Forum Discussion

Dan_Diego's avatar
Dan_Diego
Explorer
May 21, 2020

Want to add solar battery charger for storage use

I want to add solar battery maintainer to my attitude toy hauler. I intend to hang solar panel in a trailer window, running cables to the battery. The panel would only be connected when in storage. I am currently using two GC2 6 volt batteries connected in series. I would be grateful for any advice or hardware recommendations.
Toy Haulers
  • RickLight's avatar
    RickLight
    Explorer III
    May 23, 2020
    Last winter I used a 5W panel for 300AH of lead acid. It also powered 2 ultrasonic rodent deterrents. We aren't a major winter sun zone.

    You don't need to spend mega bucks!
  • garym114's avatar
    garym114
    Explorer II
    May 22, 2020
    Save your money, charge the batteries fully and disconnect the ground battery cable. Batteries will not lose their charge.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 22, 2020
    But I say “go appropriate” based on an energy survey of what you use (amp hours) or what you would like to use. Throwing money (solar watts) at a problem (need more power) isn’t the answer.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 21, 2020
    Putting the panel in a window may reduce the power output a LOT.

    Far better to permanently mount on the roof.

    For 2 golf cart batteries I'd recommend 140 watts (or more).
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    May 21, 2020
    Yep...go big, as dedmiston says. 100-200watts will keep you happy when you're out there in Glamis or Borrego.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 21, 2020
    For those who check their batteries and can recharge in some way, yes, 2oldman. For the majority of RV owners you’d be lucky if they check anything at any time until it doesn’t work or blows out.
  • dedmiston's avatar
    dedmiston
    Moderator
    May 21, 2020
    Hi Dan - Have you considered going full steam with your solar? We added 700W of panels to our roof a little over a year ago and it was one of the best upgrades we ever did. We hardly run our generator anymore.

    If you plan to keep your hauler for a long time, it's a great investment and a HUGE convenience.

    (4 x 6v batteries)
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    May 21, 2020
    What is the wattage of the panel? Generally you're better off to disconnect a battery cable and check monthly.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 21, 2020
    I use a 30 watt panel and $22 weatherproof controller from WindyNation. The panel is roof mounted, however, on top of my RV cover.

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