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Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
I am having a new engine installed due to oil pressure issue and a new chassis battery installed on a 2010 27' mid-bath. I have additional solar on the roof with 2 agm batteries and don't know if they can remain untouched during repairs. The solar was installed by previous owner. I was not given any 'education' of the system upon purchase and I do not want to damage the controller/inverter/batteries/etc.

1) Do I need to disconnect my solar while the rig is in the shop?

2) If I need to disconnect the solar what is the correct sequence to disconnect, please?

TIA for assistance!
2010 MidBath

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #1
Hi Tami, and welcome to the group.  It would help if we had an idea of how much solar you have. One, two or many panels tells us about what kind of modifications that were done.  The type of controller, especially what brand it is helps also.     In general, you don't have to do anything. Most systems are able to take care of themselves.  You don't need to disconnect anything, but likely the batteries might discharge a bit.  Replacing an engine;  how many miles are on the clock?  Usually replacement is pretty extreme unless you know exactly what is wrong. Thicker oil for instance can help diagnose repair needs. A 2010 is pretty new to be needing a new engine.  Curious minds are listening.
    If the engine replacement takes longer than a week or so, you might want to plug-in the coach for a few hours at least once during the installation.       RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #2
The biggest danger would be if the coach batteries were accidentally shorted. There is a circuit breaker in the battery compartment that will disconnect the line that leads to the isolator under the hood. You can also disconnect the cable between the batteries, or turn the switch off, if so provided. To prevent sparks from the solar, there should be a fuse that can be removed, probably in the converter.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #3
Leaving the solar alone, along with rest of the coach’s electrical is fine.
An engine replacement requires only requires the starting battery to be disconnected.
Fully charged AGMs can safely sit for a couple months without charging.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #4
Hi Larry, It's just that pesky LP gas monitor.  But you can trust the mechanic(s) especially if the engine swap is just a few days.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #5
Thanks for all info.
I have:
1) Go Power Solar AE-4 All Electric System with MPPT Solar Controller - 760 Watt Solar Panels
2) 2 Trojan T105-AGM Battery 6V, 217 Ah at 20 H
3) Xantrex PROwatt SW Inverter 1000

Moving out of rig to go into shop this afternoon.
Lost oil pressure on freeway...knocking began before able to pull over...engine gone. Towed to truck repair shop that is Ford authorized shop, parts ordered to build new engine...Ford is 8 week minimum to get rebuilt engine, other local shops more than 10 weeks out to rebuild.

Next on my 'to learn' list is know all about solar systems and mine specifically. as well as all systems in the rv. It is easy to ignore when all is going well...not a good thing when on the road. Another piece of the learning curve...lesson learned!
2010 MidBath

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #6
Hi Tami;  Wow, so sorry to hear about that.  Sounds like an internal oil pump failure, and the results are as expected.  How many miles did you have on that engine?   The time required for the fix is longer than I would have expected, but isn't something I have any experience with.
   The Solar system is beyond what the Lazy Daze factory provided, and sounds like it was done properly. If there is any lighting in the repair bay, or outdoors,  you can just let the batteries/ panels/ and controller stay as they are. 
   The mechanics will be aware that there are 12v. sources around.  Your 2010 may not have the battery diode isolator, and may have the heavy duty relay instead.  The chassis battery will probably have the ground cable disconnected.  If you have an 'emergency' start switch that parallels the two batteries, you should notify the mechanics about it's existence.  There may be a house battery disconnect switch.  You could use that. The solar power controller can just be left on, or if it has a switch, can be shut off also. As Larry said, the batteries will be ok.    RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #7
Tami, sorry to hear about your engine failure. That must really hurt!

One comment about your solar power system: the ratio of solar panel wattage to battery capacity seems rather unbalanced. If you have 760 watts on the roof and only 217 amp-hours of batteries, that's more than three times as much solar power as the common "one watt per amp-hour" rule of thumb would suggest.

