Hey folks, I am looking at adding a second battery to my travel trailer. My wife and I don't do any boon docking yet, but I want to be able to have additional power should we lose power at one of the State parks or at one of the Membership parks. I am seriously thinking about purchasing a portable solar panel power supply. Go Power and Zamp Solar have a nice portable unit for under $600. I do have a couple of questions. 1. Has anyone added a second battery? If so, did you series or parallel connect it? How did you do the circuit connect? 2. Has anyone added solar to recharge the battery? If so, what brand and how is it working for you? Any and all input will be greatly appreciated. Tom

You should read this before doing anything: 12v side of life.

Why portable? Expensive. Put out, take down at least once per day. More if you leave campsite during day. Secure it how? Where to store when not in use?Roof top is cheaper and works whenever there is light. My WindyNation system works great! Other brands do too.

I bought a vandalized trailer that at one time held one battery.I upgraded to 2 - 6V batteries....with battery boxes and a shut off switch. Gives me 220 amp hours, I boon dock all the time and go 4-5 days no problem.But I camp....I'm not watching TV or microwaving food.

#1nobby wrote:I upgraded to 2 - 6V batteries....with battery boxes and a shut off switch. Gives me 220 amp hours, I boon dock all the time and go 4-5 days no problem.Yep ! 2 6V golf cart batteries are the best bang for the buck.

Second similar 12v battery in parallel is fine for what you are talking about. Get some premade cables at walmart or the local autoparts store is fine.For pro cables you can have them custom made here at a good price: http://www.genuinedealz.com/custom-cables?size=56$600 for solar seems like a lot. Portable you don't need a fancy kit. Panel (or 2), controller and some wire to connect.160w panel $179Morningstar controller $50 > Members Solar Installations With Pics

Adding a second battery | Good Sam Community

time2roll
Nomad
Aug 29, 2017
Second similar 12v battery in parallel is fine for what you are talking about. Get some premade cables at walmart or the local autoparts store is fine.
For pro cables you can have them custom made here at a good price: http://www.genuinedealz.com/custom-cables?size=56

$600 for solar seems like a lot. Portable you don't need a fancy kit. Panel (or 2), controller and some wire to connect.

160w panel $179

Morningstar controller $50

> Members Solar Installations With Pics
theoldwizard1
Explorer II
Aug 29, 2017
#1nobby wrote:
I upgraded to 2 - 6V batteries....with battery boxes and a shut off switch. Gives me 220 amp hours, I boon dock all the time and go 4-5 days no problem.

Yep ! 2 6V golf cart batteries are the best bang for the buck.
_1nobby
Explorer
Aug 29, 2017
I bought a vandalized trailer that at one time held one battery.

I upgraded to 2 - 6V batteries....with battery boxes and a shut off switch. Gives me 220 amp hours, I boon dock all the time and go 4-5 days no problem.

But I camp....I'm not watching TV or microwaving food.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2017
Why portable? Expensive. Put out, take down at least once per day. More if you leave campsite during day. Secure it how? Where to store when not in use?

Roof top is cheaper and works whenever there is light. My WindyNation system works great! Other brands do too.
2oldman
Explorer II
Aug 28, 2017
You should read this before doing anything:

12v side of life.

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Adding a second battery

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