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09-18-2023, 06:27 PM
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#21
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Established Member
Join Date: Sep 2023
Location: newburgh
Posts: 22
M.O.C. #33311
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This is awesome. I really want to thank you for the photos. It will definitely point me in the right direction.
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09-18-2023, 07:14 PM
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#22
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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I knew jetskier was going to chime in Ask for more pics, bet he has one or two more..
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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11-13-2023, 02:31 PM
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#23
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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I'm bringing this thread back up for B&W Travel. Regarding upgrading a Flex 400 solar package. Bryan, install 2 additional panels on the roof and connect to the existing ports. Upgrade the Victron solar controller. This is where I'm not sure which one he needs. I believe it's the MPPT 100/50
https://www.victronenergy.com/solar-...-100-30-100-50
Here is a wiring diagram.
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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11-13-2023, 09:21 PM
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#24
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,148
M.O.C. #1920
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The 100/50 is good for 700 watts. So, with four 200 watt panels he would be cheaper to just add another duplicate SCC to what he has.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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11-14-2023, 08:12 AM
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#25
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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How do you add another controller? Are the 2 roof top solar ports individually home run to the battery bay? I've never dug in that deep.
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Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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11-14-2023, 08:24 AM
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#26
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New Member
Join Date: Jan 2023
Location: Bellingham
Posts: 4
M.O.C. #32258
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That is my question as well. i understand that the new panels can plug into the top roof connection but how it is wired so that I can add the seconded controller and get that wired to the batteries is what I am not clear on.
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11-14-2023, 08:32 AM
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#27
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
Originally Posted by B&W Travel
That is my question as well. i understand that the new panels can plug into the top roof connection but how it is wired so that I can add the seconded controller and get that wired to the batteries is what I am not clear on.
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This from Keystone. If I read it right it sounds like the second ports are home run as a pre-wire to the battery bay.
EXPAND YOUR SYSTEM
SolarFlex 400i is designed to be easily customized at the dealership before you take delivery of your RV or as your solar energy needs change.
ADD SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION
ADD SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTION + FASTER CHARGING
- Install 1-2 additional 200w Future Solutions panels (KRV part# 679074)and add a 15A (KRV part# 679075)or 30A solar charge controller (KRV part# 679077) in the charge controller prep location.
- Upgrade 200-watt panel(s) with two 330w Future Solutions panels (KRV part# 701474) and add a 15A (KRV part# 679075) or 30A (KRV part# 679077) charge controller in the charge controller prep location.
- Add 100 Ah heated Dragonfly Energy™ Lithium-ion batteries – available exclusively through authorized Keystone RV dealers
ADD SOLAR POWER TO RUN A/C
- Add a second inverter (Xantrex - KRV part# 653865 or Magnum - KRV part# 686127)that is large enough to provide power for the A/C unit to the pre-wired A/C loop. In many cases, the air conditioner that comes with your RV can be used when equipped with a Micro-Air Soft Start, Soft Start RV, or similar component. Consult with your dealer for advice specific to your make and model.
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Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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11-14-2023, 08:39 AM
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#28
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,148
M.O.C. #1920
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Sounds like you answered your question. Most dealers don’t mention the Keystone app. Here is the link to the 400i from the app. https://www.keystonerv.com/solarflex-400i-overview
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Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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11-14-2023, 10:37 AM
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#29
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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This might help. I have to assume that by removing the black cover near the controller will expose the secondary roof ports.
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Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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12-04-2023, 09:34 PM
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#30
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Established Member
Join Date: Jul 2023
Location: Santa Barbara
Posts: 12
M.O.C. #33101
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I think you have all drilled down to this answer, but I actually dug behind the solar prep cover and can confirm that the 400i includes a second loop of 12/2 wiring for an 120v connection from the (bigger or second) inverter location which originates at the breaker panel and carries to the second AC location. (Bedroom).
It also has two capped 12 v pairs of 10awg wiring in the second charge controller location. The one labeled “PV” connects to the second (unused) rooftop ports for future solar panel additions. The one labeled “battery” is a hot pair to the battery thru the giggy box Both of these anticipate a second charge controller. I am using the battery pair to connect a charge controller for my portable panel and bypassing the side port entirely.
