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er78mph's avatar
er78mph
Explorer
Dec 16, 2016

Renogy 200 Watts 12 Volts Monocrystalline Solar Bundle Kit

Hello and thank you all in advance!

I've been going back and forth ever since I bought our 27ft TT over a year ago. I thought I was going to purchase a 2000 watt generator to recharge the batteries (2x 6V) but lately I've been leaning towards solar. I've gone dry camping for a couple days at a time with just the batteries and have been good but want to stay for additional days. My energy use is pretty low(sorry no actual audit). The 200 Renogy solar set I found on Amazon seems to maybe fit my needs. My other dilemma is that I will be moving my TT from a to a storage facility that does not have access to shore power. So how do I charge the batteries? I looked at the battery tenders but the good ones are expensive. I was thinking for the price of the Renogy panels, I would give them a chance. I am basically wrestling with a set up that will keep my batteries charged at the storage facility. I live in SoCal so there is plenty of sun. I worry that when I make a trip to Yellowstone there wont be sufficient sun to power the batteries. I will greatly enjoy everyone's 2 cents! Thanks again!
  • I bought that kit to get started as I was totally green and it was easy to get started. The controller is nothing special so you'll probably upgrade it like I did. It worked quite well as a learning experience but I'll warn you this solar stuff can be addicting.

    I certainly wouldn't consider myself learned on solar but I have now upgraded to a different controller and added a third panel on the roof and also a portable panel for when I park in the shade.
  • Make sure the charge controller in the bundle has adjustable voltage set points and a temperature sensor on the battery bank.
  • After the upfront costs of a solar system, it's all FREE juice to keep the batteries up.
    Whereas a generator is always thirsty, heavy and can irritate your neighbors.

    Not getting a solar system for the trailer could be one of the biggest mistakes you're camping life could make.
  • er78mph wrote:
    .. I will be moving my TT from a to a storage facility that does not have access to shore power. So how do I charge the batteries?
    I'll assume it's covered storage or you would use solar.

    Charge your batteries before storage, then disconnect. They should hold charge for a good long time (depending on what kind of batteries and their age)