I hasten to add that that's not a problem per se; it's more of a missed opportunity. If your batteries are fully charged by 10 AM, thanks to that massive solar bank, then the sun that hits your roof for the rest of the day is mostly wasted. You might find yourself running low on power overnight if you stay up late watching TV, or in cold weather if you run the furnace a lot.

Now, the "1W per Ah" rule of thumb is just that. If you plan to spend a lot of time camping in the woods where there isn't much sun, it could be beneficial to have more solar panels than the rule suggests. But a three and a half to one ratio, which is what you have, seems excessive for most uses.

In short, you might want to think about adding more batteries at some point. If you doubled your battery capacity to 434 amp hours, you'd still have an almost two to one ratio of watts to amp hours. With a midbath, it's not hard to put a couple of batteries in the compartment under the fridge and tie them into the existing batteries, which are right outside that area. (You'd want to go with AGM batteries, since they don't require venting.) Obviously this isn't anything urgent, but it's a thought to keep in mind for when your budget permits.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #8
If adding more batteries, all the batteries should be replaced at the same time. Mixing old batteries with new ones is not recommended.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #9
Thanks, Larry--I meant to mention that, but forgot. Yes, that makes it an expensive proposition, since it probably means buying four new AGM or LiFePO4 batteries. I wouldn't blame Tamir for putting that off, after having to pay for a new engine! But in the long run, it's a good idea.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #10
Yes I was going to mention that. If lived in full time, you can really reap the benefits of LiFePO4's superior performance, but definitely at a price, higher up front, but better when amortized for a longer lifetime.  Right now 'sticker shock' over a new engine can make waiting for battery upgrades a choice to wait for later.  RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #11
Hi RonB, Andy and Larry,
Mileage is just under 57k. And yes, seems to have been an oil pump failure. A difficult repair to experience in more ways than financial. And...life happens...

The solar was there when I bought it. I would love to upgrade to more Ah's with lithium but any and all purchases, unless absolutely necessary, will be on hold for some time. The two agm batteries were installed with the solar installation a couple of years ago so they are still working well. The cabinet space under the fridge is probably not an option for additional agm's so hoping to fit upgraded battery storage in the same space as the 2 agm's at a later date.

Thanks for the suggestions and advice!

Tami
2010 MidBath

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #12
"The cabinet space under the fridge is probably not an option for additional agm's"

Why so? I had three Lifeline group 31XT AGM batteries under the fridge in my 2003 midbath. Those are big batteries, but they fit. I had two more group 31XTs in the regular outside battery compartment; I cut out part of the plastic wall between the outside and inside compartments in order to pass cables back and forth. I know that others here have done similar upgrades to midbaths.

I understand the money issues and I'm not trying to push for you to do this right now; I'm just curious why you feel that you couldn't put AGMs under the fridge.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #13
side compartments in order to pass cables back and forth. I know that others here have done similar upgrades to midbaths.

I understand the money issues and I'm not trying to push for you to do this right now; I'm just curious why you feel that you couldn't put AGMs under the fridge.

A lot of AGM batteries have been installed under mid-bath refrigerators, it's a great spot for additional batteries...as funds permit.



Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #14
A lot of AGM batteries have been installed under mid-bath refrigerators, it's a great spot for additional batteries...as funds permit.

Yeah but . . . where do you put your canned goods? 
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264


Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #16
Exactly! See pantry plans here.

X

(In my midbath, I offset the pantry to the left so that it would be less in the way when walking into the rear lounge area.)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #17
Thanks, Larry and Andy!  Good to know the pantry can handle the weight of heavier cans.  In my mind, I was thinking it was only for lighter items.  Wonder if it's too late to purchase a couple of cabinet doors from Todd?
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #18
Thanks, Larry and Andy!  Good to know the pantry can handle the weight of heavier cans.  In my mind, I was thinking it was only for lighter items.  Wonder if it's too late to purchase a couple of cabinet doors from Todd?
It’s all about how the pantry is anchored, both walls of my pantry are attached using eight screws on each side, into the studs of the alcove of the TK.  It ain’t going anywhere.   My only concern weight wise was the door magnets holding, but given how difficult it is to pull open, I doubt it’s opening on the road even with cans.

