BFL13 wrote:
I am using the 20a version of this Tracer (no remote needed) However I have also used an ordinary PWM and got about the same amps to the battery. My cables to the outside panel are mostly long (25 ft) #2 AWG cu-al jumper cables clamp to clamp, with some #8 mixed in at either end. Very little line loss with those and easy to deploy and stow. You need something lumpy on the ends of the #8 to clamp to, such as battery post connectors.
The 20 amp Tracer limits itself to 260w input, so if you plan to expand your array you need to go higher. It will work with two 120s just right. A 120 aimed gets you 7.6a Isc so two is 15.2a with PWM. About the same with MPPT--under 20a anyway.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313.TR2.TRC0.A0.H0.XTracer+solar+controller.TRS0&_nkw=Tracer+solar+controller&_sacat=0
have you considered going to anderson connectors? makes daisy chaining cables easy peasy and connecting to the trailer easy peasy as well. anderson on the tongue to the controller, anderson on cables and a short anderson to mp4 connector to the panels.
easy to plug and unplug.
and your experience with PWM vs MPPT is similar to mine. PWM doesn't suffer much. However, to me the advantage of MPPT is most of them have way more options and setting to control the bulk, float, and equalizing voltages so I can set mine to exactly what Trojan recomends. as well as control on time etc. that many PWM controllers don't offer.
