Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Montana Owners Club - Keystone Montana 5th Wheel Forum > MOC Technical Forums > Solar, Charging Systems, Batteries and Electrical
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 03-27-2023, 09:15 AM   #1
Djgrimaldi
Established Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 28
M.O.C. #30913
Where to put Inverter and Batteries

We have a 2022 3121 with the Solar Flex 200i package. I will be doing a large upgrade to this system which will include 600ah of Lithium batteries.My question is for all of you who have upgraded or added Solar/Lithium to your trailers. Have you mounted all the Equipment, I.E. Inverter, Fusing, Disconnects, Batteries, etc... in the Bulkhead compartment where the lead acid batteries are or in the Basement where it is weather protected?
 
Djgrimaldi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2023, 11:21 AM   #2
AZ Traveler
Site Team
 
AZ Traveler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,898
M.O.C. #20477
Either will work. The basement is heated which means you do not need battery heaters in a cold climate.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL

"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
AZ Traveler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2023, 11:55 AM   #3
Djgrimaldi
Established Member
 
Join Date: May 2022
Location: Box Elder
Posts: 28
M.O.C. #30913
Quote:
Originally Posted by AZ Traveler View Post
Either will work. The basement is heated which means you do not need battery heaters in a cold climate.
I understand that. Thank you. My question is where did you put yours?
Djgrimaldi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2023, 12:16 PM   #4
AZ Traveler
Site Team
 
AZ Traveler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oro Valley
Posts: 3,898
M.O.C. #20477
Up front. If I was starting again, I would do the pass through or behind it.
__________________
Zack and Donna plus Millie and Ranger
2018 3160RL

"Life is too short to stay indoors, enjoy the ride!"
AZ Traveler is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2023, 07:17 PM   #5
Lee-CI
Montana Master
 
Lee-CI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Northeast TX
Posts: 932
M.O.C. #30262
Our LiFePo4 batteries are currently in the front compartment. As we expand our system, the plan is to move everything aft of the rear wall of the pass-through baggage compartment. That way the batteries will be heated by the furnace in an area that is pretty much wasted space anyway. Good luck with your planning and endeavors.
__________________
Lee, Edith, Lil' Bit & Cuddles
22 MHC 331RL, Surge Guard 35550, SumoSprings, Kodiak disc brakes, 412Ah Lithium, Gen 3 Goosebox, Sailun 85s
22 Ram 3500 CC DRW 6.7 CTD Herrin Hauler Classic Bed, 45 gal AUX tank
Lee-CI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-27-2023, 08:23 PM   #6
Daryles
Montana Master
 
Daryles's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Alton
Posts: 2,654
M.O.C. #24086
I put everything in the battery compartment.
__________________
Daryl and Marianne,
2019 3130re 20th Anniversary Edition
2016 F350 Lariat
Daryles is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2023, 08:31 AM   #7
Foldbak
Montana Master
 
Foldbak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,149
M.O.C. #30417
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee-CI View Post
Our LiFePo4 batteries are currently in the front compartment. As we expand our system, the plan is to move everything aft of the rear wall of the pass-through baggage compartment. That way the batteries will be heated by the furnace in an area that is pretty much wasted space anyway. Good luck with your planning and endeavors.
Lee, exactly what batteries did you buy?
__________________
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
Foldbak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2023, 08:40 AM   #8
Ram Montana High Country
Montana Master
 
Ram Montana High Country's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: POINTBLANK
Posts: 1,877
M.O.C. #19944
When thinking of going solar/lithium, I was going to put in pass thru - got down to a time crunch and it went in the nose. After looking and studying the process was either going to need jumpers to patch into old or a near complete rebuild ... working thru the battery door was a challenge and staying on my knees ... it works.
__________________
RAM 22' DRW 3500 Crew LB 40 gal reserve tank / RETRAX Bed Cover / 2020 373RD HC / IS / MOPEKA Tank Monitor / Furrion Side&Rear Cameras
Slide Toppers / EMS-HW50C / Sailun 85's
3rd AC / Dometic 320
Ram Montana High Country is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2023, 08:46 AM   #9
Lee-CI
Montana Master
 