Check with Todd, you might get lucky on doors matching your interior.   Of course you are then limited by the width of cabinet doors.   I didn’t have the patience to wait to order them and do it this winter, so I have a maple door with a lighter color.   After living with it a month, I actually prefer it looking different, less confusion about which door is which.🤣

Andy’s design is a great starting point.   Since I had access to a hand router, made small notches so the shelves are still adjustable, but don’t budge once on the shelf pegs.  Used 1/8” brass rods for the shelf retainers rather than wire coat hangers.
Dave

2017 TK

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #19

"Since I had access to a hand router, made small notches so the shelves are still adjustable, but don’t budge once on the shelf pegs."

Good idea--I would have done that, but didn't have a router at the time. (Since then, I've acquired this compact DeWalt model, which I absolutely love.)

But hey, I just remembered another way to make edge notches: clamp two boards together and then drill in from the end half an inch or so, in such a way that each board gets half of the hole.
X
Shucks, I should have thought of that. Might not have worked with the 1/4" boards I was using for most of my shelves, though--notches made that way have to be less than half the thickness of the board, and a 1/8"-wide notch would be too narrow to hold a shelf clip. Oh, well. It's a good tip to keep in mind for other projects, anyway.

"Used 1/8” brass rods for the shelf retainers rather than wire coat hangers."

Yes, they're stronger and better looking than coat hanger wire. Nice job, Dave!

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #20
Good idea--I would have done that, but didn't have a router at the time. (Since then, I've acquired this compact DeWalt model, which I absolutely love.)
Have a compact DeWalt too, it’s great.

In my case, bought the router to correct a mistake in my pantry, I didn’t allow for enough space for the pantry door to avoid rubbing against the bathroom door, figured a 1/2 round over bit would give me enough clearance.

Had a chisel ready to make the notches, then thought, hey, I now have a router.
As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Dave

2017 TK

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #21
Have a compact DeWalt too, it’s great.

In my case, bought the router to correct a mistake in my pantry, I didn’t allow for enough space for the pantry door to avoid rubbing against the bathroom door, figured a 1/2 round over bit would give me enough clearance.

Had a chisel ready to make the notches, then thought, hey, I now have a router.
A new project,  a chance for a new tool  ;)
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #22
Andy, please refer to pic on 'reply #5' as to why the under fridge option might not work for me. I would need to relocate and rewire existing solar components. I'm sure that could be done but I know I won't be doing any upgrades for a while now until I rebuild my emergency and savings funds. Since the agm batteries have been in use less than a couple of years I hope they will last a bit longer.

That said, I would love to have more energy storage for dry camping and boondocking and will upgrade the inverter at that time. I have so much invested in my home now I can only keep moving forward.  ;)
2010 MidBath

Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #23
Tami, I'm sorry--I overlooked that photo. So there are already some bulky items mounted in the under-fridge compartment, precluding the addition of batteries there. It's a tidy installation, and moving those things would be a major project, so I can understand why you don't want to tackle it--finances aside. :-)

For what it's worth, if and when you did want to have it done, several of us have mounted large electrical components in the outside compartment that's below the battery compartment. That keeps the cable runs short, and frees the under-fridge compartment for added batteries.

X

(From left to right: 2,000 W PROsine inverter/charger, 30 A SurgeGuard EMS, HPV-30 solar charging controller, monitor panel for SurgeGuard.)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"

 
Re: Help requested re solar disconnect when in repair shop
Reply #24
Andy, please refer to pic on 'reply #5' as to why the under fridge option might not work for me. I would need to relocate and rewire existing solar components.

What's to rewire?  You would only be adding batteries to be connected to the existing batteries. The solar and controller would remain the same, along with the wiring.
All that's needed are three or four additional battery cables. Adding batteries in a mid-bath is easy compared to other floorplans, BTDT.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze