Solar Trickle charger

I use a 30 watt solar panel purchased on Amazon and a twenty dollar WindyNation waterproof controller. Four stage too...bulk, absorption, float and equalization.

I have a Deltran 15 watt charger and it is top of the line. It will keep either the house or the chassis batteries topped off if fully charged when applied. It was very expensive+- $150. If I were to buy mow, I get at least 30 watts. Google Solar battery charges and compare. For $150 I could make one from the wires and battery clips to the controller and a 60 watt panel.

I have no other personal experience, just stuff I've gleaned from the forums.

Well you don't want to go TOO cheap......and you don't want it to be just a 'dumb' trickle charger.

I'd say that 15 watts would about minimum; more if you have a LOT of batteries, and it needs to have a "smart" controller with it.

Note: IF the batteries are healthy and fully charged going in, leaving them sit unattended for 90 days or so should NOT be a problem.....IF they are completely disconnected.

D.E.Bishop wrote:
I have a Deltran 15 watt charger and it is top of the line. It will keep either the house or the chassis batteries topped off if fully charged when applied. It was very expensive+- $150. If I were to buy mow, I get at least 30 watts. Google Solar battery charges and compare. For $150 I could make one from the wires and battery clips to the controller and a 60 watt panel.

I have no other personal experience, just stuff I've gleaned from the forums.

Thanks a lot. All I want is a trickle charger. Once I get it to the house I can charge them for a couple of days if needed. I just done’t want the battery to go bad while not in use

Battery Tender is a good brand that works great as it will charge then step down to float level. Sorry I just realized you were looking for solar power.

Ava wrote:
Battery Tender is a good brand that works great as it will charge then step down to float level. Sorry I just realized you were looking for solar power.

Thanks a lot
Would you know how much an extension cable would effect it?

Here is a good unit by Eco-Worthy at a good price.

There is not a big draw with these chargers so a reasonable size cord would be fine. Any extension cord that is about 50ft should have at least 16 ga. wire.

Ava wrote:
There is not a big draw with these chargers so a reasonable size cord would be fine. Any extension cord that is about 50ft should have at least 16 ga. wire.

Thanks
I am looking at about 15 feet

Battery Tender makes a good one, but mine came from Harbor Freight. It works for me every day.