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  1. #1
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    Dealer Install - Yea or Nay?

    Hi, I am finalizing the purchase of a 22MLE. We plan to do mostly dry/boondocking. The dealer we are working with insists that they can do the install (Panels, charge controller, Inverter, auto switch, etc), however, they only have a handful of references and mostly just installing panels. My "spidey" senses are telling me to DIY, but thought I would ask how many of you did DYI, Dealer or Third Party.

  2. #2
    Site Sponsor livinthelife's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lafamaku View Post
    Hi, I am finalizing the purchase of a 22MLE. We plan to do mostly dry/boondocking. The dealer we are working with insists that they can do the install (Panels, charge controller, Inverter, auto switch, etc), however, they only have a handful of references and mostly just installing panels. My "spidey" senses are telling me to DIY, but thought I would ask how many of you did DYI, Dealer or Third Party.
    My husband did all the install for us. But, then, he has electrical experience.

    2017 Reflection 26RL "Mili"
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  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by livinthelife View Post
    My husband did all the install for us. But, then, he has electrical experience.
    I have some electrical experience I am really good at turning off and on light switches! More seriously, I can do some simple electrical work so that is the part that I am concerned with. The non-electrical stuff doesn't bother me. I am more than handy and have done numerous remodels and I rewired our pontoon about 2 years ago. But similar to plumbing.....a mistake can ruin things in a hurry.

  4. #4
    Site Team Ynot4me2's Avatar
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    If it were me, I would either do it myself or hire someone that specializes in solar. There's tons of good references here and on the internet and lots of members here that can help you out. I personally wouldn't trust the dealer unless they have techs that are real knowledgeable in solar which is possible. My dealer, even though they have great service, couldn't adjust our brakes properly. We all know the saying, if you want something done right you have to do it yourself.

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  5. #5
    Site Sponsor orbiker's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lafamaku View Post
    Hi, I am finalizing the purchase of a 22MLE. We plan to do mostly dry/boondocking. The dealer we are working with insists that they can do the install (Panels, charge controller, Inverter, auto switch, etc), however, they only have a handful of references and mostly just installing panels. My "spidey" senses are telling me to DIY, but thought I would ask how many of you did DYI, Dealer or Third Party.
    Where are you?
    What are the options for a solar specialist?
    I did the batteries and AM Solar did my panels, plus converter and that wiring. Just a little system to help a bit.
    KEN





    Backpacker and tent camper all my life, including BSA as a kid and adult.
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    10-19-2018 - traded truck for a 2016 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie CC 4 X 4 Long Box.
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    FULL TIME RV'er Nov 2021

  6. #6
    Site Sponsor SolarPoweredRV's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lafamaku View Post
    I have some electrical experience I am really good at turning off and on light switches! More seriously, I can do some simple electrical work so that is the part that I am concerned with. The non-electrical stuff doesn't bother me. I am more than handy and have done numerous remodels and I rewired our pontoon about 2 years ago. But similar to plumbing.....a mistake can ruin things in a hurry.
    If you have rewired a boat, you have all the electrical experience you need.

    Everything in front of the Inverter is simple DC, positive to positive and negative to negative connections. Solar panel installation is simple Handyman work with a little bit of DC wiring thrown in for fun.

    Depending on the Inverter you choose, that can be as simple as installing a new outlet in the kitchen.

    The bottom line: you will wind up with a much better system for a much lower price than if you have a Dealer install the system. For example: the Dealer wants $500 to install a second panel (200 Watt +/-) on an Grand Design, OEM Solar install, today I priced a quality 315 Watt Solar panel for $173.00. This is an example of "Dealer Pricing" on Solar system installations.

    Additionally, you won't screw it up like what happened to Phrogman in this post "Shore power not charging LiPo lithium battery" where the Dealer failed to install a Lithium Ready Converter and now his batteries are dead because the WFCO Converter can't charge his Battle Born Batteries.

    DIY gets my vote !!!
    David and Peggy
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  7. #7
    Rolling Along Spartacus's Avatar
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    I agree with already been said if you can do it or find someone who do this kind of work I would let them do it, I don't trust dealership yea they might can or have someone to do it but you just don't know.
    2022 GMC Denali Ultimate DRW
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  8. #8
    Rolling Along Spartacus's Avatar
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    Welcome to the forum.
    2022 GMC Denali Ultimate DRW
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  9. #9
    Setting Up Camp
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    Quote Originally Posted by orbiker View Post
    Where are you?
    What are the options for a solar specialist?
    I did the batteries and AM Solar did my panels, plus converter and that wiring. Just a little system to help a bit.
    KEN





    Biker, We are in The land of Ten Thousand Lakes....Minnesota. I have done quite a bit of research and cannot find a third party installer. However, Based on the feedback I am getting from this post I will most likely do it myself and take my time.

  10. #10
    Setting Up Camp
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    Quote Originally Posted by SolarPoweredRV View Post
    If you have rewired a boat, you have all the electrical experience you need.

    Everything in front of the Inverter is simple DC, positive to positive and negative to negative connections. Solar panel installation is simple Handyman work with a little bit of DC wiring thrown in for fun.

    Depending on the Inverter you choose, that can be as simple as installing a new outlet in the kitchen.

    The bottom line: you will wind up with a much better system for a much lower price than if you have a Dealer install the system. For example: the Dealer wants $500 to install a second panel (200 Watt +/-) on an Grand Design, OEM Solar install, today I priced a quality 315 Watt Solar panel for $173.00. This is an example of "Dealer Pricing" on Solar system installations.

    Additionally, you won't screw it up like what happened to Phrogman in this post "Shore power not charging LiPo lithium battery" where the Dealer failed to install a Lithium Ready Converter and now his batteries are dead because the WFCO Converter can't charge his Battle Born Batteries.

    DIY gets my vote !!!
    Thanks for the encouragement. I am leaning more and more to DYI. To be candid, I was a bit anxious when in my research I was reading about the various inverters, multiplus, etc that required programming. My VCR still blinks 12:00. However, I think the approach is "Think big, Start small, and scale up from there". So I am considering ~600 Watts of solar on the roof wired in parallel as we will camp in partial shade from time to time. 300ah Lithium Batteries, ( I would like to run everything but the AC and keep the fridge on Propane) A 3000 Pure Sign Inverter, an automatic transfer switch, A BMS and appropriate monitoring/management panels. The trick will be in the planning and routing of the wires/cables. Since most of the equipment will be in the storage bay and the WFCO is in under the pantry.

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