I recently retired and purchase a new..er TC.I would like to get it set up for maximum flexibility for charging the TC batteries.I have been studying solar, and understand how it works independently. I think I also understand what I need to do to my vehicle to optimize the charge current I can get from it. I don't really understand how solar would play together with with the vehicle charging and also shore power.I know when the camper is not plugged in the on board charger automatically disconnects, but don't know what happens if I have solar and have the shore power plugged in, or if I have the vehicle running and it is supplying power at the same time solar is.....or maybe all 3 are happening at the same time.:?Is it necessary to have manual switches to isolate the systems, or are they OK if both are connected to the battery at the same time?:hIf I have a solenoid that disconnects the vehicle power when when it isn't running, what happens if I start the vehicle when it is still plugged in to shore power?:hJust trying to figure out how these 3 systems need to be isolated from each other to prevent letting the smoke out of something. It is REALLY hard to put the smoke back in.:)

Can't answer them all but here's what I came up with this past summer experimenting with my new solar. Bogart Engineering SC-2030 solar controller connected to Bogart's Trimetric Battery Monitor.I get 10A to the batteries from the truck with the truck running, solar physically disconnected.I get 6A to the batteries from the solar with the truck off and disconnected.With both solar and the truck running I get 10A to the batteries. Same results with the converter vs solar, except a higher amperage out of the converter. Right or wrong I believe if the SC sees a high enough voltage level it does not provide an output thinking the batteries are charged.No need to switch one source off if another is hooked up. You could, and probably should, have enough disconnects or breakers to be able to isolate the solar for safety's sake. I can isolate the panel from the controller (fuse) and the controller from the batteries (disconnect switch).I have a relay that disconnects the truck batteries from the camper when off. I've started the truck with the camper on city power with no smoke.

I have all three connected all the time. They play together nicely. Whichever has the highest potential at any time bullies it way thru to do the charging. The other two stand aside to wait their turn at bat.

Hi,All my charging sources play together well when I use the OEM converter.Be sure to get a temperature compensated charge controller for the solar.

CHeck out MELLO MIKE's approach to using solar with his WOLF CREEK Truck Camper...Just search for MELLO MIKE WOLFCREEK on google...Roy Ken

Only thing I do is turn off the breaker for the converter if parked at home on shore power. Solar keeps the batteries up to full charge.When driving the regulators will do there jobs ,either solar or alternator.

TC Battery Charging Solar, Shore Power, Vehicle?

Bob__B
Explorer
Nov 20, 2014
With the price of panels coming down, I plan to put on more panel capacity than I think I need......or set it up to be easily expandable.......gonna try to get some solar put on there this winter.
Thanks for the details of your system.
bedrocker
Explorer
Nov 20, 2014
I got mine at wholesale solar they sell kits :)
wintersun
Explorer II
Nov 20, 2014
The truck camper is already configured to have the battery charging from the truck alternator and shore power. Usually it is one or the other, driving or plugged in at a campsite or at home.

With solar the panels connect to a charge controller which is connected to the battery. It is providing power when the truck engine is off and when not connected to 120v AC shore power.

Amsolar is an excellent source for components and kits and technical information. Simplest to provide roughly 100 Watts solar for every 100 Ah or battery you have. The charge controller is the limiting factor in terms of how much current it can handle at different voltage levels. Start with the controller selection first and then the panels. I found it easy to download the manuals for all the charge controllers I was considering to get their tech specs and limitations.

The battery capacity is the single most important factor and I would not buy a new camper that was not designed to have two batteries straight from the factory.
tony_lee
Explorer
Nov 21, 2014
While you are doing all of this, you could consider installing a bi-directional split charge relay - Blue Seas make one - so your solar system can keep the engine battery charged up when the rig is sitting idle.
pianotuna
Nomad III
Nov 21, 2014
Hi,

A lower cost way than the "bird" to keep the chassis battery in pretty good shape is a Trik-L-Start, or an Amp-L-Start.

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TC Battery Charging Solar, Shore Power, Vehicle?

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