Based on this "lesson learned" and after some thinking, I have decided to revert to what I had a couple years ago for the 5er in summer for the rest of this year, and dump the three 100s for that job.
I am back to the single 255 panel in the tilting twirling ground mounted contraption as before, which was fine for enough AH a day. I have put the three 100s on the truck camper instead of the 255w single.
I can get the "value" of the 300 over the 255 (by "over-panelling" but with the three lying flat) that way more likely in the scenarios with the TC where and when it goes. The 255 is easier to handle physically as a portable when setting up/breaking down for use with the 5er. It is also a lot easier to haul the three 100s up top on the TC one at a time than that heavy 255. ( I have them in a sort of tray up there so I can take them down when parked at home in winter when tree branches might fall on the panels)
As I have stated before, contrary to those who say you can never have too much solar, I have found that I can have too much. We only need so much a day, and when I have taken along more solar for a more complicated set-up, all it does is get me "done" somewhat earlier in the day, but to no advantage really.
It would be different for a full- timer on solar all year, but not for me with the 5er using solar only in the summer. We can be 12v pigs with the big inverter and microwave. toaster, kettle, used like crazy, and have no problems at all in the summer with about 230 watts in the tilted twirler. No need for more watts.
I screwed up getting a second, higher intake voltage MPPT controller just so I could get the "benefit" of going series with the three 100s. Waste of money. Oh well, same money as a tank of gas for the truck, and did learn something, so not hurting too badly.
Maybe somebody can save a dollar or two by reading how I screwed up, who knows? Anyway, it should be of interest to the usual suspects. :)
