200w solar system.....Lead acid OR AGM batteries?

If you are virtually always in transit or plugged in the solar has little value.

I would put the solar on the one that tends to get used off-grid and probably has the most generator hours.

For storage in the sun with no utility power I agree with 100 watts for each would be better.

For serious off grid keep open a path to go 400 watts.

On one of these two nearly identical RVs, there is a trickle solar charger already mounted on the roof. I'm guessing it is probably ~20w. It does seem to keep the batteries topped off when it sits in storage for a week or two. I feel good about that (....I hate when batteries go dead!).

At this time, I feel like I only need a modest 200w solar system on ONE of these two RVs. That way, if I know I'm going to be boondocking I'll just take the RV with the solar. From what I've read, an "average" couple boondocking might use ~30-40AH worth of battery a day (...I guess assuming you don't need a lot of heat at night). Also from what I've read, it seems like a 200w system will on average add about 60AH back to the batteries per day. So it seems like first pass 200w will probably be fine for my needs. The RVs also have a 4000w generator if I ever needed it.

To my main question...Sounds like the consensus is that there is no real difference if I put the solar system with the regular Lead Acid batteries or the AGM lead acid batteries.

The AGM batteries are more expensive and (correct me if I am wrong) a little more robust than the regular Lead Acid batteries. I think what I'll do it put the AGM batteries with the RV that has the trickle charger, and I'll put the 200w solar system with the regular Lead Acid batteries.

Thanks!
Chris

I have been using AGM batteries for 8 years, maybe more
I much prefer AGM batteries over flooded batteries
And I had over 600w of solar on our previous RV

That said in your case the batteries make no difference in the decision

If this is for maintaining the batteries while the RVs are stored, put 1 panel on each RV
If this is for use while camping
Put 200w on each RV

corvettekent wrote:
Since both are lead acid batteries the solar should not make any difference.

My experience is the flooded acid will last longer than AGM as long as you maintain the flooded acid batteries. I check mine 3 or 4 times a year.

I would add, flooded lead acid should be checked more often if they are heavily discharged or charged.

Is the idea to do charging during storage? If so, I'd put 100 watts on each RV.

If the objective is to nearly eliminate generator use, then do an energy audit and get enough panel wattage to meet your needs.

It is good to have some solar, and yes, the batteries will love you back by lasting longer.

Most "kits" are a bit overpriced.

Since both are lead acid batteries the solar should not make any difference.

My experience is the flooded acid will last longer than AGM as long as you maintain the flooded acid batteries. I check mine 3 or 4 times a year.

AGM batteries are lead acid, it's just that the acid is Absorbed into a Glass Mat so it can not spill. (AGM)

It makes no difference what the batteries are. The question is how much power are you using in the RV and will the solar system replenish it?

Solar watts necessary are determined by battery amp hours...1 to 1. More if you camp in shady places. Nothing simple about WindyNation vs. any other manufacturer. My system works great. Put the solar system on the RV you use most. Get an MPPT controller and use big wire as suggested by the WindyNation wire chart.