Forum Discussion
Golden_HVAC
May 26, 2014Explorer
Hi,
I also have a 1997 Bounder with that same type of solar panel. Don't worry about it, probably either 10 or 15 watts, will do little to enhance your charging system. It barely makes enough power to run the CO meter and propane leak detectors.
I would suggest that you just leave the whole RV plugged in, and not plug in the battery tender at all.
The CO and propane detectors together consume about 0.8 amps per hour, and can discharge a fully charged 220 amp hour battery bank in about 6 days without anything else running. The battery tender typically only put out about 1 amp per hour, almost as much load as the two detectors will consume, leaving little margin to keep the battery full.
If you can not plug in your RV all year long, then consider a 120 watt solar panel. This will make about 35 AH daily, and keep up with the demands of the RV, except while camping when you might be using up to 100 AH daily.
SunElec.com
Fred.
I also have a 1997 Bounder with that same type of solar panel. Don't worry about it, probably either 10 or 15 watts, will do little to enhance your charging system. It barely makes enough power to run the CO meter and propane leak detectors.
I would suggest that you just leave the whole RV plugged in, and not plug in the battery tender at all.
The CO and propane detectors together consume about 0.8 amps per hour, and can discharge a fully charged 220 amp hour battery bank in about 6 days without anything else running. The battery tender typically only put out about 1 amp per hour, almost as much load as the two detectors will consume, leaving little margin to keep the battery full.
If you can not plug in your RV all year long, then consider a 120 watt solar panel. This will make about 35 AH daily, and keep up with the demands of the RV, except while camping when you might be using up to 100 AH daily.
SunElec.com
Fred.
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