SolarFlex 400i components on Cougar 24SABWE TT

[PackFan]

I have a 2022 Cougar 24SABWE travel trailer and have a few questions on the factory installed SolarFlex 400i system:

1. The Smart Shunt is not visible in the Victron Connect app- only the Victron Charge Controller shows up and I am able to access it fine. Not so on the Smart Shunt- nothing.

Based on the routing of the negative battery cable (and the lack of any wiring diagrams I could find), I assume the Smart Shunt is in the junction box that contains the inverter switch. Is this correct? (I thought I would confirm this before digging into this box to confirm the Shunt is even there and how it is installed.)

2. Victron Charge Controller settings when removing the batteries for winter- as there is no battery disconnect switch between the solar panels and charge controller, I disabled charging in the Victron app to be safe. Is this OK? Or should I install a disconnect?

(Note: I currently have two Group 24 12 volt lead acid deep cycles, but will move to lithiums when these die- or sooner, as we boon dock regularly).

None of this was covered during the PDI at Camping World which was an awful experience where I knew more about the trailer than the PDI guy. I have an upcoming service appointment to handle some other items uncovered in the PDI, so I want to educate myself prior.

Any advice or info is appreciated!

[JRTJH]

Welcome to the forum...

I'm not sure if you've located the "very well hidden" SolarFlex 400i quick start guide on the Keystone website. It has some step by step directions to get your system up and running. You can find it here: https://keystone-rv-dealer-app.cdn.p...DF_QSG_WEB.pdf

There is not a "schematic or wiring diagram" in the guide, but hopefully it will help you get the system working. If you need further help, just post what you need help with.

[PackFan]

Thanks John. I was not provided this document, so I appreciate you forwarding it.

By trial and error, I have conducted the applicable steps identified in this document. The Victron Charge Controller is set up and is operating normally.

There appears to be a problem with my Smart Shunt as it does not show up on the Victron Connect app as the Charge Controller did. Therefore, I have not been able to complete the set-up for the Smart Shunt. I assume it is installed in the housing for the Inverter switch, but I have not confirmed that nor if it is installed correctly. I have also read on the forum that the wiring for the Shunt was installed incorrectly on some units that resulted in a service notice being issued.

In the document, there is a PV Disconnect switch referenced as (if equipped). My unit does not have one, so that may answer my question on whether to install one. My plan was to remove the + wire from the solar panels at the charge controller and add an appropriate switch like this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...KIKX0DER&psc=1

I may just have the Dealer work out the issue with the Smart Shunt, but I do not have a lot of confidence in their ability based on my PDI experience.

[PackFan]

I did find the attached wiring diagram for a 2022 Keystone Passport TT with the 400i package. Assuming it is a similar install on the Cougar TT, the Smart Shunt looks like it indeed may be in the junction box that contains the inverter switch- photo attached.

Has anyone ever opened this box?

It looks pretty straight forward with a number of allen screws to remove. I may give it a try when the weather warms up some later this week.

[jxnbbl]

It looks like that diagram has the shunt in the inverter shutoff and not shutoff switch. I have not shutoff switch from panel to the batteries in my install. For storage I take my batteries out and put them on a maintenance charger. Anyways the 'disconnect' is the removal of the terminal cable. In calling the actual solar panel provider, that is what they recommended and they said it would be safer/better if I cover the terminals with a non-conductive material.

[PackFan]

Thanks Jay.

I am with you, the shunt looks like it is in the inverter switch box, not the battery switch "Giggy Box".

Are you suggesting removing the positive cable from the solar panels to the charge controller? I also considered that until I discovered the option in the Victron Connect app for the charge controller to "disable" charging".

I am assuming this is an OK solution, but I still may install a disconnect switch to have a physical disconnect like you are proposing.

I also removed the batteries and put them on a trickle charger in the garage. It has been a cold winter here with lots of snow on the solar panels, so leaving them installed was not a good option.

[PackFan]

Hey JVan:

That sucks. I never got an owners manual for the shunt and got zero training or info from Camping World on the Solar Flex system. Heck, I didnt even know there was a shunt until I educated myself on the system.

Am I on the right track in removing the 4 Phillips screws that appear to hold the inverter box switch to the frame?

Mine looks like there may be some sealant between the box and the frame. Based on your experience, if this isn't sealed, it should be.

[JVan]

My box was attached with two screws to a bracket that is attached to the frame directly behind the battery rack. When the box is removed you can access the six very small Philips screws holding the back cover on. Then you can see the Shunt and the back of the switch. My original dealer was clueless about the shunt or how it worked. We never received a manual for the shunt I got the information from the Victron website. I don't know how mine filled with water, there were some gaps where the cables from the battery and to the inverter entered the box.

[PackFan]

Mine sounds like a slightly different set up. The attached photo is the back side of the bracket. The 4 smaller screws penetrating look like they hold the box to the bracket and the 3 larger screws are for the cable clamps.

Keystone has some work to do to better educate their dealers on these Solar Flex systems. Based on my previous experience (and yours), my concern is that Camping World will be equally clueless when I bring it in. That's why I may dig into this myself prior so I have the knowledge to set them straight. Sad, but true.

[peanut]

Originally Posted by PackFan

Hey JVan:
I never got an owners manual for the shunt and got zero training or info from Camping World on the Solar Flex system. Heck, I didnt even know there was a shunt until I educated myself on the system.

