Small Solar - Inexpensive
I have a small (20 ft) TT and plan on doing some boondocking with it in Colorado this summer. The TT came with a small deep cycle battery for lights and pump. I'd like to be able to recharge it ...
Forum Discussion
What SMK and pianotuna said. How much are you prepared to spend? How heavy energy user are you? Does your fridge draw 12V in propane mode (most of them do, but some don't)? Can you live for a week without a microwave and things like popcorn, toaster and 120V coffee-maker?
20ft trailer should have enough roof for 200-300W total wattage comprised of 2 or 3 panels wired in parallel. I suggest you max it up because even 300W won't be too much. Panels under 160W(or so) are 12V nominal, and you can use cheaper PWM controller with them. Panels over 160W are 24V nominal, meaning you must buy more expensive MPPT controller. With or without a solar, - for a weeklong boondocking you will likely have to add a second deep-cycle battery.
Flat-mounted 100W panel is a very minimalistic setup even in sunny Colorado AND in spring-like temps, when you don't need a furnace and don't make your fridge work too hard. To give an idea - it will cover your fridge draw, plus a few fans and lights and a small CD/radio/laptop. No microwave, no furnace, no any 120V kitchen gadgets.
And, - there is no such thing as quite generator. On a calm day you will hear it few hundred yards away, even if it's rated "quiet". Running your truck for 2-3 hours every day is going to be worse, though. If you plan on frequent boondocking, just spend $300-400 on a small solar.
20ft trailer should have enough roof for 200-300W total wattage comprised of 2 or 3 panels wired in parallel. I suggest you max it up because even 300W won't be too much. Panels under 160W(or so) are 12V nominal, and you can use cheaper PWM controller with them. Panels over 160W are 24V nominal, meaning you must buy more expensive MPPT controller. With or without a solar, - for a weeklong boondocking you will likely have to add a second deep-cycle battery.
Flat-mounted 100W panel is a very minimalistic setup even in sunny Colorado AND in spring-like temps, when you don't need a furnace and don't make your fridge work too hard. To give an idea - it will cover your fridge draw, plus a few fans and lights and a small CD/radio/laptop. No microwave, no furnace, no any 120V kitchen gadgets.
And, - there is no such thing as quite generator. On a calm day you will hear it few hundred yards away, even if it's rated "quiet". Running your truck for 2-3 hours every day is going to be worse, though. If you plan on frequent boondocking, just spend $300-400 on a small solar.
