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Major_Powell's avatar
Major_Powell
Explorer
May 24, 2015

Solar wire/cable routing options on my 2005 Four Winds 29Q



I need some advice here. I have a 2005 Four Winds 29q bumper-pull travel trailer that I am adding a 200-watt solar system to this weekend.

I am ready to mount the panels and route the wiring, but since my batteries are on the tongue I need to mount my charge controller nearby in the forward storage. So I can't really mount the panels in the rear and utilize an existing vent.

I think I'll need to mount them towards the front and drill a hole to drop cables. Does this sounds like a good plan? I understand you want to minimize the long cable runs especially between the charge controller and the batteries, but also overall.

Also, if I go this route, are there diagrams available online that would show me stud locations and help me pick a good route, or should I just go with a stud-finder and have at it?

Any help or advice would be appreciated. I understand the solar setup quite well, but I need some wire routing advice.

Thanks!

5 Replies

  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 24, 2015
    Major Powell wrote:
    There is a TV antenna... Can I go through it? That would be great. .
    That's where my mfr put a couple 'solar ready' wires. That would make it much easier if you had some there!

    Dunno if you can utilize that hole.. maybe.
  • Major_Powell's avatar
    Major_Powell
    Explorer
    May 24, 2015
    2oldman wrote:
    From the looks of your roof, and the absence of a TV antenna...




    There is a TV antenna folded down on the far side. It's hard to see in that large pic. Can I go through it? That would be great. I didn't see a way to run a wire through there.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 24, 2015
    I'd think that using a fitting or a box on the roof would be easier to seal than just a hole with wires through it.

    Bulkhead cable fitting, there are many different types.

    Array combiner box. Depending on how you are wiring from the modules to the controller, you can use a combiner box or an all-weather utility box with weatherproof fittings. I made my own DIY box that is similar to the one linked above.

    Good luck with the installation.
  • webwrangler's avatar
    webwrangler
    Explorer
    May 24, 2015
    IMHO, you might be better off making a longer run and using a vent to get the wiring under the trailer, where you can easily follow the frame forward and then go back up into your forward storage compartment. That's how I installed mine, although I do have a smaller trailer than yours. It just seems that you might be in for a major project you didn't want by trying to go down through a wall. Not to mention making a new hole in the roof.

    The voltage drop of a longer run can be mitigated by using heavier wire. Or, as 2Oldman said, you can increase the voltage (thereby making voltage drop less of an issue) by putting panels in series.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 24, 2015
    Studs... maybe. You should be able to fasten to a plywood underlayment.

    From the looks of your roof, and the absence of a TV antenna, I can pretty well deduce there's no existing wires up there for you to use. I guess your drill plan is ok. You can get away with longer wire runs with higher voltage in your array... ie 2 panels in series.

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