Solar, worth it in my case?
Hope I am posting in the proper forum. DW and I tend to boondock or stay in parks with no electric. Although we have a generator I am reluctant to use it because of the smell and noise. I have a 2010...
Forum Discussion
Well, when I started camping in a "pull behind tent" back in 2003, I found out quickly that a single "Marine" 12V battery simply sucked. And in a Tent Trailer..it did not have much to do.! Built my own 40W solar panel from single cells and installed it in an old metal picture frame..yea it loooked kinda goofy, but it did work.!! Only putting our about 2-3 Amps in full sun..still I was quite pleased with my creation. and it was a movable unit.
Fast forward to now, we have a 160W poly panel with an MPPT controller. Coupled to a Pair of T-105 Trojans. I also have a Champion 3100i (simply excellent gen set for a simply awesome price - Costco), that I take with me..but so far have not had to rely on it to bring the batts up to full charge..although a couple of times I have been at or slightly below 50%. The next day by mid aft it was up to full charge.
I run LED's where they make sense and standard bulbs where I need better lighting.
I don't think I would ever have a trailer without Solar. Charges when stored at no cost - charges when pulling it at no cost. What's not to like..?
For those that may not be aware..if you go twin batteries, make sure they are both NEW. Simply replacing one (12 or 6V), and hooking to a used battery, you will find that the new one is constantly charging up the older unit and in the end ruin both.
To the OP..go Solar and dont look back.!! and go as large as you are able to depending on roof area. Dont worry too much about shading..you will get that in most places you go.
Cheers,
Stk
Fast forward to now, we have a 160W poly panel with an MPPT controller. Coupled to a Pair of T-105 Trojans. I also have a Champion 3100i (simply excellent gen set for a simply awesome price - Costco), that I take with me..but so far have not had to rely on it to bring the batts up to full charge..although a couple of times I have been at or slightly below 50%. The next day by mid aft it was up to full charge.
I run LED's where they make sense and standard bulbs where I need better lighting.
I don't think I would ever have a trailer without Solar. Charges when stored at no cost - charges when pulling it at no cost. What's not to like..?
For those that may not be aware..if you go twin batteries, make sure they are both NEW. Simply replacing one (12 or 6V), and hooking to a used battery, you will find that the new one is constantly charging up the older unit and in the end ruin both.
To the OP..go Solar and dont look back.!! and go as large as you are able to depending on roof area. Dont worry too much about shading..you will get that in most places you go.
Cheers,
Stk
