Solar Warning 2004 Ultimate Advantage 40K

prafersno · 08-15-2023, 10:36 PM

This warning was on the solar display panel. Didn't have the opportunity to inquire about it and what could be damaged by 'misuse?'

Any Thoughts?

BTW - When I realized that it was set to display battery voltage and was reading -32.4 or whatever, I moved the switch. It felt stiff so I moved it up and down rapidly because it seemed like it was corroded or at least dirty. after that it started reading proper battery voltage and Array output.

**creativepart** · 08-16-2023, 08:27 AM

Obviously, this is not a Winnebago "warning" sign but one left by a previous owner. Who knows why it's there or what that previous owner did. So, we are little to no help with that.

Can you contact the previous owner or did you buy your 19-year old RV from a dealer?

If it was me, I'd hire an independent RV tech - one with solar experience to come and both figure out what you've got installed, how it is wired and what that warning note means.

It is possible to have bad or substandard wiring or other issues that can destroy your house battery bank and even be a fire hazard.

You should really check this out.

Do you have an Operator's Manual? The Ultimate Advantage motorhome was always a complex RV to operate.

Here is a link to an online PDF version of the manual:

https://www.winnebago.com/Files/File...4Advantage.pdf

**creativepart** · 08-16-2023, 08:36 AM

OK, I looked at that Operator's Manual and your RV is too old to have come with those kinds of solar panels and the stock solar panel was a very tiny trickle charger 10-15 watt panel without a solar controller.

There is a photo of the "Solar Panel" in section 6-10, but It looks totally different and makes no mention of something optional being available. Yet, your panel does look stock-so I'm not sure what's going on there.

That OEM system cannot be upgraded with new panels without also adding a solar charge controller and new wiring. So, it depends mightily on what the previous owner has done.

I wouldn't wait around with this, if you are not RV Solar savvy it could be nothing or a major issue - thing is you need to know which it is... NOW.

Ray,IN · 08-16-2023, 08:12 PM

I agree, that is an after-market installation. All Ultimates came with a 10w solar panel, not even enough to maintain the battery banks when stored outside. Mine works but is useless IMO.

prafersno · 08-17-2023, 12:44 AM

It does have a bigger solar panel up top...

**creativepart** · 08-17-2023, 07:53 AM

Under that warning note there is a name for that solar controller. Can you tell us the name/model of the controller and have you looked that item up on the internet to learn how it works?

I realize this 19-yr old motorhome is new to you, but since this device you are asking about is not a factory installed Winnebago part it’s new to us, too.

prafersno · 08-17-2023, 08:46 PM

Here's the controller and the panel. It's a BP Solar, which stopped manufacturing panels more than 10 years ago. It doesn't matter much, I was just curious why it would have a warning.
I want to work toward 'Boonedock ability' So, when I get to Page 2 of the fix it list, I replace all that crap with state of the art.

**creativepart** · 08-17-2023, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prafersno

So, when I get to Page 2 of the fix it list, I replace all that crap with state of the art.

That would be advisable. Make sure to check the suitability of the wiring from the roof to the new controller or batteries, too