Response from FR Customer Service

Originally posted by KirkH Thanks.  Yeah I know I can install it on the camper, I just think it's ridiculous that they won't answer the question. So you are saying that the pre-wired solar cables terminate at the battery?  There are 2 smaller cables/wires attached to the battery, that may be them.  I will use my digital multimeter to check those.

Look at it from FR’s perspective. What do they have to gain by answering the question? Nothing. What do they have to loose? A lawsuit if you screw it up based on their instructions and burn up your trailer. They could take the time to write up detailed generic msolar install instructions with all the appropriate safety warnings, but since they aren’t selling the add on solar kits they wouldn’t make any money doing that. It’s like asking your car manufacturer how to install an accessory they didn’t sell you. Never happens.

+ 1 to mcarter’s post.

I expect that what is happening in the case of the solar is that go solar or zamp are paying fr for them to install the wire runs and for the opportunity to put the solar companies logos on the trailers. That is likely the extent of FR’s involvement. Everything else is handled by go solar/zamp through the dealer. So FR just points customers that way if they ask about solar. They aren’t involved in the solar installs and might even be in violation of their business arrangement with the solar companies if the were to provide diy advice, as that would take business away from the solar guys. Basically it’s a marketing agreement. Such arrangements are very common in the solar biz and I expect also in many others. I used to do them myself.

Sounds like FR is trying to transition to a full dealer based sales, delivery, service and support channel model. They have had a mixed model up to now, dealers for sales and delivery, factory for at least some service and support. The mixed model is more expensive for them because they have to maintain a significant call center and service ticket infrastructure, as well as pay skilled experts to be able to answer technical questions from end customers. Now they will be able to pass that cost to their dealers, just like the auto manufacturers. Try calling up Ford or Toyota and have them explain something technical to you about the car you bought😜

As for the “solar ready” option, that is pretty unique. It’s not like a stove, which FR buys, installs, and then sells to you, so they are directly in the chain of commerce for that item. The solar kit is bought by you either from the vendor of from a dealer. All FR does is run a couple wires as directed by the solar company, and place a sticker telling you who to contact for a solar system after you buy the trailer. The solar supplier is no doubt paying FR for the privilege of getting those “locked in” sales leads, which is of course why those kits are more expensive than just buying the gear directly. This sales model was really common in the early days of solar when it was more expensive and not well understood by the public. Now that solar is mainstream and FR sells a solar option directly, I expect this will disappear. Eventually it will probably be a standard feature.