HARNESSING THE POWER OF THE SUN: WITH ABC UPFITTERS
Created by: Chris Cox
Explore with No Limits
Adventure and the open road calls to many of us, but what if that call could not only be answered but elevated by harnessing the power of the sun?
Imagine the freedom of exploring remote locations without the reliance on a physical power grid. Some of us can’t even get from point A to B without worrying about refrigeration. Others are limited because they need access to reliable power for critical medical devices or for environmental reasons. At ABC Upfitters in Elkhart, Indiana, they’re transforming those dreams into reality through the introduction of effective, robust and user friendly solar solutions.
ABC Upfitters was created to meet the rising interest in aftermarket Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) battery upgrades for recreational vehicles. A subsidiary of ABC Marketing, a stalwart within the OEM RV, specialty vehicle, and cargo trailer markets for over 40 years, ABC Marketing recognized the need for intuitive and reliable solar solutions. As a result, ABC Upfitters was born. ABC Upfitters is changing the game when it comes to solar. For example, can your solar run your air conditioning? ABC Upfitters can…
ABC Upfitters customer interaction and focus on satisfaction is second to none. Their intent is to provide the best experience possible through the installation of sustainable and reliable solar power solutions that are comprised of innovative and industry leading components.
Solar Solutions Tailored to Your Adventure
ABC Upfitters understands that every situation has its own unique needs. Through personalized offerings tailored to individual applications, ABC has the right solution for your scenario. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast, a weekend camper, or a full-time traveler, ABC Upfitters can enhance your adventure. With a wide range of self-contained, compact and lightweight options, individuals will find that ABC Upfitters can likely create a solution for almost any vehicle or scenario.
In our case, we ordered our Cedar Creek 375BHO with the upgraded Off Grid 460XL Power Package. The factory installed: (1) 460Amp Hr Mastervolt 12/600 battery, a 12-3500 200A CombiMaster inverter/charger, a Solar Charge Master 60, a EasyView 5 display and 800 Watts of solar power (aka: 4 solar panels). During our first trip, we had some challenges with our electrical system. After connecting with a few individuals in various online forums, we found out about ABC Upfitters.
Shortly after submitting an online inquiry, Scott with ABC Upfitters reached out to better understand our situation. Although ABC Upfitters didn’t originally install our components, they were more than willing to assist by having Mike and Josh remote into the system. The trio conducted virtual training on the systems functionality, and followed up after our session to ensure everything was going ok. We were so impressed that we decided to explore what additional options our Mastervolt system had and were pleasantly surprised to find out that it could easily be expanded. After a few more conversations with ABC Upfitters, we selected our package and scheduled our installation.
Installation and Integration
Quality and professionalism are hallmarks of any great organization. Couple that with passion and experience and you have ABC Upfitters. From our first conversation, it was clear this was the team we wanted to work with. Although we had already scheduled our installation for later in the year, shortly after making our full-time transition, we were still having some electrical challenges. After a brief conversation with Scott, he figured out a way to get us in as soon as we could make it to Elkhart.
Fast forward two weeks, and we arrived for our appointment. From the moment I pulled up, the same dedication and commitment was apparent. Mike met me by the road and guided me into the shop. From there, the ABC team dove straight into helping unload the unit and assessing the system. When the President of the company shows up to help, you know you’re dealing with an organization that values leadership and hands-on involvement.
ABC Upfitters’ work ethic and focus on quality is top notch. Meticulous installation, thorough quality checks and rigorous testing guarantee optimal safety and performance. When you choose ABC Upfitters, you’re not just gaining access to best-in-class components; you’re getting peace of mind knowing that it’s been configured and installed to perform at its peak by a group of true professionals.
Mastervolt: The Heart of this Solar Power Adventure
When it comes to reliable, advanced and industry leading solar power solutions, Mastervolt is a name you can trust. Founded in 1991, Mastervolt’s ability to innovate and provide superior products for reliable autonomous power in the harshest and most demanding environments set them apart.
Mastervolt has a comprehensive product portfolio to support your power needs, and ABC Upfitters has proven they are the integrator to bring it all together. Known for their cutting-edge technology, Mastervolt components are the backbone of the system configured and installed by ABC Upfitters.
Mastervolt systems are fully integrated and comprised of key elements that include the EasyView 5 display, Lithium-Ion Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery’s, Solar Charge Master, CombiMaster charger/inverter and high efficiency Solar Panels that work seamlessly together. One of the only solar configurations on the market produced from a seamless end-to-end supply chain, there’s no question about the system’s ability to integrate and perform.
Lithium-Ion Technology: Power When You Need It
A standout feature of the Mastervolt system is their advanced Lithium-Ion technology. These high-capacity batteries offer unparalleled energy storage, ensuring you have power whenever you need it. Unlike traditional batteries, Mastervolt’s Lithium-Ion batteries are lightweight and compact, saving up to 70% on space and weight compared to traditional batteries. Mastervolt batteries also charge faster and provide more efficient energy storage for a lifespan of up to 2,000 full cycles. This is three times longer than traditional batteries. This unique capability makes these batteries ideal for off-grid adventures. Whether you're powering essential appliances or charging electronic devices, these batteries ensure a steady and reliable power supply, even in the most remote locations.
Adventure-Ready
Most recreational vehicles are configured with features designed to enhance off-grid exploring, but ABC Upfitters serves to elevate. For some, solar can be intimidating or even overwhelming. The reason for this is frequently tied to the complexity of the system and the ability to service or maintain when needed. This is simplified with Mastervolt since power management is made easy with smart monitoring and energy optimization. These features ensure you have a reliable power source while exploring remote locations worry free. And if the need should arise, ABC Upfitters can always remotely access if you have internet.
During a conversation with Scott, he mentioned a couple that was Upfitted a couple years ago who recently reached back out. They wanted to let him know their system was still performing flawlessly. In addition, and because of the systems’ capabilities, they were now able to explore parts of Alaska that were previously thought to be off limits.
With Mastervolt’s advanced Lithium-Ion batteries, users benefit from superior energy storage solutions, ensuring that power is available even when the sun isn’t shining and they’re in the most austere locations.
Solar That You Can Understand
At ABC Upfitters, solar energy isn't just about installing panels and walking away; it's about making sure you understand every aspect of your system. They believe that when it comes to adopting new technology, knowledge is power. That's why they go beyond just offering quality, high-functioning solar solutions—they're committed to breaking down the complexities of solar energy, so you can feel confident in your investment.
The Mastervolt system is comprised of fully organic components that ensure seamless integration and optimal functionality from day one. This holistic design means that all parts of the system were specifically designed to work together alleviating the compatibility issues that can arise when attempting to connect various components from different manufacturers. Moreover, Mastervolt’s system isn't just fully integrated; it’s also designed with the future in mind. With remote accessibility, technical support is just a click away if the need should arise.
Whether you're new to solar or looking to upgrade your existing setup, ABC Upfitters ensures that you understand your system inside and out, empowering you to make informed decisions and enjoy the benefits of solar energy without any of the guesswork.
What are you waiting for?
ABC Upfitters is more than just an integrator; they’re your partner in adventure. By combining industry-leading technology, exceptional customer service, and a deep understanding of your unique needs, ABC Upfitters empowers you to explore without limits. Whether you’re embarking on a new journey or enhancing your current setup, ABC Upfitters ensures that your solar power system is not only reliable and efficient but also easy to understand and use. So, answer the call of the open road with confidence, knowing that ABC Upfitters has you covered every step of the way.
