**UPDATE**
This afternoon at 3:00 PM (Pacific Time) I unplugged the solar panel from the cigarette lighter socket (very important step) and started the engine. This is the first time the engine has been started since I plugged in the solar panel. I stood on the ground outside the cab and turn the key in the ignition. It started in less than 5 seconds, with no hesitation at all. I will run the engine for about an hour - to get it hot enough to cook any water/condensation out of it.
Recap: before I plugged on the solar panel on Aug 20, 2015 I charged the chassis battery with a really good (read "old") Sears charger. Only after the chassis battery was fully charged did I plug in the solar panel. The intent was that the panel would generate enough power to negate the parasitic draw from any active systems in the chassis (clock in the radio, onboard computer, etc). I've opened a cab door to access items - probably 2 dozen times since plugging in the panel.
Conclusion: It appears to me that the solar panel is doing everything I want from it. All that I can say is that it seems to be working for me. YMMV
