solar power for dry camping & cpap machine
***Link Removed******Link Removed***Hello, I recently purchased a 2006 Thor Wanderer 30' travel trailer. I was disappointed that I could only run my cpap machine when the trailer is plugged in. I al...
Forum Discussion
The least amount of expense will be running Cpap's on 12V from the two batteries. The most efficient use of the batteries will be to connect both of them together. You will get more power from two connected than separately. An easy way to do this is to connect an inverter to the batteries and locate it very close, run an extension cord to the inverter, and plug your Cpaps into the extension cord.
IF you wish to not use an extension cord, you can use the shore power cord but this involves access to the inverter, turning off the onboard converter and any other largish 120V power devices.
Two 100W panels, a decent charge controller, and adequate batteries should offer enough power to maintain the inverted power and the Cpap's. You state that you are using other devices like laptops and you will have the typical 12V hotel loads. You should use a calculator and pencil to add up all the power usage before embarking on this project. There are online calculators to help with this. It's important that you choose the right amount and type of batteries, the correct amount of solar to charge them, and the size of any inverter.
Since the Cpap's are medical devices and health is a concern, I'd suggest you carry a generator for those times that solar charging isn't available.
BTW, solar charging "kits" are the most expensive route to getting solar charging. Do your homework and ask questions here. It will save you hundreds of $$.
IF you wish to not use an extension cord, you can use the shore power cord but this involves access to the inverter, turning off the onboard converter and any other largish 120V power devices.
Two 100W panels, a decent charge controller, and adequate batteries should offer enough power to maintain the inverted power and the Cpap's. You state that you are using other devices like laptops and you will have the typical 12V hotel loads. You should use a calculator and pencil to add up all the power usage before embarking on this project. There are online calculators to help with this. It's important that you choose the right amount and type of batteries, the correct amount of solar to charge them, and the size of any inverter.
Since the Cpap's are medical devices and health is a concern, I'd suggest you carry a generator for those times that solar charging isn't available.
BTW, solar charging "kits" are the most expensive route to getting solar charging. Do your homework and ask questions here. It will save you hundreds of $$.
