Solar for the service batteries?

[wcjp]

I have an older slidein camper. It runs off the vehicle batteries. The lights will only be used sparingly. We don't plan to hang out for long periods of time at the camper with the Jeep calling us. Would a small solar battery charger be enough to keep the batteries fresh? Typically we arrive in camp sometime Friday and head home mid Sunday.

 

[klenger]

I have a web page on RV solar at http://www.klenger.net/arctic-fox/solar/index.html



How small of a solar panel are you considering? The really small (inexpensive) ones are good for keeping the batter charged when the camper is not in use, but you need somehing reasonable to replace the juice you are using when camping.



You can do some math by calculating the amp-hours that a given solar panel can generate (derate for non-direct sun) vs the amp-hours you will draw based on what appliances you plan to use.

 

[Matt400]

I have a web page on RV solar at Ken and Janet Lenger

I was looking at that link and you mentioned 2K including all the parts shown at the bottom, generator too!?



Our RV has 2 batteries and all I would like to do is replenish lost power from using lights the evening before and keep batteries fresh when the RV is not in use.

For micro & hair dryer I start the generator. I don't use the TV or A/C unless there are hookups.

Any suggestions?

 

[Bob4x4]

I have an 80 watt solar panel on my trailer with 2 group 24 batts,it is usually good enough for a long week-end even with the wifes use of many lights :-laf



Bob

 

[Matt400]

I think that would be good for the two of us. Speaking of batteries. . Our new 5th wheel came with just one and the Dealer didn't like that idea so added another before we took delivery but I think they should be the exact same, brand name, size and part # if they are going to be wired together don't you?

 

[Bob4x4]

Yes,batt's in parallel should be the same,I would use bigger batt's but the batt box is a tight fit on the tongue and done so nicely I would hate to change it



Bob

 

[Matt400]

Thats what I was thinking too on the batteries.



So just thinking out loud here. . if your home was already set up with solar using one of those "net energy meters" that rolls backwards when usage is low and your RV is parked next to the house-



Would it then not be beneficial to go all out on the RV roof-top and plug into the house too?



This way your RV solar is working for you while not in use and while on the road has better capabilities??

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

Our 5er setup uses much the same setup as yours, for years, we used a simple 2-amp solar panel to supplement the occasionally used Honda 1 KW generator, and that same panel maintained the 5er while stored at home.



We upgraded 2 years ago to a larger 6-amp panel, and a 2 KW Honda - and those easily handle all our power needs. I paid under $300 for the newer solar panel at a local energy fair held here annually - was a good investment I recommend to all who ask about it - most of our RVing is in wilderness, dry camp areas. and this setup works for us for any length stay...