Forum Discussion

coachellacanuck's avatar
coachellacanuck
Explorer
Aug 06, 2020

Portable solar installation has me stumped

My little vintage Kustom Koach (affectionately named Gertie) serves as my studio. The previous owner gutted it and fitted it out as basically a bedroom on wheels. I, in turn, took out the bed platform and added bookcases and an IKEA table for sewing, and a desk for computer workspace.

The electrical system plugs into the seasonal campground power box, and I also plug it into our larger TT, using an adapter to plug into an external outlet. A distribution box inside Gertie runs power to several outlets on the four walls. There is no battery.

That’s the rub. I have a 100W portable solar panel kit that includes an 8.5A charge controller, voltage tester, 8 ft (2.4 m) extension cable, battery clamps and stand.

Now, I know I need a battery and I have identified a good deal on a 12v deep cycle battery.

What I am sure of is how do I get power from the battery into the trailer? As I said, as of now, there is no battery connected to the trailer’s electrical system.

Could someone help me with my continuing education in all things solar? TIA
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Aug 06, 2020
    Hi fellow Kustom Koach owner,

    Where are the breakers? (i.e. power distribution center) Is there still a converter (mine is under the bed)?

    My OEM battery bank was just behind the driver's side door. There was room for 3 deep cycle group 29 jars.
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Aug 06, 2020
    Do you still have 12V lights vs 120V lights. If so then you have a converter or charger sowewhere that runs the lights. Let me back up - Do you have lights? You just never know on a gutted RV.

    Basic wiring: Charger 12V output to battery and the 12V lights etc are on this same circuit or branch circuits.

    Solar panel to solar controller. Solar controller to the battery.

    Plus CBs, fuses, disconnects, correct sized wiring and secured.

    It might be best to get someone there to help understand and how to proceed.

    What would greatly concern me is the 120V wiring. Is it original and connected properly and in good condition? Have you plugged in a $5 household tester to determine it's wired correctly? Is the frame grounded? Have you plugged into a GFI with the shore cord to make sure there are no ground faults? Is the frame connected to the 120V ground? 120V can be very dangerous and must be wired correctly.

    Safety first.
  • valhalla360's avatar
    valhalla360
    Navigator
    Aug 06, 2020
    What are you trying to accomplish with the solar system?

    If you are already connected to the grid and it's providing the power you need, there really is no purpose to adding solar in most cases.
  • pianotuna's avatar
    pianotuna
    Nomad III
    Aug 06, 2020
    valhalla360 wrote:
    What are you trying to accomplish with the solar system?

    If you are already connected to the grid and it's providing the power you need, there really is no purpose to adding solar in most cases.


    Perhaps trying to lower the bill for power?
  • coachellacanuck's avatar
    coachellacanuck
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2020
    pianotuna wrote:


    Where are the breakers? (i.e. power distribution center) Is there still a converter (mine is under the bed)?

    My OEM battery bank was just behind the driver's side door. There was room for 3 deep cycle group 29 jars.


    There is a small breaker box. Don’t know what a converter is but there is nothing in the trailer except the breaker box and 4 outlets, one on each wall.

    There is very little OEM in this wee little girl!
  • coachellacanuck's avatar
    coachellacanuck
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2020
    pianotuna wrote:
    valhalla360 wrote:
    What are you trying to accomplish with the solar system?

    If you are already connected to the grid and it's providing the power you need, there really is no purpose to adding solar in most cases.


    Perhaps trying to lower the bill for power?


    To connect the KK to the larger trailer, I string the power cord across the campsite and with an adapter I plug into an exterior outlet near the front door. It’s a tripping hazard.

    I want her to be self sufficient. So I guess it’s more a case of want versus need. I want it.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    Aug 06, 2020
    For whatever this is worth, we connect our portable solar panel directly to the battery with alligator clips on the battery terminals. The controller is mounted on the underside of the panel. The cable runs from the controller to the battery.

    When it is time to move to a new campsite, we unhook the alligator clips, wind up the cable, and fold the panel.
  • coachellacanuck's avatar
    coachellacanuck
    Explorer
    Aug 06, 2020
    So, 12v deep cycle marine battery has been procured. Stopped in at the local RV dealer and spoke with someone in the service department. He had no clue as to how to bring power from the solar setup into the trailer. It shouldn’t be this hard, should it?
  • coachellacanuck's avatar
    coachellacanuck
    Explorer
    Aug 07, 2020
    profdant139 wrote:
    For whatever this is worth, we connect our portable solar panel directly to the battery with alligator clips on the battery terminals. The controller is mounted on the underside of the panel. The cable runs from the controller to the battery.

    When it is time to move to a new campsite, we unhook the alligator clips, wind up the cable, and fold the panel.


    And your battery is wired into the trailer, right? That’s the problem. No battery wired into the trailer anymore.

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