Solar Pre-Wire

[bobbecky]

Do not depend on that disconnect switch to fully remove load from the batteries. That switch only disconnects 12 volt power from the inside electric panel. For a full disconnect, either remove the ground cable from your batteries or install a disconnect switch in that ground cable, which will stop all power from the batteries. Regardless of whether you open the factory installed battery disconnect switch or install another disconnect switch at the batteries, you will not be able to charge the batteries with the converter when the batteries are not connected. With a disconnect switch open at the batteries, you also should not tow the trailer as the emergency brake switch would not be energized if the switch is activated when the cable is pulled.

 

[Angel-MOC]

Thanks much for your reply.
However, do I turn the switch that is labeled "Battery Disconnect" towards "on" or "off" when I put the RV in storage?
I also have one solar panel to assist in keeping batteries charged.
Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[NCFischers]

In our 3810, the wires ran down to behind the rear bulkhead on the right side of the basement and then to the battery compartment. I installed the controller there. Behind the switch panel, there is a control wire for the remote display.

 

[Angel-MOC]

Thanks much for your response. However, in the storage compartment I have a Battery Disconnect switch. When I go to put it in storage, which way (on or off) should I place this switch??? I did install a solar panel to aid in keeping the batteries charged.
Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[Carl n Susan]

The battery is connected when you can't remove the red key from the switch. It is disconnected when the key can be removed. The labeling is inconsistent and the remove/not remove is the definite answer.

Disconnecting the battery (key is removed) shuts off the power to the fuse box which likely doesn't have anything turned. It *DOES NOT* turn off power to various components not powered by the fuse box. Those circuits are live and will suck you battery dry in a week or so.


If you are convinced your solar panel will keep the batteries charged then it doesn't matter whaat position the key in in. The parasites will continues to suck 12V and, assuming nothing is turned on via the fuse box, the other circuits will do nothing.

 

[Daryles]

I have a 2016 Montana 3820FK 5th wheel. In the storage compartment I have a Battery Disconnect switch. When I go to put it in storage, which way (on or off) should I place this switch??? I have received different recommendations from different people, including the RV service shop!! Since I have had numerous electrical problems with batteries dead on numerous occasions, I am really confused now!!

If storing it with no external 120vac power connected, and you want a good battery, I would remove it, keep it at home and put a Battery Tender on it.
I do this with my lawnmower battery in the winter.
Makes them last longer

 

[suny07]

There is a sort of wiring diagram available now.
I found it looking for something different on keystones website.

Go here https://www.keystonerv.com/owners/owners-manuals/ and then look for
DOWNLOAD 12V DC WIRE STANDARD 2017

Not sure jet if its actual helpful.
I definitely need a beer to process

Mike

 

[Buzz19766]

HELLO

I called Keystone and asked them, "since I can't find my pre-solar wires in the basement area or behind the control box, where are they"?
After asking for my VIN #, They put me on hold and returned saying it should be behind the control panel...?
I still cannot find the wires or the grey control wire?
I will continue searching or will be forced to run new wires from the roof.

 

[AZ Traveler]

HELLO

I called Keystone and asked them, "since I can't find my pre-solar wires in the basement area or behind the control box, where are they"?
After asking for my VIN #, They put me on hold and returned saying it should be behind the control panel...?
I still cannot find the wires or the grey control wire?
I will continue searching or will be forced to run new wires from the roof.

Unless you are planning to stay small (300 watts or less) with your solar, you are better off running heavier gauge wiring.

 

[R.S.O'Donnell]

HELLO

I called Keystone and asked them, "since I can't find my pre-solar wires in the basement area or behind the control box, where are they"?
After asking for my VIN #, They put me on hold and returned saying it should be behind the control panel...?
I still cannot find the wires or the grey control wire?
I will continue searching or will be forced to run new wires from the roof.

Mine (3121rl) are exactly where they are in this video:

 

[seahawksax]

howdy yall! reviving a dead thread here! i found my solar prep wires behind the vacuum in my passthrough storage below. all bundled up, one set going to the roof, one set going to the batteries (already hooked up and fused circuit to the batteries). and then the grey remote cable. i see it runs back and up somewhere, but can not find it inside the coach. i have watched all the jaboni videos over and over again, i have no sticker anywhere telling me where the remote cable is located, in the video it says to call the manufacturer if the sticker has been removed to locate it. i have called twice, once they said they had a install procedure they would sent to my email (never came), second time they gave me their email, and when i emailed them. i get a non delivery receipt. i find it statistically insane that i am the only person that has attempted to install solar on a 2020 montana 3854BR. i have scoured many many many websites and youtube channels looking for any inkling of someone finding it. but i cant even find instances of it being looked for. hopefully someone can help!

 

[Daryles]

I found the grey wire behind the control panel buried under all the other excess (WAY EXCESS) wiring.
Remove shore power.
Remove the screws holding it in. Carefully lean it forward. Take a picture in case any terminals pop off so you will know where they go. Reach in and Carefully lift the wire bundles to get more slack so you can pull the control panel out further out of the way.
Now lift up the wire bundles and search for the grey communications wire.
I did not use it. I ran a new one (cat 5e wire) to my Victron BMV-712. I also left a pull string in there that goes to the basement. It has come in useful in pulling other wire for other projects.

 

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Same as above on my 3121rl. I removed the large island light switch plate and accessed it through there.

 

[seahawksax]

Thank you for the quick reply. Mine it's not in that bundle.

 

[seahawksax]

No joy gents

 

[Buzz19766]

Yes it is odd they would run it directly to the battery, it is actually tied into the terminal on the bulkhead which runs directly to the battery. I believe the installers were supposed to cap it off by the vacuum and not actually tie it in the the wire going to the roof.

Mine is connected directly to the positive terminal. Working good