New Member from Pensacola, FL

There is a wealth of information in the Tech Forum. Because this subject isn't limited to travel trailers, you are likely to find much more info there. The installation and components would be pretty much identical no matter the RV flavor.

I guess I did not use the correct words in my beginning posts. I understand that I can not run the A/C on solar power. What I want to do to start off with is to set up an initial solar system prior to obtaining any Generators. For the next 1-2 years I will be camping in FHU campgrounds and I'm not concerned with obtaining Generators and would like to invest in a solar set up and add to it as time goes by.

I would like to have a total of 600 watts of panels (not all at once) prior to the next 2 years. I would invest in the two Honda EU2000I Generators just prior to going full time. I just don't see a need for them in the next two years because I do not intend on doing any boondocking.

I was looking for advise on Solar panels 12V, 24V?, controller: Morningstar MPPT 45 or 60?, battery type (I do not have a lot of storage space)still trying to figure out where I'm going to put the batteries needed. The tongue of the trailer will only hold two 12V batteries.

I have 26 lightbulbs that I need to change to LED, I bought 12 and have 14 more to buy. They are expensive to replace at one time. I have some plastic 55 gallon drums with locking lids for extra water and looking at buying a black water tote.

I need to weld a heavy duty bumper on the back of the trailer because the factory bumper would not even hold two bicycles because it is so cheaply made.

Handye9: Thank you for your service Master Chief. I also retired from the Navy after 21 years service (1978-1999)SKCM(SW)USN RET.

Doylespencer1 wrote:
I would like to add solar versus buying a Honda or Yamaha Generator. I would have to buy 2 Honda EU2000I's to run the A/C and would rather spend that amount of money on buying an initial solar set-up.

Does anyone have any experience or recommendation in setting up a solar system for this size trailer? If so, do you have any recommendations for a budget of $3,000.00 or less?

I would appreciate all answers or replies since I am not a high tech type of person. Thank you in advance for any comments or replies.

First steps in adding a solar system are determining your actual power needs (you won't have AC, microwave, and possibly television), determine location and length of possible boodocking, and increasing power storage capability (batteries). Changing your light bulbs to LED will save considerable power.

In boodocking situation, your best bet for cooling, is open windows and maybe, a 12 volt fan.

PenMan wrote:
I'll be interested in this also. I didn't think it was possible to add enough solar on a TT to be able to run the A/C. That's why I got two Hondas.

It's possible, but, not realistic. You would need a battery bank that would take up your master bed room. You would need to upgrade your axles and tow vehicle to handle all that extra weight. You would need to cover the entire roof, with panels (that may not be enough). You would need 24/7 sunshine. You would need an inverter that puts out 3500 - 4000 watts (one of these cost near 600.00) . The cost of two honda's would be nothing compared to all the panels and batteries.

Check this out:

1,560 v/a (per hour)

139 amp hours unreachable level of efficiency

End of day 8 hours?

139X8 = 1,112 theoretical amp hours

Battery discharge limit 50% means a 2,224 amp hour battery bank

(20) golf cart batteries

And this is just theory. Now comes inverter losses, and the rest of reality.

Here is a good resource and section:

Boondocking Resources

Boondocking and Dry Camping Forum section

Markiemark

Welcome aboard and let the adventures begin!

We have the little Kodiak, 200QB and been enjoying the heck out of it.

We have dry camped (boondocked), a weekend. Tricks, depend on the weather, and your actiivities. Meaning, you learn to conserve water, and units already set to run off battery & gas with the basics, lights, refridge, water pump, heat......what you don't have is Microwave, TV, and AC (which may or may not be issue). We purchased, battery powered fans to keep air circulating, worked off the battery & gas (propane).

Believe many upgrade to a dual battery setup with solar recharging systems, if long period time spent without hook-ups. Don't believe and really don't know, if there are reasonable solor power systems, to power the higher power things in a RV (A/C, Microwave, TV's). Do some searching, there have been posts on Solor options.

I had the opportunity to go the dual Honda generators route (at a discount) and now use them when at locations without hook-ups (when appropriate). Hard to beat that setup to run a unit!

Make sure to use the trailer as much as possible in the first year, to identify and work out any issues, while you have a Mfg Warranty! Learn as much as possile about your unit, and get out there have fun!

Wealth of knowledge here on this site!

Later,
Markiemark

Solar is nice to have, but a generator insures power on demand. I've boondocked mostly in the east in National and State forests where trees are a common fare, unlike arid land out west. My priorities would be to buy the generator(s) first and then add the solar. It's up to you.

You are correct, a solar system will not run the A/C. I do not intend to boondock for another year or two therefore I would be using CG hookups for the A/C until we decide to go full time RVing. Until then I would like to set up the trailer with a solar system and then when we decide to go full time buy the Generators required to run the A/C.

Thank you for your response.

I'll be interested in this also. I didn't think it was possible to add enough solar on a TT to be able to run the A/C. That's why I got two Hondas.