Question about solar panels

Thanks for all the information!

I definitely plan to get a battery, more so now since the emergency brake function is pretty important.

Another thing that I wish I put in the original question is that I'm aware an inverter is needed to convert the dc power from the panels to ac. Do the travel trailer wires that connect to the battery have their own inverter or something? And where would I install that? I'd imagine that I'd have to fiddle with the wiring inside as leaving an inverter outside sounds like a bad idea to me

Yes, you hook the solar either through a controller (prevent over-charging) or direct to batteries (usually small solar panels for trickle charge keeping your battery charge top. off).

Yes you hook to the battery on the tongue. If you're talking a little panel that sits on the dashboard to keep the battery up on a parked car then yes go straight to the battery.

If you are using a more powerful panel then you need to go from the panel to a charge controller and then to the battery.

Since you are referring to a trailer you should always have a fully charged battery on the tongue. This is to operate the brakes through the emergency breakaway switch if the trailer ever separates from the tow vehicle while traveling.

Yes you can hook up additional batteries. But make sure they are hooked correctly. If 12v batteries you hook in parallel. If 6 volt batteries you hook in series for two and series parallel for more than 2.

You pretty much need a battery to use solar. Yes you can have multiple batteries to have more reserve capacity. Yes connecting solar to the battery on the tongue is perfect. Plenty put four batteries on the tongue and charge with solar.

If your trailer has electric brakes you need a battery for the break-away switch

Does your trailer NEED a battery to activate the brakes in case your TV separates from trailer? SERIOUS safety issue!

I'm not sure how you can operate a trailer without its battery. And if it's dead, it's going to have to be replaced.

You don't hook solar panels directly to batteries, you need a controller. Yes, you can hook more batteries "in a series", but just make sure you end up with 12v.