Recommended Roof Mounted Solar Panel Kit for a 2022 Coleman Lantern

Question:

I have a 22’ Coleman Lantern light trailer pre-wired for solar. What do I need to add solar panels to the top of my trailer and what wattage do I need?

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

Hey John, your Coleman likely has been pre-wired with a Furrion inlet like # FSPINS-BS in which you can use the Go Power Overlander Solar Charging System with Digital Solar Controller # 34282181 which would utilize the pre-wire port and get mounted to the roof. This kit includes the solar panel, the controller, MC4 cables, and installation hardware.

expert reply by: Bryce D

John M.

5/22/2024

Bryce, I have watched the video and read your reply. Yes, I do have a Furrion inlet located on the front right side about 4' above the ground next to the under trailer storage. There is nothing on top of my trailer for plugging in the panels as shown in the installation video and I do not have access the wires behind the inlet. My question is: with this kit do I run the wires down the front of the trailer to plug into the inlet (would need and inlet plug) which, I assume is wired to the battery, and, if so, what wires go to the controller? Thanks, John

Bryce D.

5/23/2024

@JohnM I'd recommend running these cables can through either the refrigerator vent, or use the Go Power cable entry plate # 34273840. The cable entry plate provides a covered housing and uses a quick connect setup for the MC4 cables. Those cables would go then go to the solar controller, and from the solar controller to the battery. I've also sent you an e-mail with the wiring diagram so you can check it out for yourself.

John M.

5/23/2024

@BryceD Bryce, sorry to be a pest but I want to understand that this is feasible before I make a purchase. I can see where I can run the wires down the outside of the trailer around the awning and into the refrigerator vent and through the wall toward the front of the trailer. However, I know that there is insulation between the outside of the trailer and the inside wall which would be a bit of a hindrance. My biggest concern is whether there are aluminum studs between the vent and the area of the controller mount and from there to the battery. Do you have any info on that or are you thinking of a different way of routing than I am?

Bryce D.

5/24/2024

@JohnM I unfortunately wouldn't have that information, but if they solar prepped your trailer then they made it possible to run the wires in a matter that makes sense and would keep them protected. I don't think they expect you to run the wires on the outside, and I've honestly never seen that done. It might be a little bit of a pain to run the wires through the insultation, but if you use some fish tape or poles it'll make it a lot easier.