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2022 Keystone Cougar Half Ton 32RLI with Solarflex 400i
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12-06-2023, 02:08 PM
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#31
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New Member
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Central square
Posts: 2
M.O.C. #33663
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Hi I’m looking at buying a new Montana with the 400i and two lithium batteries. My question is will this run my frig 24/7 my seasonal has no power but I do have a 2000 Honda generator for back up and possibly charge my batteries at times.
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12-06-2023, 02:26 PM
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#32
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Unfortunately your setup is meant to power the res fridge while traveling. Maybe 8 hours? Res fridges are not a great idea for boondocking.
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Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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12-06-2023, 02:47 PM
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#33
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,933
M.O.C. #20477
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallen
Hi I’m looking at buying a new Montana with the 400i and two lithium batteries. My question is will this run my frig 24/7 my seasonal has no power but I do have a 2000 Honda generator for back up and possibly charge my batteries at times.
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Depends on which refer you get and what else you want to run. Your genny will definitely support it.
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Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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12-06-2023, 06:08 PM
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#34
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,148
M.O.C. #1920
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There is not a solar package available that I would trust to run the fridge unattended. When I think seasonal, I think visiting on the weekends, so maybe I am wrong. A cloudy week and anything perishable will be toast, even with the 1200i.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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12-07-2023, 02:00 PM
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#35
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New Member
Join Date: Nov 2023
Location: Central square
Posts: 2
M.O.C. #33663
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Thanks that what I was thinking sales people will tell you what you want to here to buy a 70k fifth wheel. Thanks for the feed back will continue to look for a gas frig just hard to find.
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12-07-2023, 05:34 PM
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#36
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,933
M.O.C. #20477
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rallen
Thanks that what I was thinking sales people will tell you what you want to here to buy a 70k fifth wheel. Thanks for the feed back will continue to look for a gas frig just hard to find.
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I would not look for the old style RV gas absorption refer - if looking at a new rig, I would do the newer RV 12 volt compressor model. Either will work but many are converting their gas absorption models to compressor systems.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL
"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
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12-07-2023, 06:05 PM
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#37
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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I'll stick with the absorption for now. I'm hearing from friends that boondocking with solar in hot cloudy climates is proving to be a problem. Absorption surely isn't perfect (my cooling unit is being replaced under warranty right now) but has been used for decades and if operating properly work great boondocking. IMO
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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12-17-2023, 04:47 PM
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#38
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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I think this question was asked at some point in this thread. I just went out to investigate where the second set of solar connections terminated. Found um!
Right where the 30 controller would go.
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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01-13-2024, 10:51 AM
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#39
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Olmsted Falls
Posts: 215
M.O.C. #20364
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My neighbor here in snowbird country has a new keystone cougar he picked up from CW a month ago. He asked me if I turn off my solar system when i plug into shore power, as the CW tech told him he needed to when not traveling or boon docking. I always leave mine on since new and had not heard of turning off the system. Anyone else hear of turning the system off when plugged in?
I've reviewed numerous websites, including Victron and none mention turning it off.
__________________
Rick & Joyce Jones
RMC(SW) USN Ret.; AT&T Ret.
2024 3231CK, IS, 400W Solar, Slide covers, Predator Gen,, 2016 Chevy High Country 3500 Diesel Dually
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01-13-2024, 10:59 AM
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#40
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,236
M.O.C. #30417
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Our3231CK
My neighbor here in snowbird country has a new keystone cougar he picked up from CW a month ago. He asked me if I turn off my solar system when i plug into shore power, as the CW tech told him he needed to when not traveling or boon docking. I always leave mine on since new and had not heard of turning off the system. Anyone else hear of turning the system off when plugged in?
I've reviewed numerous websites, including Victron and none mention turning it off.
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The tech was wrong. Leave the solar alone.
__________________
Tony & Donna
2022 Montana HC, 295RL, Solar Flex 400, Onan 3600 LPG, 2K inverter, 200AH Lithium. 2020 GMC Denali 2500 6.6 Duramax, Demco 21K Auto Slide
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