Trainman Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 I realize there are several ways to go here and the cost could be from the low end to the high end. I guess just the basic install of items needed to get a base system, pretty much the system that Oliver would install on the average trailer, not every option like the high dollar batteries, etc. trainman 2019 RAM 1500, 5.7 Hemi, 4X4, Crew Cab, 5'7" bed, Towing Package, 3.92 Gears. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisMI Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 We purchased a new trailer this spring and wanted the newer panels, solar controller, and different charger/inverter. I tried to get Oliver to just mount the brackets but they were still unsure (at the time) how the upgraded panels would mount. I want to say the price was around $2k for them to pull the wires and mount the panels (you provide). The newer panels and victron controller is around $600ish. Still haven’t upgraded our trailer, too busy this year. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John E Davies Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 I have no idea on price but the final result will be very welcome and it will increase the resale value and also make it a lot easier to find a buyer. Once you start using “free power” that keeps your batteries constantly charged while towing, and sometimes when camping, (depending on shade) you will wonder why you waited so long. If you have lead acid batteries older than three years you should plan on replacing them or upgrading to lithium. But the latter requires special chargers, though your hull may have a “lithium capable” converter board already installed. My Hull 218 did not. Jason should be able to tell you about your board. Take a look here: … https://olivertraveltrailers.com/forums/topic/4812-how-to-progressive-dynamics-pd4045-lithium-upgrade/ If you can’t do the work yourself I do suggest a factory installation, there are a lot of shade tree RV “mechanics” who would do a very poor job. Why don’t you just open a Service ticket and ask for a quote? If you don’t already have a portable panel, buy a 100 watt or larger one and try it for a while to see how you like solar, adding a side electrical port is cheap and very easy. John Davies Spokane WA 2 SOLD 07/23 "Mouse": 2017 Legacy Elite II Two Beds, Hull Number 218, See my HOW TO threads: https://olivertraveltrailers.com/topic/john-e-davies-how-to-threads-and-tech-articles-links/ Tow Vehicle: 2013 Land Cruiser 200, 32” LT tires, airbags, Safari snorkel, Maggiolina Grand Tour 360 Carbon RTT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Posted June 30, 2022 Share Posted June 30, 2022 Agreed, why not simply call the Service Center or email them. Jason or Mike will surely give you an accurate quote. It won’t be cheap, but it will surely be done right. I have had nothing less than excellent support from Oliver Service. 3 2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka- “XPLOR” 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnivore Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 I am actually on day 3 of a 2 week shake down test of my recent self install of: 2-Zamp 170w panels, a Zamp 3 port roof box, Victron 100-30 solar charger, 2 - 100ah SOK lithium batteries, a blue sky cutoff switch for the solar panels as well as the appropriate circuit breaker and the proper sized cables and lugs. I had previously installed a blue sky battery cut off and a Victron 712. My 2019 has the PD4060 with the lithium jumper. Our camping style doesn’t call for an inverter and I want a less complicated system. I did all of the work myself and have probably $3k total in it, including the harbor freight lug crimper tool and wire locator. I learned a lot and the project was fun. I totally relied on AndrewK’s instructions and lots of advice / encouragement from Andrew as well as ScubaRX and Mike Mossy. These guys are the best!! I have kept the PD charger circuit breaker switched off when we plug in and batteries are quickly getting back to 100% by midday from the panels. I’ll give further thoughts as I get more familiar using the system. The Install took probably 2 full days by my self but knowing what I know now, to do it again I could pull it off in 10-12 hours. Probably less with some help. I’ll give further thoughts as I get more familiar using the system. So far I really am impressed 6 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted July 1, 2022 Moderators Share Posted July 1, 2022 @carnivore, your install looks great! Did Oliver install the backing plates in the roof during manufacture? Aren't we fortunate to have so many owners here willing to help others? 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes.... 400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries . Life is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patriot Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 14 hours ago, carnivore said: I am actually on day 3 of a 2 week shake down test of my recent self install of: 2-Zamp 170w panels, a Zamp 3 port roof box, Victron 100-30 solar charger, 2 - 100ah SOK lithium batteries, a blue sky cutoff switch for the solar panels as well as the appropriate circuit breaker and the proper sized cables and lugs. I had previously installed a blue sky battery cut off and a Victron 712. My 2019 has the PD4060 with the lithium jumper. Our camping style doesn’t call for an inverter and I want a less complicated system. I did all of the work myself and have probably $3k total in it, including the harbor freight lug crimper tool and wire locator. I learned a lot and the project was fun. I totally relied on AndrewK’s instructions and lots of advice / encouragement from Andrew as well as ScubaRX and Mike Mossy. These guys are the best!! I have kept the PD charger circuit breaker switched off when we plug in and batteries are quickly getting back to 100% by midday from the panels. I’ll give further thoughts as I get more familiar using the system. The Install took probably 2 full days by my self but knowing what I know now, to do it again I could pull it off in 10-12 hours. Probably less with some help. I’ll give further thoughts as I get more familiar using the system. So far I really am impressed Great work Steve, I am so glad to see the finished result! Sure hope to see you at next years rally, we sure missed you this year. -David 2020 OLEII - Hull #634 aka- “XPLOR” 2021 F350 6.7 liter Diesel Lariat Ultimate Tremor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted July 1, 2022 Moderators Share Posted July 1, 2022 Someone mentioned portable solar as a "try and see" if you like it. I got a notice that Renogy has a 200 watt suitcase solar on sale for the holiday for under $350, free shipping. Includes a detachable pwm controller and 10 ft cord, with alligator clips. Makes for a pretty reasonable entry ticket. And, useful many times, even with fixed solar. We break out our portable panels when parked in shade for several days. 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes.... 400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries . Life is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CnC Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 Be sure to check the dimensions and weight of portables. I have two 100's from GoalZero. They are heavy! Charlie. 1 Arizona | 2020 Oliver Elite II Twin bed Hull #617 | 2021 Ram 1500 e-Hemi 4x4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted July 1, 2022 Moderators Share Posted July 1, 2022 Good consideration. I think the renogy 200 watt suitcase system weighs in quite a bit less than zamp, under 40 pounds. I agree. Unless you build your own, with flexible panels, these aren't flyweight. But, I can manage 40 pounds, on my own. 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes.... 400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries . Life is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators mossemi Posted July 1, 2022 Moderators Share Posted July 1, 2022 I will add that my 100w Renogy suitcase with charge controller and an extra 20’ 10A cable weighs in at 31 pounds. Mossey 1 Mike and Krunch Lutz, FL 2017 LEII #193 “the dog house” Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted July 1, 2022 Moderators Share Posted July 1, 2022 Not light, for sure. From renogys website, 36 pounds for 200 watt suitcase. (But less than zamp legacy) I wonder if that includes the cable? We really do have to take weight into consideration. I don't like to bother to take out my coleman panels of we won't be in the same spot for awhile. Too heavy. 1 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes.... 400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries . Life is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carnivore Posted July 1, 2022 Share Posted July 1, 2022 11 hours ago, SeaDawg said: @carnivore, your install looks great! Did Oliver install the backing plates in the roof during manufacture? Aren't we fortunate to have so many owners here willing to help others? Seadawg, yes, the backing plates were part of the standard construction, at least on our 2019. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators SeaDawg Posted July 2, 2022 Moderators Share Posted July 2, 2022 25 minutes ago, carnivore said: Seadawg, yes, the backing plates were part of the standard construction, at least on our 2019. Thanks. I understood that at some point, solar became so popular that backing plates were in every trailer. In 2008, ours were a tough retrofit. Keep us posted on your system. It looks so very professionally done. 2008 Ram 1500 4 × 4 2008 Oliver Elite, Hull #12 Florida and Western North Carolina, or wherever the truck goes.... 400 watts solar. DC compressor fridge. No inverter. 2 x 105 ah agm batteries . Life is good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jps190 Posted July 2, 2022 Share Posted July 2, 2022 This trifold panel setup I made weighs about 45 lbs. 300 watts for around $305. I added a victron 100/50 that connects to the zamp port for easy deployment. The panels are Bougerv. John 2 2 John and Kim 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 AT4 6.6L Duramax 11350 GVWR 3048lb Payload 2021 Oliver Elite II. Hull #887 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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