Transcend Xplor 32BHS Solar Setup and use with Convertor

[Douglas Ellmore]

We took ownership of the Transcend Xplor 32BHS yesterday. Dealer didn't know anything how the solar systems works or was wired. I have questions related to when on the camper is plugged into 50/30amp service. The owners manual does not really describe much of the functionality.

1) Is the solar system protected from current when plugged into shore power?

2) Is there a controller that allows the solar power to contribute to the 12v use when plugged into the shore power?

3) If disconnected from shore power, what is the power drain of 12v devices? Is there an energy monitor that can be viewed or accessed via a bluetooth app?

Thanks,

Doug

[howson]

First--welcome to the forum. There's already a lot of info here and the Welcome Letter to New Members will help orient you to how the forum operates: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/main-fo...to-new-members

1) Is the solar system protected from current when plugged into shore power?

A typical solar controller is not affected by shore power since it doesn't use 120vAC. The only difference when on 120vAC is if the trailer's converter is charging the battery/ies. In this case the solar controller "sees" this higher voltage and may, or may not, contribute to additional battery charging.

2) Is there a controller that allows the solar power to contribute to the 12v use when plugged into the shore power?

Yes and no. In a basic system (there are exceptions in some configurations) the only job of the solar is to charge the batteries. Period. You could think of this as "contributing to the 12v system" but for simplicity it's better to think of the solar setup as a "charger" and the batteries as the power source for the camper. Remember--if you're plugged into 120vAC the converter in your trailer is also powering the 12v system in your camper.

3) If disconnected from shore power, what is the power drain of 12v devices?

Depends, obviously, on what is turned on. A battery monitor is an often-advised addition to a camper. (The "idiot lights" provided are not very accurate.) Many forum members like the Victron BMV-712 or SmartShunt. not the most inexpensive device but it is fantastic tech. Search the forum and you'll find many, many entries on the topic.

Is there an energy monitor that can be viewed or accessed via a bluetooth app?

Yes, but it depends on the controller in your trailer. If you have the new style Jaboni, the thread in the Reference Material section should help: https://gdrvowners.com/forum/solar/r...pp-information

Howard

[ThePowells]

Douglas Ellmore Welcome to the family and the forum!