Solar panel adapter plug
#1
Posted 04 April 2015 - 03:25 PM
2015 FWC Hawk
M416 Expedition Trailer
Bayleaf Woof!
#2
Posted 04 April 2015 - 03:52 PM
You should have received an 18" or so pig tail with the mating connector to the solar plug in the camper. You will need to get some MC-4 connectors (one of each male and female for positive and negative) and attach these to the bare wire ends of this pig tail. Plug these into the matching connectors of the panel, plug the pig tail into the camper and then go down and make double sure you get the polarities correct before connecting the internal wire from the solar plug to your charge controller.
Alternatively, you can void the warranty on your panel by cutting off the MC 4 connectors on the panel and then butt-splice, wire nut or solder the bare wires together. Wrap them up to protect the joint from the elements and away you go. I have had some flakiness with my MC-4 connectors from vibration I suspect and am planning retrofitting along this path.
If you didn't receive the pig tail, then maybe a call to FWC will get one in your mailbox.
Alan
#3
Posted 04 April 2015 - 04:20 PM
The pig-tail should be in the pouch with the manuals, at least that's where mine was.
#4
Posted 04 April 2015 - 04:50 PM
Choose an extension cable length that allows you to position the panel where you want it.
Paul
#5
Posted 05 April 2015 - 04:14 AM
First thing I did was hack those MC4 connectors off. Way too thick to poke through the camper.
Craig K6JGV_________________________ 2004 2500 CTD 4X4 FWC HAWK 1960 CJ5
#6
Posted 05 April 2015 - 03:48 PM
I too could not find the mating RA SAE plug connector. I also wasn't excited about the installed roof SAE connector's ability to collect water around the two connector contacts.
So, I ditched the SAE connectorization and removed the existing roof flanged SAE jack connector. I installed an IP65 junction box in its place using the existing screw hole pattern. Heyco wiring glands were used for a waterproof wire entry into the junction box. The existing FWC roof wiring was long enough to be pulled out of the roof to terminate to the solar panel wiring in the junctuion box.
This junction box now supports two 100W Renogy flex solar panels. If we decide to add another panel to the roof, I will probably add another junction box to complete the wiring within the roof rather than routing the wiring on the ext roof surface.
The junction (or project) box measures 2.52Lx2.28Wx1.38H inch and is lower profile than the roof vents.
2018 Sprinter, 2013 FWC Fleet on 2010 Tacoma Double Cab Long Bed
#7
Posted 05 April 2015 - 04:00 PM
I too could not find the mating RA SAE plug connector. I also wasn't excited about the installed roof SAE connector's ability to collect water around the two connector contacts.
So, I ditched the SAE connectorization and removed the existing roof flanged SAE jack connector. I installed an IP65 junction box in its place using the existing screw hole pattern. Heyco wiring glands were used for a waterproof wire entry into the junction box. The existing FWC roof wiring was long enough to be pulled out of the roof to terminate to the solar panel wiring in the junctuion box.
This junction box now supports two 100W Renogy flex solar panels. If we decide to add another panel to the roof, I will probably add another junction box to complete the wiring within the roof rather than routing the wiring on the ext roof surface.
The junction (or project) box measures 2.52Lx2.28Wx1.38H inch and is lower profile than the roof vents.
Very nice job SB_Surf! Where can I find these parts?
Ford 2018 F250 FX4,Lariat, Gasser. FWC 2013 Hawk W6QN (formerly KH6FBU)
#8
Posted 05 April 2015 - 04:09 PM
I bought all at Amazon:
Junction box, Bud Industries #PN-1320
Wire gland, Heyco #M3444 with #3165 nut
I used chaulking, GE Supreme Silicon Extra Flex
2018 Sprinter, 2013 FWC Fleet on 2010 Tacoma Double Cab Long Bed
#9
Posted 06 April 2015 - 10:19 PM
I too could not find the mating RA SAE plug connector. I also wasn't excited about the installed roof SAE connector's ability to collect water around the two connector contacts.
Here's a shot of my SAE connectors, I believe installed in July 2004 by FWC. They are quite corroded, and it's pretty obvious water has gotten into them. I've been thinking about what to do with them, I think SB_Surf hit the nail on the head here with his solution. If you have these connectors on your roof, I would at least remove the plugs and coat them with a silicon dielectric grease to keep the water out!
--
Pat
#10
Posted 13 April 2015 - 12:25 PM
Has anyone used an SAE Y cable to add a second solar panel to the roof and use the existing roof plug? I have the FWC rooftop 100w and am thinking of adding another panel to the roof (probably Renology).
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