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Topic: Just saying hello and I love this site! (Read 369 times) previous topic - next topic
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Just saying hello and I love this site!
Hello,
My name is Bill Clugston and I've owned my 2003 Rear Bath 26.5" Lazy Daze since 2004. I would've chatted sooner, but every time I went to ask a question the answer was easily found with a search. This is a very awesome site run by dedicated users!

Currently, Wayfarer is being refitted with an upgraded solar power system and general 100k maintenance. I'll post photos of the refit as I have time. The big addition is the jump to a bank of 4 Battle Born lithium iron phosphate batteries and a 3000watt Victron hybrid inverter! It should be a fun install!

Later,
Bill Clugston
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath
Re: Just saying hello and I love this site!
Reply #1 –
Quote from: bclugston  - 
Hello,
My name is Bill Clugston and I've owned my 2003 Rear Bath 26.5" Lazy Daze since 2004. I would've chatted sooner, but every time I went to ask a question the answer was easily found with a search. This is a very awesome site run by dedicated users!

Currently, Wayfarer is being refitted with an upgraded solar power system and general 100k maintenance. I'll post photos of the refit as I have time. The big addition is the jump to a bank of 4 Battle Born lithium iron phosphate batteries and a 3000watt Victron hybrid inverter! It should be a fun install!

Later,
Bill Clugston

Bill, you get the lurker-of-the-year award. ;) You can bet there will be great interest in your new solar system. We have lots of discussions about this topic as you probably have found out. Welcome aboard.

Chris 
Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Just saying hello and I love this site!
Reply #2 –
Quote from: Chris Horst  - 
Bill, you get the lurker-of-the-year award. ;) You can bet there will be great interest in your new solar system. We have lots of discussions about this topic as you probably have found out. Welcome aboard.

Chris
Thanks, Chris, I'd certainly like to help out. This isn't my first solar project, but it is my most complex. I'm also poking around the rig for rot, worn-out components, replacing filters, and topping off fluids. All of the "fun" things an owner of a senior rig gets to do <LOL>! With a little, TLC Wayfarer will probably outlast me!

Bill Clugston
Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath
Re: Just saying hello and I love this site!
Reply #3 –
Bill,

I’ll be getting a similar solar upgrade at AM Solar in about two weeks.

Like you I’m shooting for at least 4 Battle Born 100 amp hour lithium’s. What size panels are you installing? I was shooting for Zamp 90’s but now am leaning toward the Zamp 170’s. Only slightly larger than the 90’s but watt for watt the 170’s are about 1/2 the cost per watt.

Since you are near AM Solar is this your installer? 

Keep us posted.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Just saying hello and I love this site!
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Kent Heckethorn  - 
Bill,

I’ll be getting a similar solar upgrade at AM Solar in about two weeks.

Like you I’m shooting for at least 4 Battle Born 100 amp hour lithium’s. What size panels are you installing? I was shooting for Zamp 90’s but now am leaning toward the Zamp 170’s. Only slightly larger than the 90’s but watt for watt the 170’s are about 1/2 the cost per watt.

Since you are near AM Solar is this your installer? 

Keep us posted.

Kent

Hi Kent,
No, I'm doing all my own work. I'm pretty familiar with electronics and electrical wiring. I've also built a variety of solar systems. I have done business with AM Solar in the past and they are great folks to deal with, I highly recommend them.

I have two 100 watt panels (from AM Solar!) on the system now wired in parallel. I plan to rewire the setup into a series/parallel design. The two 100 watt panels will be wired in series and then paralleled with two 170 watt panels from Amazon (BougeRV Amazon.com : BougeRV 170 Watts Monocrystalline Solar Panel 12 Volts Mono... ) also wired in series. Fortunately, all panels have the same voltage output. I almost forgot to check for that issue  ;D

If I like the BougeRVs, I may swap out the existing the 100 watt panels for two more BougeRVs. The two 100 watt panels can then be used in a remote astrophotography observatory (my primary hobby).

Later,
Bill
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Bill Clugston
2003 Rear Bath
Re: Just saying hello and I love this site!
Reply #5 –
Quote from: bclugston  - 
Currently, Wayfarer is being refitted with an upgraded solar power system and general 100k maintenance. I'll post photos of the refit as I have time. The big addition is the jump to a bank of 4 Battle Born lithium iron phosphate batteries and a 3000watt Victron hybrid inverter! It should be a fun install!

Welcome aboard.
I have done a few of these systems and advise buying a pro grade crimper and cable cutter. Those huge lugs are hard to crimp effecively any other way. Cable cutters produce a straight, clean cut.
Specialty tools needed for inverter installation | Top- adju… | Flickr

Post some photos when you are finished

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze