Solar Kit

SkiSmuggs wrote:
I got the Renogy 100w suitcase last summer, but didn't get any boondocking to test it with, just in my driveway. My plan is to get a Solar30 30amp controller, dismount the 10w ViewStar and mount the Solar30 near the battery bank. Then set up longer panel to controller cables with a branch connector for adding a 100w panel with homemade stand. That will give me 200 watts with more placement flexibility and the controller placed near the battery bank with heavy cable for minimum loss.

That's a good idea to get the 30 amp controller and move it closer to the battery. Plus getting the additional panel. As I mentioned, I may want to expand mine, but space is so limited and there really isn't a place for the controller near the battery without being exposed in the underside of the MH. It was mentioned to me that I could just get another 50 watt panel setup with a cheaper controlller and alligator clip it to the batteries with the suitcase kit. Sure seems like a lot of cables going everywhere. What's your idea on a homemade stand?

I got the Renogy 100w suitcase last summer, but didn't get any boondocking to test it with, just in my driveway. My plan is to get a Solar30 30amp controller, dismount the 10w ViewStar and mount the Solar30 near the battery bank. Then set up longer panel to controller cables with a branch connector for adding a 100w panel with homemade stand. That will give me 200 watts with more placement flexibility and the controller placed near the battery bank with heavy cable for minimum loss.

AllegroD-first come basis as always. NO RESERVATIONS EVER!!! This is just another way to pay once you arrive, pick a site and register. Space is provided for credit card confirmation on the blue envelope.

Wbwood- I have only 2 group 24 Interstate batteries with 85ahr each or 170 amps total. As you can see in the photo, it's a small MH and no room. I have a Xantrex battery monitor and it gives quite a array of readings. I use 0.6amps per hour for Co2 monitor, refrigerator running on propane and what ever else is parasitic.
When we go out and leave the MH parked, I leave it drawing .6 amps. If I turn on water heater and water pump with both in standby, it jumps to 1.2amps. While cooking, I turn on a 4 speed fan to exhaust fumes and odors drawing about 1.2 amps.. We run about 2 or 4 lights at night with LEDs and the draw is low maybe 1.5 amps obj top of the .6 amps. Usually the next morning we are down anywhere from 20-30 amps. If I run the furnace, it draws about 8 amps per hour but only seems to cycle on 15-20 minutes per hour. Our TV 12v with satellite receiver on 120v inverter (50watts) only seems to draw about 3 amps. We are not TV watchers while camping, I can do that at home.
This trip to Rincon was not much of a test as we didn't run much on 12v. The 100 watt Renogy suitcase kit worked great. Real test will be when we go to Death Valley for 3 days dry camping. I think the Renogy Suitcase kit is a good start. Like I mentioned before if I need to I can buy another panel and store it under the dinette with the suitcase. That would give me 150 watts or 2.7 amps x 3 equalling 8.1 amps instead of 5.4 amps which I currently have.

Thanks.

Are you saying you cannot reserve online, only pay? Still first come first served?

DAS26miles...what kind of batteries do you have and how many? What did you run off the batteries and for how long? Did the 100 watt solar suitcase do a good job?

SMKettner-no never gave it a thought about laying them flat. Next trip is to Death Valley and will give definitely be using it and will try it flat for a day. Will record my amp usage and solar output.
Really like this kit so far. Controller is GREAT!

Thanks for the link! I had tried the Rincon state park site, and it said no camping...

DAS26miles, Did you try the panels flat to compare output?

Oh NO! SCVJeff is going to be so mad at me for giving away our spot. It is very difficult to get a spot for a weekend. Many go and get spots early in the week and leave their RV unattended until the weekend. There are about 120+ parallel parking spots 30-40 feet long with Andy Gumps and registration posts every 20 or so site. Rincon Parkway is between Faria and Hobson County campgrounds. Here's the link.
Rincon, Hobson and Faria

Oh boy, am I in trouble now!

DAS26miles wrote:
Yes, it's Rincon. Great view for $29 with the dog and NO hookups or anything else. First come basis. They now have online registration for payment with credit card.

Could you post the website, please?