I looking at getting a 100 to 130 W suitcase solar panel top off dual 12v batteries while dry camping and have some questions:1. do you connect to the 7-pin trailer cable or attach wires directly to battery with SAE or other terminals?2. if attaching directly to the battery, do you just connect to one battery or both?3. get one with a 10 Amp voltage controller or go with 20 Amp?4. looking at Renogy, what is the difference between the regular Monocrystalline or Eclipse?Thanks!

I have one, it has a built in controller. You connect to the battery via some battery jumper cable clamps except smaller versions. If you have 2X6V then connect across both. For multiple 12V I'm not sure. It does work. As for monocrystalline I've been told there is little effective difference between those and the amorphous type. But I'm no expert.

“Top off” meaning you will charge your batteries in another way to almost full? Then rely on the suitcase? Why not do it right for full solar recharging almost every day with a properly sized roof mounted solar system? Are you ready for...set up every morning when you go outside? My roof mounted panels are already working. Watch for theft and move around as sun rises. Going out for lunch? Put panels away to prevent theft. Come back from lunch/sightseeing...put panels back out. Watch for theft and move as sun sets. Put panels away for night. Repeat tomorrow. NOT fun!

I have a 120 watt one & it works great. I've attached a quick disconnect to the coach battery, under the side entrance, so I do not have to open up tha battery box. I used SAE connectors. I also got an extension cord to help me park in the shade yet put the panel in the sun. It did come with a 10 amp controller which I replaced with a better 20 amp one so I could make adjustements and add another 120 watt portable which I have yet to do.

From what I’ve read, there are two major differences between crystalline and amorphous panels: the crystalline ones are more efficient and longer lived. So 100 watts of the former would be a little smaller panel and we are talking 25 years vs 10 years.

Connect to one battery that are usually wired in parallel. I have 2 panels that are 100w each. I have a 40 amp controller in case we want to go to 400 watts. Having portable panels works well. You can adjust the angle. The problem is that leaving them on the ground when you are not there invites theft. I will probably put them on the roof eventually.

Portable suitcase solar panels | Good Sam Community

2oldman
Explorer II
Feb 29, 2020
ekirkland wrote:
debating between 100 amp and 200 amp.
watt
Boon_Docker
Explorer III
Feb 29, 2020
ekirkland wrote:
Thanks guys! I'm also debating between 100 amp and 200 amp. Mainly used for LCD lights, ceiling fan, furnace, water pump; we dry camp up to 5-6 days at a time before moving on.

I would go with 200 watts then you won't be disappointed.
Boon_Docker
Explorer III
Feb 29, 2020
ekirkland wrote:
Thanks guys! I'm also debating between 100 amp and 200 amp. Mainly used for LCD lights, ceiling fan, furnace, water pump; we dry camp up to 5-6 days at a time before moving on.

I would go with 200 watts, that way you won't be disappointed.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Feb 29, 2020
Between 100 and 200 amps? You mean watts. Install 200 but wire for 400.
Devocamper
Explorer
Feb 29, 2020
Fixed panels are good out in the open but the suitcase setup lets you find the sun if your parked under trees ! Both have benefits .
freetime58
Explorer
Feb 29, 2020
pianotuna wrote:
Striking the panels and setting them up is annoying.

A fixed installation means that the battery bank will be maintained between trips.

Park under trees in the shade for a few days and those fixed panels will let you down! I love the flexibility of my Renogy suitcase, 100 amp seems plenty to keep two group 31 AGM batteries topped up.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Feb 29, 2020
You said 100 amp and 200 amp. I think you mean watt not amp

100 amp is about 8 amps peak 4 amps reality 200 2x that and what I'd suggest
pianotuna
Nomad III
Feb 29, 2020
Hi,

I get 7 amps of charging in leafy shade from 256 watts of panels at solar noon.

freetime58 wrote:
pianotuna wrote:
Striking the panels and setting them up is annoying.

A fixed installation means that the battery bank will be maintained between trips.

Park under trees in the shade for a few days and those fixed panels will let you down! I love the flexibility of my Renogy suitcase, 100 amp seems plenty to keep two group 31 AGM batteries topped up.
RickLight
Explorer III
Mar 01, 2020
Mine is an Accu Power 120W, flexible and light weight!

It came with a 10A cheapy charger which I mounted in my forward compartment with my batteries. All the wiring is set to simply plug in the 3 fold panel.

Note that large panels can be quite awkward to handle. I've also added a steel cable along my wires to lock the panels to the trailer. It can be cut, but should slow most thieves.

We may add fixed panels later and have some of each type.
Gulfcoast
Explorer
Mar 01, 2020
I'm simply not drilling holes in my roof to install flat panels ever. I may go with a 200-watt folding panel or might have to keep the reliable Champion inverter.