JiminDenver wrote:
So rework the portable to do what you want it to do. Take the controller off of the panels and replace it with a inexpensive but proven controller that can be set to do it. Place that near the batteries with as thick as the terminals can take wire to the battery. To the panels run heavier than the kit had. I've heard of some using heavy duty extension cord or somewhere on here there is a link to a little spool of 10 gauge. It's not UV resistant, then again portables don't see the kind of sunlight a mounted system does.
What I'm trying to say is solar panels are solar panels, it's the controller that allows you to tell it what to do and get whatever maintenance charge you what. At that level the controllers are very inexpensive, I'm sure someone can suggest one.
I am the first person to admit I have a LOT to learn about the care and feeding of my new bank. That said, I have never been fan of leaving a unused battery on a charger for storage. I have always charged my FLA grp 27 3 days before a trip, solar or generator on the trip and three days back on the charger after the trip. Between trips it is disconnected and put on the charger once a month. It's 4 years old and I wish the new ones were so easy.
For a travel trailer, all of the above mentioned is spot on and good protocol for your batteries.