Lee-CI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Northeast TX
Posts: 932
M.O.C. #30262
Tony we bought the SOK 206Ah with built-in heaters and Bluetooth until I can facilitate the relocation efforts. Seemed to be the best bang for the buck at the time. Purchased from CurrentConnected. Top notch tech support from the owner as well.
__________________
Lee, Edith, Lil' Bit & Cuddles
22 MHC 331RL, Surge Guard 35550, SumoSprings, Kodiak disc brakes, 412Ah Lithium, Gen 3 Goosebox, Sailun 85s
22 Ram 3500 CC DRW 6.7 CTD Herrin Hauler Classic Bed, 45 gal AUX tank
Lee-CI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-28-2023, 08:53 AM   #10
Lee-CI
Montana Master
 
Lee-CI's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2021
Location: Northeast TX
Posts: 932
M.O.C. #30262
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ram Montana High Country View Post
When thinking of going solar/lithium, I was going to put in pass thru - got down to a time crunch and it went in the nose. After looking and studying the process was either going to need jumpers to patch into old or a near complete rebuild ... working thru the battery door was a challenge and staying on my knees ... it works.
Don't blame you one bit for deciding to leave your install in the nose compartment. The cost is one thing, but the relocation I'm considering is rather daunting. I know that I'd be happier with all the equipment aft of the pass-through compartment though and my thought is that the process would free up the nose bay. All this is still in the thought process though.
Lee-CI is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2023, 01:20 PM   #11
bcrvman
Montana Master
 
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Qualicum Beach
Posts: 665
M.O.C. #26399
Quote:
Originally Posted by Djgrimaldi View Post
We have a 2022 3121 with the Solar Flex 200i package. I will be doing a large upgrade to this system which will include 600ah of Lithium batteries.My question is for all of you who have upgraded or added Solar/Lithium to your trailers. Have you mounted all the Equipment, I.E. Inverter, Fusing, Disconnects, Batteries, etc... in the Bulkhead compartment where the lead acid batteries are or in the Basement where it is weather protected?
My 6 Lithium batteries are in the basement pass thru but the inverter and MPPT and misc breakers, shunt, 4/0 wiring is on the front where the old lead batteries were. I mounted a 3/4" plywood piece to the wall and put everything on. The inverter is heavy, and the wall between the front and basement is not that thick.
__________________
2018 Keystone Montana 3811MS
2017 Ford F450 diesel dually
600AH Battle Born Lithium Batteries, 1,080 watts solar
3,000 watt hybrid inverter with 120A charger
bcrvman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2023, 01:51 PM   #12
Pathfinder75
Established Member
 
Pathfinder75's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Illinois
Posts: 48
M.O.C. #19500
With so much room behind the basement wall along with being so near all primary wiring I plan to go there.
With sealed batteries being no problem plus Gaining a heated environment for cold weather charging. My converter is already in this area (not the style mounted within fuse/circuit breaker panel box) so wiring will be handy.
Agree with other comment to replace wall board with thicker plywood If needed or I believe I will keep it behind wall possibly converting to door access for easy service. Also keeping basement clear for easy loading. Maybe I can straighten out some of Keystones wiring mess while there.
Just my thought. Always open to Ideas and everyone has differant size power goals.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	20190528_110932.jpg
Views:	14
Size:	223.3 KB
ID:	14274   Click image for larger version

Name:	20190528_110927.jpg
Views:	14
Size:	227.0 KB
ID:	14275  
Pathfinder75 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2023, 02:10 PM   #13
Rod Spohn
Montana Fan
 
Rod Spohn's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: Mesa
Posts: 130
M.O.C. #24052
Solar location

I feel it probably depends on where you live and plan to travel. My system is in the front compartment all to the left side. I insulated around the 4 batteries and mounted everything on the bulkhead. That leaves the pass through open for storage. It is nice to have the power to use all outlets.
Good luck with your installation
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	8F0CB260-7AA1-4E36-B1C1-94DDD433ED45.jpg
Views:	9
Size:	214.6 KB
ID:	14276   Click image for larger version

Name:	90309383-3F29-48F2-BCFE-6C1D7481E709.jpg
Views:	23
Size:	228.7 KB
ID:	14277  
Rod Spohn is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2023, 07:47 PM   #14
MJohnston
Established Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Colorado Srpings
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #23142
I put it all in the front

I just recently upgraded to a 1300 Watt solar system with 600Ah of battery. I ripped out the generator bay and put it all up front, along with battery heaters that are programmed to come on if the battery drops below 40 degrees. I like the arrangement and I like keeping the basement for storage. However, I did have some issues with the battery heaters right after install, but that was a short term issue. I like the setup.
If you plan to do a lot of cold weather RVing, I would agree with others that putting the batteries under the stairs is a great idea. I considered it, but I wanted easier access.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	8E87A47B-1B50-4C1B-A1B5-9877D5915E04.jpg
Views:	25
Size:	210.8 KB
ID:	14282   Click image for larger version

