Small solar charger system...

Wow you mean somebody did a study on this? Sorry just funning ya. Not looking to have a argument here only trying to help the ones who are unsure about a DC system. Put a Trimetric 2025 or 2025 RV on your system it will tell you if the batteries are in shape or just surviving. Just look at the average system a lot of people don't know and just install from the instructions. From what I have observed very few systems are using large enough wire for getting the volts that are available from the panels to the charge controller and then to the batteries. The equipment is installed to far apart and the wires to light to get the batteries full. Figure your wire losses and voltage drop Bigger is better when choosing wires. It will be a real eye opener. Keep it short and as close to the batteries as possible. Really the only monitor you need to install in the coach area is the Trimetic meter and keep that away from a heated area (Fridge)if you can. Put everything else as close to the batteries as possible but out of the gasses from the batteries, don't want that corrosive stuff on the electronics. One more thing cheaper charge controllers are not getting high enough voltage to the batteries to TOP them off, that means you will replace your batteries more often and get less out of your system. Keeping everything as close as possible will help with that. 400 watts of panels and 4 Six volt batteries are plenty for the average boondocker some want more some less. Always fuse protect your systems. My money comes the hard way and I want the most bang for my buck. Just trying to help here. Don't kill the messenger. Have a great Day! One more thing use a Hydrometer for checking the specific gravity of the cells and a chart will tell you the health of your batteries.

I find this link pretty much says it all with the exception of balanced wiring for battery banks. It is a tiny bit dated. http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm#The%20Golden%20Rules

Hi barntt,

Please support your statement. Which study shows this to be true?

barntt wrote:
97% of the solar systems are under wired

tplife wrote:
12V AGM batteries will provide you with more Ah in a smaller space without the many drawbacks of lead-acid batteries. Rock My RV recently showed their solar/power setup using a pair of Group 24 Optima AGM Batteries like the one we use for a "house battery", sans panels...

Might need to review the Ah specs on that Optima vs wet cell battery.
Most AGM are actually about 10% less Ah rated and Optima is 1/3 less.

12V AGM batteries will provide you with more Ah in a smaller space without the many drawbacks of lead-acid batteries. Rock My RV recently showed their solar/power setup using a pair of Group 24 Optima AGM Batteries like the one we use for a "house battery", sans panels...

This fellow never uses a generator or charger other then his panels. And has been boondocking for ten years with out running out of power. Just use enough wire in the proper size to do the job. Get the batteries 100% charged by noon everyday and enjoy your camping trip! 97% of the solar systems are under wired and the batteries are not taken care of properly. Have FUN

http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/

CincyGus wrote:

oakmandan wrote:
I am interested in using a basic solar panel with my camper to charge one or two 12V batteries. I would want to be able to run the water pump, a light or two and a 12V fan. Any suggestions of how to and what equipment I would need ?

Thanks, Dan

Dan, you don't say how long you usually stay out camping or what size battery (Batteries) you have but you may be able to just upgrade your battery bank and get where you need to go.

My camper came with a cheap, no name group 24 battery. I could go a couple days on that running water for dishes, 3 quick navy showers a day (one Each for DW, DD and I), listening to a little radio (3-4 hours) and running a vent fan at night to draw air into the windows and a couple lights for 2-3 hours a night.

Once I switched to led bulbs for the lights, I could go an extra day.
Once I switched to a group 29 battery, I could go 4-5 days using everything conservatively.

My point is, look at upgrading your battery to a larger size, or multiples (2-3 batteries) or going all in and going 4-6 volt batteries if you want an extended stay. Switching to LED's is worth the investment if you dry camp a lot. If that is going to give you enough power for your longest trip, buying 4 6v's for $400-$500 might be the better option than spending the same amount on solar. As conservative as your needs are, something to think about.

Great advice

oakmandan wrote:
I am interested in using a basic solar panel with my camper to charge one or two 12V batteries. I would want to be able to run the water pump, a light or two and a 12V fan. Any suggestions of how to and what equipment I would need ?

Thanks, Dan

Dan, you don't say how long you usually stay out camping or what size battery (Batteries) you have but you may be able to just upgrade your battery bank and get where you need to go.

My camper came with a cheap, no name group 24 battery. I could go a couple days on that running water for dishes, 3 quick navy showers a day (one Each for DW, DD and I), listening to a little radio (3-4 hours) and running a vent fan at night to draw air into the windows and a couple lights for 2-3 hours a night.

Once I switched to led bulbs for the lights, I could go an extra day.
Once I switched to a group 29 battery, I could go 4-5 days using everything conservatively.

My point is, look at upgrading your battery to a larger size, or multiples (2-3 batteries) or going all in and going 4-6 volt batteries if you want an extended stay. Switching to LED's is worth the investment if you dry camp a lot. If that is going to give you enough power for your longest trip, buying 4 6v's for $400-$500 might be the better option than spending the same amount on solar. As conservative as your needs are, something to think about.

I stay out up to 4/5 days @ a time. I only have a 45w panel to keep them topped off while stored. Saves trouble charging them with a charger or shore power charging. Mine will charge on overcast days and I've been really happy with ir. Been dry camping for 15 yrs and have never ran my 2 12v batts down.

For a three day weekend camper, or Fri-Sat night, even an 80% discharge will yield a decent battery life. 200 cycles would be four years of weekends; and that is camping EVERY weekend.

At that point, aren't batteries simply expendables?

HTH;
John