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Re: Solar Panels- Another Step Toward Independence
RLS7201 wrote: Titles-titles, every bodies got titles....... My solar panel lifts controller switch is in the same compartment as my charge controller. It makes no difference where I'm at, as long as the panels are pointing south, I get about 40% increase in energy, according to the display on my MPPT controller, when I tilt my panels to the correct angle. Richard Then you haven't done the math correctly. If the only time you have an increase of 40% is when they are tilted up (assuming you are always parked in the right direction), then it's only a 40% increase X amount of the time they are up. If it's 50% of the time, then it's only a 20% total increase. I'm not arguing that you should get rid of them. If it works for you, thats awesome. I'm arguing someone who is building a system, should add panels with that money, if they have roof space. It's simply best practice in the industry. If you want to piss on my education, fine. But, the simple fact is your math just isn't right and the strategy you used isn't a good one for most new installs.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Solar Panels- Another Step Toward Independence
I have dove the math many times (I’m a NABCEP certified installer), for both residential installs and RV, water pumping, etc. Calcs on an RV are very difficult to really be accurate with, since you are always in a different place and always positioned at a different azimuth. 40% might work out on paper for perfect conditions IF you always had your RV parked in the same place, at the right orientation and IF you actually tilted the panels every time you could. In reality the gain is much less than than 40%. There’s a good reason nobody uses trackers and tilt adjustments anymore in residential and commercial installs. It just makes more economic sense, if you have the space, to add more panel to make up for the losses of a less than ideal tilt (or azimuth). By all means if you don’t have the space, tilt and azimuth adjustments are about all you can do.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Solar Panels- Another Step Toward Independence
Tilt lifts can be helpful if you don’t have anymore space on your roof. If you have the space, just take the money you would spend on the lift and buy another panel or two. One more panel will make up for what you lose having them flat. Plus, you never have to get up there and adjust them. That’s the strategy residential installs use now that panels have done down so much in price.1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Solar Panels- Another Step Toward Independence
I think you are doing more harm than good, with your tilt setup. The brackets on the long edges are partially covering the cells on all 4 panels. This is very likely significantly reducing your output. (some panels perform better than others if they have bypass diodes but it's still significant). See this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-Np7kvmj1s1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Weak Brakes
dodge guy wrote: My 07 had a similar problem. My issue ended up being weak magnets in the brake assemblies! I replaced those and the braking was unbelievable!!!! Between the truck and trailer it would stop very well. Just something else to check. How did you determine that? Or did you just swap out the part and found it worked?212Views0likes0CommentsRe: Weak Brakes
BarabooBob wrote: First adjust the brakes. If that does not give you the braking that you think you should get, look at the wires that are used on the trailer brakes and see what gauge wire was used. I have seen some pretty wimpy wires on some trailers. Thanks. Not sure why adjusting them didn't occur to me...guess I assumed since it was new. Will start with that. When inspecting, I thought those wired looked pretty light.212Views0likes0CommentsWeak Brakes
I have a 2020 No Boundaries travel trailer with a Lippert torsion axle w/ 15" wheels. The brakes are pretty weak even with the camper empty. I've towed numerous campers so I understand how the brakes should feel. I have my controller maxed out and on max boost. I just gave a quick visual inspection and there are no obvious issues. How do I figure out what is going on? Some sort of voltage test? I bought the camper used, so it's not a thing for the dealer.4.5KViews0likes22CommentsQAV Wi-Fi Booster - Anyone use one?
On our new Forest River travel trailer there is a sticker on the window that says "This camper is prepped to upgrade to wi-fi." It says to go www.qavaftermarket.com for more info. The website doesn't give very good or very clear information. This antenna box is mounted up on top of the camper. So i'm guessing the antenna box is empty and they want $239 for the guts to make it functional. My question is...has anyone done this? If so, how well does it work? There are many wi-fi boosters out there and many with lots of reviews. This thing has almost no presence on the web other than their own website. Kind weird.4.2KViews0likes11CommentsPower Jack Repair or Replace
I folded over the lower jack tube on my Atwood power jack while moving my travel trailer around with my skid loader tonight. Are these lower tubes replaceable or do I just buy a whole new jack? The model number on the front is Atwood Heavy Duty 86065, but not much comes up in searches for parts.1.3KViews0likes4Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Jan 13, 202544,029 Posts
