Forum Discussion

thcguy12's avatar
thcguy12
Explorer
May 15, 2015

Is this BATTERY okay for my situation?

So I posted this elsewhere but they sent me to the TT section because you might have different answers.

I have a DEEP CYCLE MARINE BATTERY (I know a deep cycle would be better but it was a gift). I have a 120W solar panel hooked to the battery to re-charge it.

My travel trailer is at my mountain land with NO HOOKUPS ever. It never comes down to town. It stays there year round.

We use the water pump sparingly (dishes). We use the lights at night. We use the heater at night sparingly (not very cold in summer).

We camp about two days a month.

We DO NOT use the bathroom, fridge, freezer, tv, A/C, microwave.

-----

Do you think this battery and solar can handle what we are doing? I really don't want to ever bring it down to charge it.
  • Davisfamily8182's avatar
    Davisfamily8182
    Explorer
    May 16, 2015
    Filled our camper with these from superbright. We live in it full time and love them.

    https://www.superbrightleds.com/moreinfo/boat-miniature-wedge-bulbs/921-led-bulb-9-led-disc-type-wedge-base-led-bulb/2028/4630/
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    May 16, 2015
    Hi,

    120 watts of solar will return the battery to full state of charge between your infrequent visits.
  • thcguy12's avatar
    thcguy12
    Explorer
    May 15, 2015
    Yeah it doesn't say AH's anywhere - thought that was weird too.
  • scrubjaysnest's avatar
    scrubjaysnest
    Explorer
    May 15, 2015
    thcguy12 wrote:
    ..........................snip....................
    BATTERY TYPE:
    Marine Batteries 12V Deep Cycle Marine/RV Battery, Gp 27 - 575 CCA/715 MCA, 200 Min @ 23amps

    This is a cranking battery. It may be a hybrid in which case it will state AH's some where. If it is the typical hybrid marine battery your panel will be fine to charge the battery if it gets 3 to 4 hours of full sun.
  • thcguy12's avatar
    thcguy12
    Explorer
    May 15, 2015
    I can't find any LED bulbs. Went to three auto stores, home depot, lowes, and walmart. Nothing. I wish.

    The camper has a battery meter on it along with the water pumps so that tells me how full it is right?

    BATTERY TYPE:
    Marine Batteries 12V Deep Cycle Marine/RV Battery, Gp 27 - 575 CCA/715 MCA, 200 Min @ 23amps
  • dan-nickie's avatar
    dan-nickie
    Explorer
    May 15, 2015
    Now was't that easy :)
    It did help that you also explained your setup also.
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    May 15, 2015
    Yes, change the lighting to LED bulbs to save 80% on your lighting. If you want to get more technical, the size of your battery would be referenced. I'd also visit Harbor Freight to get a cheap hand held meter since you don't have any way to know how much charge is in the battery.

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