phar0e
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Re: Solar question - 12v versus 24v
In terms of run length, I have #10 wire from the panels to the controller, about 12 feet or so. From the controller to the batteries I have #2 wire about 3 feet or so. As far as AMPS go I haven't had much chance to test yet. My highest output of AMPS so far is 11.4. I had to turn on everything on the trailer I could (including putting the fridge on electric, via my inverter) to get the solar to work that hard.272Views0likes0CommentsSolar question - 12v versus 24v
I recently installed a Renogy solar system. I have 2 100w mono panels. I added a Tracer 20AMP MPPT solar controller. I also have 2 100AH AGM 12V batteries. I currently have the panels connected in parallel supping 12v to the controller. Would there be an advantage to connecting them in series and netting 24v (presuming the controller will still output 12v to the batteries)? Thanks!1.5KViews0likes10CommentsRe: Install solar on a hybrid trailer
Hi We installed solar on our Jayfeather 23J Hybrid this spring. All in all a successful project. We used Renogy panels (2 mono 100w panels). I picked up a MPPT Tracer 20amp charge controller (possibly overkill, but works great). We mounted the panels using renogy hardware; mounted them near the front right corner of the roof. The biggest challenge was with batteries. I could not easily put a second battery on the trailer tongue. We ended up putting the 2 batteries (new 100 AH AGM's) in a compartment near the front. Got the charge controller and a inverter placed in the same compartment. I did put a couple of cut-off switches for the panels and the batteries in there as well. Anyway our trips and tests so far have been working our well. You can do definitely do solar on a hybrid.365Views0likes0CommentsRe: Payload discrepancy
We have a 2011 Titan crew cab 4wd. The yellow sticker in the drivers door jam tells me my payload rating is 1433 lbs. I have always taken payload to include all passengers, tongue weight, WD hitch and other luggage in the truck. Needless to say we have to manage payload carefully.249Views0likes0CommentsRe: Are You A GeoCacher?
My wife and I have been geocaching for about 5 years. We go by the handle Phar0e on geocaching.com. We now use the official iPhone app exclusively. It's handy for submitting finds quickly. We love that geocaching takes us to places we would have never seen otherwise.408Views0likes0CommentsRe: Towing with a Pathfinder
I am towing a Jayco 23J with my 6 cylinder 2011 pathfinder. I use a decent weight dist. Hitch and sway bars. I keep the trailer weight (fully loaded) at 4900 lbs. the trailer handles surprising well in terms of sway. Took a 2500 mile trip over 2 weeks last summer and was pleased by the handling. Power is a different story. Basically kept my speed at 50 mph. We travelled to the Black Hills of SD and with elevations over 5000 feet, there are some decent climbs. Speed dropped to 35-40 in second gear on a couple of the longer climbs. RPM about 3500-4000 during same climbs.. Duration of those climbs was about 10 minutes but felt longer. As long as I took my time it was fine, just can't be In a hurry. Something to watch is tongue weight. I'm really pushing the limit on that. I used air bags in the rear suspension of the Pathy to firm up the rear end. I also have the transmission cooler which helps. All in all it's manageable, but I do not believe I could safely tow in the Rockies without cooking the trany. Hope this info is useful. Phil936Views0likes0Comments
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Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Mar 01, 202544,026 Posts
