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Thread: Dealer Install - Yea or Nay?
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01-25-2021, 11:45 AM #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.
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01-25-2021, 11:55 AM #2
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01-25-2021, 12:29 PM #3
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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.
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01-25-2021, 02:58 PM #4
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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.
Sent from my SM-P610 using TapatalkSteph & Lise
2019 F150 Lariat 2.7 EB
2020 Imagine XLS 22MLE
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01-25-2021, 09:27 PM #5
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Backpacker and tent camper all my life, including BSA as a kid and adult.
Motorcycle trips across the USA with a tent - 1978 to Present.
02-10-2005 - 2002 F350 SWD PSD and 2003 Citation 10'8S mostly for Crater Lake Ski Patrol.
10-29-2015 - 2016 Grand Design 380TH. It's HUGE compared to a camper.
10-19-2018 - traded truck for a 2016 Ram 3500 DRW Laramie CC 4 X 4 Long Box.
03-16-2019 - Traded Momentum for a New 2018 374TH-R Solitude
FULL TIME RV'er Nov 2021
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01-25-2021, 09:59 PM #6
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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
2019 Ford F350 Lariat, 6.7L Diesel, Dually, Long Bed
Running with 20k Reese Goosebox (Love It) and Ford Factory "Puck" system.
Stopping with 8,000 lb Disc Brakes and Titan Hydraulic over Electric Brakes system.
Powering all this fun with 1200 Watts of Solar, two Tesla, Model S, battery modules, 24 volt Victron Inverter.
2018 Solitude 310 GK
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01-25-2021, 10:22 PM #7
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
2023 North Point 310RLTS
MSG Retired Army
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01-25-2021, 10:22 PM #8
Welcome to the forum.
2022 GMC Denali Ultimate DRW
2023 North Point 310RLTS
MSG Retired Army
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01-26-2021, 06:51 AM #9
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01-26-2021, 07:00 AM #10
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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.
Nightmare
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