Adding extra batteries - where do I put them?

way2roll wrote:

pianotuna wrote:
way2roll,

400 to 600 watts of solar will run everything except for the roof air conditioner. Your battery bank will love you.

Clearly I have more homework to do. I have no idea how many watts the current solar panel is. And I have no idea how difficult it would be to add another panel - if I should even bother.

I agree, My theory is always go with as much panel as you can aford as they are dirt cheep right now. I couldnt find your model details on line but does it not have a propane option for the fridge, I am assuming not. so is it a residentual or a 12v danforth style?

I have four good 6V batteries in the 5th wheel right now, and 480 watts of solar. this is just enough for me to go indefinatly in the summer, but I dont think it would be enough solar for a 12V fridge. I would be looking at putting as close to 1000 watts of solar as you can get and a few deicent batteries. it may sound daunting but solar panels are dirt cheep now. up here in the lad of the frozen I can get a 400 watt panel for about 240.00 and I know there a heck of a lot cheeper in the US. also I recal you mentioned space to put batteries was an isue (the reason for this thread) if you decide you like boondocking and some of the more remote areas and your not camping in freezing conditions I would seriously recomend looking at LFP battries as an option. at 1/3 the size and 1/4 the weight (for the same usable AH) and the ability to put them anywhere that is another option even if you can't upgrade the solar. if you size a LFP bank properly so you could camp for a week with out charging then any solar is just a bonus. now this could be pricy and the best way to get the real small foot prints is to buy the prismatic cells and put them togeather your self, but it could be done with off the shelf LFP also.

Steve