Forum Discussion

bitster98's avatar
bitster98
Explorer
Jun 24, 2017

Solar ideas

Hello , it's been a while I usually post in the class a forum , but now I got me another tc. Still got my executive however , reason for going with another tc , I am into gold prospecting here in Nm. And I needed something I can get off road & dry camp in. Bought a 91 six - pac camper very basic unit. Fridge sink and bed. No bathroom just basic slide in tc. Light 1200 pounds using it on my 2001 dodge 2500 4x4. Truck really doesn't know it's back there , ol cummins just purrs. Plenty of truck , camper is in good shape for its age usual stuff , rebuilt entry door and some interior rot , nothing major. I have so far done the following mods. Replaced 12 gallon water tank with 21 gallon tank , installed outside shower , installed water pump for shower and sink. No water heater , might do one down the road. Going to go the porta potty route. One thing I can't seem to decide on is this. How many watts of solar do I need ? I plan on installing a turbokool evaporative cooler , 4.5 amps on high , 10 hours a day , water pump 4.0 amps , maybe 30 minutes a day , small 12 volt tv. Unknown amperage at this time. My goal is to camp without having to live off a generator or idle the truck to recharge one 850 cca battery. I'm trying to keep this basic & within a low budget , any advice would be appreciated, Joe.
Truck Campers
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Jun 25, 2017
    Someone makes a frame mount battery carrier, seen them on e-trailer.com. Maybe it's Torklift, not sure.
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Jun 25, 2017
    SidecarFlip wrote:
    Someone makes a frame mount battery carrier, seen them on e-trailer.com. Maybe it's Torklift, not sure.


    It is Torklift, it's called hidden power.
  • bighatnohorse's avatar
    bighatnohorse
    Explorer II
    Jun 26, 2017
    Your evap cooler running at 4.5 amps would require about 54 watts.
    Throw in a few other things and a cloudy day or two and you'll find yourself hard pressed with 100 watt of solar.

    Many TC owners here (Including myself) have used the 200 watt Renogy solar kit.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BCRG22A/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza
    It will probably be your best bang for the buck and keep your battery charged.
    However, others have given good advice about adding additional battery power. You might try getting by with 200 watts solar power and a single dinky battery - and it might work - but that battery will be working mighty hard most of the time.

    Batteries work best in pairs - so keep in mind that you would be best to get two new batteries and Craigslist the single old battery.

    The Renogy kit does NOT come with a shut off switch or fuses. So by time you add the cost of incidentals to the solar kit and the batteries, you might be looking at $600. plus your labor.

    But you will have accomplished your power requirement goals.
  • bitster98's avatar
    bitster98
    Explorer
    Jun 26, 2017
    I'm gona do the setup recommend by good2roll. 2-120 watt panels = 240 watts. I'm going to remove the rear bench seat of the truck and build a platform for carrying gear I might incorporate a battery box there. I really appreciate all the input I have gotten from everyone. Btw when I figure out how to post pics on this forum I will post pics of my solution for entry / exit to the camper. Not folding stairs , had them on my last tc a lance. Joe.

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