Name:	665D9A55-C651-4918-8C44-EBB8F5D4788D.jpg
Views:	27
Size:	267.0 KB
ID:	14283   Click image for larger version

Name:	A76B7DE3-971C-4755-96AE-CA0882ED0FA5.jpg
Views:	37
Size:	265.0 KB
ID:	14284  
MJohnston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2023, 05:02 AM   #15
Greg n Tracy
Established Member
 
Join Date: May 2019
Location: council bluffs
Posts: 40
M.O.C. #24154
Any chance you can share more details on your build? Schematics, list of equipment. Did you do the instal yourself?
Greg n Tracy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2023, 08:36 AM   #16
Foldbak
Montana Master
 
Foldbak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,149
M.O.C. #30417
Johnston for the win. Wow go big or go home.
__________________
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
Foldbak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2023, 08:39 AM   #17
Foldbak
Montana Master
 
Foldbak's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Shingle Springs
Posts: 2,149
M.O.C. #30417
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee-CI View Post
Tony we bought the SOK 206Ah with built-in heaters and Bluetooth until I can facilitate the relocation efforts. Seemed to be the best bang for the buck at the time. Purchased from CurrentConnected. Top notch tech support from the owner as well.

Dam you got the big boys! 1K each...I'm trying to justify $800 for two
__________________
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
Foldbak is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-03-2023, 12:43 PM   #18
Todd & Mary
Montana Fan
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: everywhere, USA
Posts: 276
M.O.C. #28634
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee-CI View Post
Our LiFePo4 batteries are currently in the front compartment. As we expand our system, the plan is to move everything aft of the rear wall of the pass-through baggage compartment. That way the batteries will be heated by the furnace in an area that is pretty much wasted space anyway. Good luck with your planning and endeavors.
I originally planned to put all my solar there as well in my 3761fl, but by the time I got the inverter and all 4 of my MPPT controllers, 2 gallon water pressure pot in there wasn't enough room for the batteries, so went in the front compartment, I was NEVER planning on travel in the cold but here I am in SD waiting for a blizzard and with a small space heater in the compartment to keep the batteries warm! IN light of this I purchased heat matts I was planning on putting under the batteries to keep them warm. But alas 1 was bad and I had to return both so I installed the heater.
Take my advice put the batteries in a heated compartment!
__________________
2021 Montana 3761FL, 9 LIFPO4 batteries & 1700 watts of panels w/ Multiplus II 3K inverter and 30amp DC to DC charger from truck. 8k Dexter axles w/ Kodiak disc brakes.
2019 6.7 diesel F350 DRW with Banks derringer and 4"exhaust, airlift bags, 25k B & W Companion hitch, 45 gal. aux. diesel tank and 14k Winch, just in case!
Todd & Mary is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2023, 11:35 AM   #19
MJohnston
Established Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Colorado Srpings
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #23142
Do it right the first time

Quote:
Originally Posted by Foldbak View Post
Johnston for the win. Wow go big or go home.
Thanks, I figured get er done right now and avoid regret later! 😀
MJohnston is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-04-2023, 11:46 AM   #20
MJohnston
Established Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Colorado Srpings
Posts: 23
M.O.C. #23142
Continuous Resource

Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg n Tracy View Post
Any chance you can share more details on your build? Schematics, list of equipment. Did you do the instal yourself?
Attached are a couple screen shots that includes the full list of parts that I ordered from Continuous Resources out of Huntington, Utah. I used them for the majority of the install. What’s not on here are the two soft starts that I installed separately.
Continuous Resource has tremendous customer service and I would recommend them to help size your system.
Michael
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	A1B6F343-8235-4F9E-8776-2B4FC79AC0C7.jpeg
Views:	17
Size:	79.0 KB
ID:	14300   Click image for larger version

Name:	67A72860-06F0-459C-BCC1-6ED63E3DB3F5.jpg
Views:	13
Size:	136.1 KB
ID:	14301   Click image for larger version

Name:	0C99F396-A032-4ADC-8813-52887FD20643.jpg
Views:	10
Size:	131.3 KB
ID:	14302   Click image for larger version

Name:	9481818B-9760-454F-B1C7-B0E2BF408604.jpg
Views:	14
Size:	138.4 KB
ID:	14303  
MJohnston is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by Montana RV, Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates. This is an independent, unofficial site.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 09:37 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.