Which battery for small travel trailer
My wife and I have a FR Palonini 132FD. 16' LOA. We use it for two three-week trips every fall and spring - and occasional camping in between. We tow it with a Toyota Tacoma, and have a 100W sol...
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OMG that's really great and detailed advice - and a lot to think about - At some point I have to take what I can from the incoming advice and make my choice.
So far:
a) From all of the above information is leading to installing a Victron Dc to DC charger for charging while towing.
b) Upgrade my solar panels to 400W and upgrade the controller to suit.
c) Considering KEEPING the Ampere time 200Ah (I now see it's good value at $760 compared
to Dakota, for example.) My only unanswered questions about those is...problems in freezing weather. I live in Jackson, Wyoming and travel to 8,000 - 9,000 every fall and spring when temps can get seriously below freezing. (I already took all the water systems out and it has no toilet.) If the answers to that persuade me to return it. Then I'll look at your specific battery recommendations above.
d) Here's a question about the Victron DC to DC charger installation. (I'll also copy this to those in the forum who suggested it.) All I can find on You Tube for installation is concerning motorhomes. I have Tacoma towing a TT - so the wiring has to be very different because of the Vehicle-to-trailer coupling. Who has suggestions about how to wire up this gizmo - like running the wires through the truck.
e) Continuance of above...there is ZERO room in this camper - even for that charger and I don't want to drill holes in the camper shell or floor to bring it inside anyway. Can I mount it to the tow frame / chassis of the TT? Is it waterproof? It would be ideal for ease of access.
Overall, the expenditure is going to be considerable relative to the value of the camper ($8,000)- but it's all easy enough to move over to the next slightly larger camper from when we're not quite so adventurous - (I'm 65)
I think that's all for now - what am I forgetting?
So far:
a) From all of the above information is leading to installing a Victron Dc to DC charger for charging while towing.
b) Upgrade my solar panels to 400W and upgrade the controller to suit.
c) Considering KEEPING the Ampere time 200Ah (I now see it's good value at $760 compared
to Dakota, for example.) My only unanswered questions about those is...problems in freezing weather. I live in Jackson, Wyoming and travel to 8,000 - 9,000 every fall and spring when temps can get seriously below freezing. (I already took all the water systems out and it has no toilet.) If the answers to that persuade me to return it. Then I'll look at your specific battery recommendations above.
d) Here's a question about the Victron DC to DC charger installation. (I'll also copy this to those in the forum who suggested it.) All I can find on You Tube for installation is concerning motorhomes. I have Tacoma towing a TT - so the wiring has to be very different because of the Vehicle-to-trailer coupling. Who has suggestions about how to wire up this gizmo - like running the wires through the truck.
e) Continuance of above...there is ZERO room in this camper - even for that charger and I don't want to drill holes in the camper shell or floor to bring it inside anyway. Can I mount it to the tow frame / chassis of the TT? Is it waterproof? It would be ideal for ease of access.
Overall, the expenditure is going to be considerable relative to the value of the camper ($8,000)- but it's all easy enough to move over to the next slightly larger camper from when we're not quite so adventurous - (I'm 65)
I think that's all for now - what am I forgetting?
