solar boost

If you had to run it daily, you probably dont have much battery or you have a battery problem. What type of battery do you have? How old is it? What size is it? Do you have led lights? Is she able to handle a couple 20 to 40 pound panels and connect the wiring?

Was the converter charging at 14.4+ volts? You do have 2+ batteries, yes?

Hi,

What sort of RV is it? How many amp-hours of battery bank?

I was in the same boat. Getting tired of running the genny and everything else that goes with it. So about three weeks ago I set up my solar system. The last two trips out we were out for four nights and never ran the genny. It was a great feeling.

I honestly don't have an exact $ amount on what I spent on the parts but think it was around $600.00 . I installed everything myself. It took a full day with some breaks because of the high temps. That said I have had my 128 flex panel for abiut one year and have spent many sleepless night figuring out ever step of the install before game day.

There is a great video on YouTube that was made by a member on this form. I believe the YouTube channel is R.V.ing with tito. Or search for "flexable solar panels rv" and it should pull up.
Super helpful video and lots of tip. Although definitely do your own research. It wasn't till I started my install that it all started to make sense. I knew I had the right parts but it was how they really worked is what came together for me.

So to sum up what I did....
128 uniflex solar panel (I have sense purchased another that I will install next cloudy day)
30 ' of recommend cable
mppt controller with a wired remote that is mounted next to other switches
15' of red 8 braided wire
15' of black 8 braided wire
several feet of flex conduit
several feet of 3/4 pvc
One elb exterior junction box
several tubes of dicor roof sealant

Amazon is a great resource for most of the materials needed.

brocun wrote:
I did a weekend of boon docking and found that daily I had to run the genny. I am interested in a simple solar panel set up, portable enough that my wife can set it up, to boost the battery and alleviate the need for genny use.

I just bought one of these to supplement my still non-existent rooftop solar panels. Actually I fib, the trailer does have a very generous 20w panel (useless) on the roof. In the future I want to add some of the flex panels to the roof. Right now this is really what I got and it does a good job keeping the batteries topped off. Keep in mind though I don't really use a lot of power during the day except for the radio. I also do not have an inverter ... yet.

By the way - you can't get any simpler than this. The solar controller is mounted to the panel. All you need to do is attach the cable to the battery and then set what kind of battery you have on the controller. Thats it - when you need to pull the solar kit out all you need to do is unfold it and then hook the connectors together.

Go Power 120W portable solar setup

I found out about this setup from this couple full timing. They make some pretty good vids as well.

Gone with the Wynns - portable solar setup

I'm with you on not running gen. just bought Zamp 200 watt portable set up. installed 2nd group 31 batt. 600 watt inverter to run my Cpap at night. Led bulbs throughout camper going to Glacier National Park for 12 days no power inside park!! will let you know how it works out.

http://www.solardealz.com/Zamp-Solar-200-Watt-Portable-Solar-p/zs-200p.htm
http://www.m4products.com/1156-24-5050-cw-1141-cool-white-5050-smd-light-bulb-with-round-base/
http://www.m4products.com/1156-hp-5wcree-cw-cool-white-skinny-cree-reading-lamp-bright-5w-ba15s-base/

thank you for the speedy responses. I truly appreciate it.

I have a 120W portable kit that is almost identical to the Go Power kit shown in a previous post, but the cost was just under $200 from Solar Blvd.

The portable kit works very well, it's easy to handle and it can be stored practically anywhere. Not only do I use the panels for dry camping, I keep the portable kit connected to the TT batteries while in storage to keep the batteries fully charged.

I highly recommend the kit from Solar Blvd. You can't go wrong with the price.

Brocun

I had a 185 watt panel that was on a portable stand. I ran a 50 foot cord from it to a controller and then into the batteries. I would move the panel a couple of times a day to keep it pointed at the sun. With 2 group 31 batteries I was able to dry camp for 10 days at a time without using the generator. I did have LED lights and was careful with electrical usage, but I also ran a CPAP at night. It can be done!

Good luck
Bill

Fishbreath, was your unit home made or is there a brand name associated to it?