my wires in through one of the vent pipes. Many would disagree with this approach and I do not know if it is code. I'm satisfied with it.

Unless you're pushing 400watts, the pre-wires are a great approach--particularly if your panels are wired in parallel.
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Old 05-22-2018, 09:44 PM   #3
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2004 19' Bambi
2010 23' FB Flying Cloud
Bridger-Teton , Wyoming
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Posts: 84
Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by thiel View Post
I ran my wires in through one of the vent pipes. Many would disagree with this approach and I do not know if it is code. I'm satisfied with it.

Unless you're pushing 400watts, the pre-wires are a great approach--particularly if your panels are wired in parallel.
Which vent pipe did you to through? I'm going to have 510 watts.
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Old 05-23-2018, 12:27 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by veg hed View Post
Which vent pipe did you to through? I'm going to have 510 watts.

I have a 25fb and the black tank pipe was in just the right spot for routing. Might be different on a 23. I have 400 watts.

Here's a video of my interior install:

https://youtu.be/FjmLanPtXaQ
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Old 05-23-2018, 01:36 PM   #5
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2004 19' Bambi
2010 23' FB Flying Cloud
Bridger-Teton , Wyoming
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 84
Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by thiel View Post
I have a 25fb and the black tank pipe was in just the right spot for routing. Might be different on a 23. I have 400 watts.

Here's a video of my interior install:

https://youtu.be/FjmLanPtXaQ
Dude, thanks for posting that. It is different than my 23 FC FB interior but the wheels are definitely spinning on how to run the wire down the vent.

Also, I know you're not a solar expert but it was my understanding that the 6 gauge wires from the solar can go directly to the 12v batteries...After the charge controller of course. I'm not installing an inverter so could I just run the wires from the charge controller straight to the batteries?

Also, let me know when you get that exterior install video up. Thanks.
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Old 05-23-2018, 02:35 PM   #6
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Yup you can go straight to the batteries. For me was easier to go to the bus bars and also I installed a shunt/monitor. Do put a breaker on the red wire though!
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Old 05-31-2018, 06:17 PM   #7
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2004 19' Bambi
2010 23' FB Flying Cloud
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Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by thiel View Post
Yup you can go straight to the batteries. For me was easier to go to the bus bars and also I installed a shunt/monitor. Do put a breaker on the red wire though!
Did you ever get a chance to posting the exterior solar install up?
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Old 05-31-2018, 08:20 PM   #8
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Originally Posted by veg hed View Post
Did you ever get a chance to posting the exterior solar install up?


Not yet. Hoping to do it this weekend ...
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Old 06-01-2018, 07:25 PM   #9
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2004 19' Bambi
2010 23' FB Flying Cloud
Bridger-Teton , Wyoming
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Not yet. Hoping to do it this weekend ...
If you have a pic you could PM me or text me that would be helpful. I'm starting this project this weekend.
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Old 06-01-2018, 07:54 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by veg hed View Post
If you have a pic you could PM me or text me that would be helpful. I'm starting this project this weekend.


Will do. PM me your # when you start tomorrow and I will walk out and snag a photo. It’s right in my driveway but dark right now :-)
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Old 06-01-2018, 08:04 PM   #11
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2004 19' Bambi
2010 23' FB Flying Cloud
Bridger-Teton , Wyoming
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 84
Images: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by thiel View Post
Not yet. Hoping to do it this weekend ...
If you have a pic you could PM me or text me that would be helpful. I'm starting this project this weekend.
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