You can download datasheets, manuals, schematic's and more here:

https://www.victronenergy.com/batter...stem-schematic

Good luck.

[PackFan]

Our Cougar is now at Camping World for warranty work, including figuring out what is wrong with the unresponsive Victron Smart Shunt.

As expected, the service advisor knew NOTHING about the Solar Flex 400i system. When I demonstrated the Victron Connect app to prove the smart shunt wasn't responding, I ran into a problem. The app picked up a smart shunt and charge controller apparently from an adjacent Keystone unit. I had to explain that these were NOT mine, so we will see how their troubleshooting goes.

On a related note, Camping World apparently charges for diagnosing and doing the paperwork on warranty claims. For the shunt, this was $195.00, plus some BS charges for environmental fees ($9.21) and shop supplies ($39.00). They said I would be responsible for these charges if the warranty claim is rejected by Keystone.

Has anyone heard of this policy at other RV dealers? I have not.

I won't go into the many other negative customer experiences we had purchasing this RV, but we do not plan on setting foot on Camping World premises again after this work is completed.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by PackFan

Our Cougar is now at Camping World for warranty work, including figuring out what is wrong with the unresponsive Victron Smart Shunt.

As expected, the service advisor knew NOTHING about the Solar Flex 400i system. When I demonstrated the Victron Connect app to prove the smart shunt wasn't responding, I ran into a problem. The app picked up a smart shunt and charge controller apparently from an adjacent Keystone unit. I had to explain that these were NOT mine, so we will see how their troubleshooting goes.

On a related note, Camping World apparently charges for diagnosing and doing the paperwork on warranty claims. For the shunt, this was $195.00, plus some BS charges for environmental fees ($9.21) and shop supplies ($39.00). They said I would be responsible for these charges if the warranty claim is rejected by Keystone.

Has anyone heard of this policy at other RV dealers? I have not.

I won't go into the many other negative customer experiences we had purchasing this RV, but we do not plan on setting foot on Camping World premises again after this work is completed.

First, did you buy the RV at this CW? If not you're pretty much fair game for them. If you did however; I would be talking, personally, to the service manager about those charges. If he is adamant talk to the GM. I go to CWs and I don't pay those charges for warranty work. Realize that Keystone does not pay them for isolation/troubleshooting work, they only pay them to fix the problem. Finding it is on them. From what I have deduced this can be "worked out" if the repair is approved. If it isn't - I've never encountered what you are nor would I put up with it.

Warranty repair approvals are pretty much in the hands of the dealer. If in fact you have a warrantable repair the way it is presented to Keystone will be key in their approval process. If the dealer doesn't know what they are doing, or doesn't care your chances of being turned down increase significantly. I personally would not give them a cent if they can't present a bonafide warranty issue well enough for Keystone to approve it.

Another issue it sounds like you may be confused on is the role between Keystone (or any other RV sales outlet). They are Keystone (or Jayco, GD etc.) SELLERS. A dealership that sells that particular product. They are not a dealer like a car dealership that sells Fords, Chevys etc. The dealer chooses what lines he wants to carry and Keystone will provide those based on their criteria for dealer density etc. Keystone has no control over the dealership...they sold them the RVs. Keystone honors "their" warranty on the things Keystone specifically builds and does the buyer a courtesy of running the legwork for other items that have warranties ie; appliances etc. Many times those items are fixed right away if found prior to signing the dotted line with no question. Once purchased items that were not checked prior to sale then can become a nightmare. Hopefully you get your issue sorted out. If you bought from them I would be front and center personally about those charges and a satisfactory solution or explanation. If you didn't buy from them...all bets are off.

[PackFan]

Thanks Sourdough.

We purchased the RV from this same Camping World last June. We wanted the Cougar product and did not want to buy out of state.

I am happy to hear that all Camping Worlds do not operate similarly. The culture here appears to be one where "no" is pre-programmed into the employees and they have their onerous policies (like this one) memorized to dump on you on command. My experience is not unique based on the majority of 1 Star reviews for this location on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/camping-world-reno#reviews.

I get the dealership relationship and the fact that Keystone has limited control. We are also having some other items addressed that we caught during our pre-delivery walkthrough. Unfortunately, we didn't catch the shunt issue until later.

Believe me, I got to know the GM previously and will not hesitate to escalate again if necessary.

[sourdough]

Originally Posted by PackFan

Thanks Sourdough.

We purchased the RV from this same Camping World last June. We wanted the Cougar product and did not want to buy out of state.

I am happy to hear that all Camping Worlds do not operate similarly. The culture here appears to be one where "no" is pre-programmed into the employees and they have their onerous policies (like this one) memorized to dump on you on command. My experience is not unique based on the majority of 1 Star reviews for this location on Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/camping-world-reno#reviews.

I get the dealership relationship and the fact that Keystone has limited control. We are also having some other items addressed that we caught during our pre-delivery walkthrough. Unfortunately, we didn't catch the shunt issue until later.

Believe me, I got to know the GM previously and will not hesitate to escalate again if necessary.

I can tell you now that not all CW GMs (the guy that determines the customer experience among other things) are cut from the same cloth....some aren't worth their salt so keep that in mind.

[PackFan]

Understood. Thanks again.