Solar hookup

[Phil2008]

Has anyone used the solar hookup on trailer? What size solar panel do you use?

[BCK]

Not yet but will this spring. I tried out my parents 100W panel this summer and it kept the battery charged no problem while dry camping. We only used the fridge, water heater, lights and bathroom fan so not heavy usage by any means but enough.

I kept an eye on the sales and got the same panel and charge controller at 70% off a couple months ago. It is currently sitting on the front bed waiting to be installed.

[Mustang65]

As we always ask before jumping in with all kinds of suggestions.... "What is it you want to accomplish with going SOLAR"?

- Dry camping? How long do you anticipate the outings will be? Weekend? Week? Weeks?
- Only over night travel stop overs (parking lot overnight with-out power)?
- Just to keep your batteries topped off?
- What type of fridge do you have? Gas/Electric? Residential?
- Do you know how much power you will need from your SOLAR panels? The best way to figure out how much is to calculate the watts needed by item Tv, Central heating system, Microwave, coffee pot, and how long they run when you need them (minutes or hours in a 24 hour period).
- The existing SOLAR prewire leaves a lot to be desired (Amp wise)
- Can you do the installation yourself... or with the help of others?

I am sure that the others will add to my questions.... time to get your pencil and calculator out (ok Excel will also work)

For a lot of information regarding SOLAR, batteries, wiring check out our RVing with SOLAR social group. You will find a lot of interesting reading there.

Don

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by Phil2008

Has anyone used the solar hookup on trailer? What size solar panel do you use?

I'm currently using Zamp 160W portable suitcase. Current batteries are 2-Group 24, not ideal for dry camping but until I can swap out to 2 - 6 Volt it works.

Keeps the batteries nice and charged w/out needing the generators and doesn't over charge. Having the extension cable was very handy to enable movement of the panels thru the day "if" needed.

Good luck on your choice