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_DJ_1's avatar
_DJ_1
Explorer II
Aug 04, 2016

Really happy with my Suitcase solar!!

I don't have the camper loaded yet. Soon, can't stand it anymore. Been so busy repairing 2 bathrooms in the stick house from a leak while out camping over the 4th. Anyway, with 100 watts permanently mounted to the TC roof wasn't enough to run the compressor fridge (got a bad fridge). It is a bright sunny day today. Turned on the fridge and the volts started out at 12.58, and dropping slowly. Laid out the suitcase flat on the roof (100 watts) and hooked it up. About a half hour later the fridge has cooled from 80 to 55 and the volts are reading 13,83!! The suitcase controller was reading 3.5 amps. The fridge takes 4-4.5 but never shuts off due to a warped door.

My suitcase is a Renogy from Amazon. Wish I had done this sooner!!!

19 Replies

  • I guess I spoke too soon!! Just checked it as the sun is going down. No solar and battery is back down to 12.50. Never make it thru the night so I'll still have to turn the fridge off at night. At least it will keep it running when the sun shines without running the jenny as I usually do. I hate that fridge!!!

    Steve ~ got it at Amazon for $280, has it's own controller and alligator clips.

    Dave ~ of course you can borrow it anytime you want unless it's out in the boontoolies somewhere. Let me know!!!
  • I really like my Renolgy Suitcase
    Solar charger too,It fills my needs to top off the batteries when dry camping and being portable I can move it where I need it when camping under trees or at the beach.

    I modified mine and took off the alligator clips and hard wired it with a 20 Ft extension that has MC4 connectors for ease of use and placement.
  • We carry a 2x50w suitcase, even though we have 300w on the roof. Sometimes it really comes in handy.
  • whazoo wrote:
    Yeah DJ, what Steve said. And when can I borrow it?!

    Isn't it about time to change your profile, Dave, to show Idaho instead of Arizona? Or are you moving back to Paradise - , I mean Phoenix?
  • Yep, have one myself to supplement what's on our TT roof as well. Since it is easily movable in direction and tilt I can maximize output throughout the day. By comparison our roof-mounted panels provide max output at best a few hours daily. It has been through all kinds of weather without issue although controller isn't water-proof. I'm impressed with Renogy quality thus far.

    One example of it's durability is we had this portable solar suitcase sitting on top of our truck bed's metal tonneau cover and went for a hike. Apparently when we were gone a gust of wind tossed panel about a dozen feet landing face down. From a far I thought it was toast, thankfully no harm done and after cleaning panel faces it was delivering rated amperage to our battery bank.
  • Hi DJ - nice fix. How much was the suitcase solar?

    It has its own controller built in?

    And how does it connect to your electrics - crocodile clips?

    Steve.