So many great posts -- thanks!!!
A few thoughts -- first, here is a link to Housted's great Power Point:
Solar 101Second, it sounds like I will have to replace my old WFCO converter/charger, right? That's probably a good idea, anyway, given that WFCO units don't have a great reputation.
Third, it is true that most of my charging is from my solar panel (120 watts). Most of our snow camping tends to be in Utah and the Sierra, so we usually get lots of sun. But assuming that I go with lithium batteries, I will want to make sure that the software in the battery prevents charging when it is below 32 degrees.
Fourth, someone mentioned that most folks have their batteries in warm environments. Right now, I don't -- my lead acid units are on the tongue of the trailer, inside waterproof plastic boxes. Very cold!
So I would have to heat the boxes and insulate them. That sounds like a fun project! Maybe put the batteries inside a YETI cooler??
There is no way I can put the batteries inside -- the interior of our trailer measures 11 feet by 7 feet (77 square feet), and that includes the bathroom, the sink, the stove, the fridge, all cabinets, the table and the bed (which are the same thing).
Plus me and my wife. Thank heavens she is both short and slender, because I am neither.
It's sure cozy in there. But I don't even have room for a AAA battery, never mind a LiFePo!! ;)
