Jayco Solar on the Side??

[JJVDAV98]

I have a 2017 Jay Flight 29RLDS with one Group 24 battery. I am looking to upgrade to two Group 31 AGM batteries in the future.
Will the Solar on the Side system be able to charge those batteries or would it be better to go to a more conventional solar charging set-up??
We don’t boondock much but would like some flexibility other than always running a generator, which we have.
Would love to hear all thoughts, opinions, ideas and options...

Thanks and be safe out there...

[GHen]

You will get lots of suggestions on this topic.
My preference was to put 3 panels up on the roof and just get what I get. Solar on the side takes up room in your rv or truck, then you have to set it up, move it around then take it down to repack. My sons blew over in a wind gust and broke the glass.
I have 300 watts on the roof with brackets to adjust angle, but seldom need to. Unless I’m in deep shade, the batteries get charged up just laying flat on the roof. Never mess with them, gives me more camping time and they keep working while the rig is driving down the road or not being used or in storage, unless I get snow on them...

[GHen]

Here is some math for you.
If your group 31 batteries are 125amphour, you will have 2, so total amps is 250. But you should never use more than 50%, that gives you 125 amphours. Every 100 watts of solar will give you around 5 amps per hour. SO, if your batteries were down to 50%, one panel will take 25 hours (of full sun)to charge your batteries back up.
Will solar charge your batteries, YES, but how long depends on your solar setup.

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by JJVDAV98

Will the Solar on the Side system be able to charge those batteries or would it be better to go to a more conventional solar charging set-up??

I had to google that.
Looks like it's just wiring?

Do they install a Charge Controller?
How thick (gauge) are the wires?
What's their max amperage?

[redsnapper]

The "solar on the side" accepts a standard SAE plug from a "suitcase" style solar panel setup.
This is wired so that the suitcase panel charges the batteries.

A "suitcase" style is portable and can be moved around according to the angle of the sun.
With the plus of not having to punch holes in the roof to attach a panel and being able to position that suitcase in the sun, while the roof might be in the shade.

[JJVDAV98]

Thanks GHen for the info...
I think the Solar of the Side is just wiring to trickle charge the battery as it says max is 20 watts...
Probably only works directly with no add’l equipment for the single battery I have...
I know the bigger units (Eagles, Pinnacles, etc) come with 2 batteries and the Solar on the Side. I wonder what the max watts is on them???

[JJVDAV98]

Hey Red Snapper!!!
Have you used the system?? How does it work for you??

[redsnapper]

[QUOTE=JJVDAV98;845139]Hey Red Snapper!!!
Have you used the system?? How does it work for you??[/QUOTE

So far it works as expected.

That is to keep 2 6v batts charged up.
Those batts run a 1000W inverter, which runs a 110v TV and assorted table top items.........laptop, fan and a Sirius boombox radio.

It's a Go-Power brand and their customer service has been stellar....

[pconroy]

Originally Posted by JJVDAV98

Thanks GHen for the info...
I think the Solar of the Side is just wiring to trickle charge the battery as it says max is 20 watts...

Twenty watts is 20 better than 0.
But a single $80 panel puts out 100.


I have no idea, but wouldn't be surprised if that means everything in the path is small. Wire gauge, charge controller, etc.


I've got one 100 watt panel on the top, and started with a simple PWM SCC. I upgraded recently to a better MPPT SCC and will add a second 100 watt panel in a few days.

[JJVDAV98]

Thanks Pconroy!!!
We love the trailer but just want to make it more versatile for any situation...
We love camping in general and want to explore all the options if you know what i mean...

Thanks again and be safe..

[GHen]

Originally Posted by JJVDAV98

Thanks GHen for the info...
I think the Solar of the Side is just wiring to trickle charge the battery as it says max is 20 watts...
Probably only works directly with no add’l equipment for the single battery I have...
I know the bigger units (Eagles, Pinnacles, etc) come with 2 batteries and the Solar on the Side. I wonder what the max watts is on them???

I’m pretty sure you meant 20 amps, not watts. If so, then it could handle two 100 watt panels which would be normal for a low end system.