Forum Discussion

daveandaboat's avatar
daveandaboat
Explorer
Apr 21, 2021

Lance 1181 Prewired for Solar

Hello!

We recently purchased a 2010 Lance 1181 TC. The camper is in remarkable condition and we love it! One of the first projects I have planned is to add solar. I've been sailing for years using solar as a primary means of topping off batteries and I'd like to continue that with our RV.

We were told this unit is 'pre-wired' for solar. I believe we found the connection on the roof but I was wondering if anyone out there knows where the wires terminate in the TC? Need to plan out charge controller and Inverter/charger location. I also plan to add extra battery capacity over the two group 27's currently installed.

Any 1181 owners out there that have added solar and can provide any helpful info? Much appreciated.

-Dave
Truck Campers
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2021
    Is the preinstalled solar wire of adequate size for the solar watts you are considering?
  • notsobigjoe's avatar
    notsobigjoe
    Nomad III
    Apr 21, 2021
    Hi Dave, I too have a 2007 lance 1181 I'm not interested in solar but I have the jack on the roof. I was just in the battery compartment and didn't see the wires so I would assume the electrical compartment at the foot of the bed. I'll look tonight for sure.
  • mellow's avatar
    mellow
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2021
    You will get more answers over at Lanceowners.org but here is one topic I found on it here: https://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/30121864.cfm
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Apr 21, 2021
    Look for red wire in fridge vent cap and another one in battery compartment.
  • daveandaboat's avatar
    daveandaboat
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2021
    notsobigjoe wrote:
    Hi Dave, I too have a 2007 lance 1181 I'm not interested in solar but I have the jack on the roof. I was just in the battery compartment and didn't see the wires so I would assume the electrical compartment at the foot of the bed. I'll look tonight for sure.


    NotsoBigJo - Thanks for the reply and info! Please don't expend too much time looking, I'm sure I'll find them eventually. Was just throwing it out there if anyone knew for sure. Appreciate it!
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Apr 21, 2021
    I have a 2007-8 1055. the roof plug was above the sink and that's where the wires were underneath near the furnace duct. In the battery box they were tucked up behind the box right where the battery wires entered.
  • daveandaboat's avatar
    daveandaboat
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2021
    Thanks to all for the info. I'll continue looking and look into lanceowners.org as a resource. Safe and happy traveling!
  • daveandaboat's avatar
    daveandaboat
    Explorer
    Apr 21, 2021
    Lwiddis wrote:
    Is the preinstalled solar wire of adequate size for the solar watts you are considering?


    I am not sure of that yet as I've been unable to track down the wires. Will definitely verify though. Thanks!
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Apr 22, 2021
    I was never able to find the solar wires for my Lance 1181.
    (And it's only #10 gauge wire that Lance installs)
    Instead, I ran new #8 gauge wires through the black tank vent camp and followed the black pipe down, then crossed under the step (where you can install and on/off switch). From the step run the wires on the deck under the slide out over to the battery area - then into the battery area. It is surprisingly easy to do.
    You will find more instructions on "how to" on the LOA site.
  • notsobigjoe's avatar
    notsobigjoe
    Nomad III
    Apr 22, 2021
    I agree with bighat, That would be the place to find anything Lance. The lifetime membership I think was 35.00 before I left a while back. Well worth it especially for maintenance and reworks. I could not find any solar wires from that jack on the roof. Sorry.

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