Parts Needed to Install Solar on 2016 Jayco Pinnacle 5th Wheel

Question:

Looking to install 2 life po4 100ah batteries in my toy hauler with 200wattsolar,getting different opinions on how to do it, battery has BMS,do I need dc to dc converter? Separate inverter? Would I be able to use batt charge line from truck? and 110v or30 amp plug in? I know I will need charger, what do you recommend? Wiring schematic for system?

asked by: Paul C

Expert Reply:

Hey Paul; the answer to your question depends on what you want to do exactly. It also depends on what your trailer already has on it. I'm going to assume the 2016 Jayco Pinnacle you put in our fitguide is the trailer you have. I'm also going to operate off of the assumption that it has the solar prep in place. If it doesn't, you will need additional wires to run to everything.

If you just want to charge the batteries you will need your 200W solar panel # 34282182 and feet # 34272708 and then the Go Power PWM Solar Charge Controller # GP76QR. We also have a kit, which is # 34282181, but I gave you the individual pieces since I'm not sure what you already have (sounds like you have your batteries and maybe the solar panel already). 2 panel kits # GP39MR and 3 panel kits # GP99MR are also available. With the solar prep you will have a spot on the wall for the controller and then wires running behind it connected to an entry plate # 34273840 up top which will allow you to easily hook up to the panels and batteries.

LaSalle Bristol XTRM Universal Self-Leveling Sealant # 34427034145-1 and Butyl Tape # AL28FJ will be required to install the panel/panels. If you decide you want to install more than one solar panel you will also need # 34267040 and # 34267049 for two panels or # GP82VR and # GP22VR for three panels to make things easy.

You mentioned needing a charger, so if you want to use AC power off of the solar/batteries you need the Go Power Industrial Pure Sine Wave Inverter Charger # 34275013. This has a built in transfer switch so you won't need it separately. The inverter will require some extra wire you will have to pick up on your own to run to your power center and the batteries. A fuse like # 34244227REVA is also required. We have a full kit which puts a lot of this together which is # 34282184.

The only other thing you need to check on is your power center. You need to see if the model you have is compatible with lithium. If not, you will need to swap out so it can handle the lithium batteries. Depending on the model, you may be able to swap out the converter section to make it lithium compatible. If it is like the WFCO I had in mine you will have to replace the whole power center.

If you take a look at the manuals for the kits linked below you will see the different wiring diagrams. If you already have the solar prep from Jayco this will be a lot easier. Also yes, you can still use the battery charge line from your truck and shore power with the solar installed.

If you have anymore questions, or any additional information on your setup, feel free to comment below and I'll be happy to help.