Hello I'm a new member and new to my 2005 17ft. Hi Lo . I am wanting to put on a solar panel to mainly keep my batteries charged when it is not in use .I would like to have some info on what I need to buy and where to buy from .I am also wondering if I hook it to the batteries what happens when I plug camper the tow will my batteries still be charging from solar panel ?
PopRichie77
Senior Member
You need a 20 to 30 watt solar panel, this will provide a trickle charge, you also need a solar panel regulator to go with the panel, so as not to over charge the battery. I have a switch on my 100 watt panel but you can leave it turned on when plugged into shore power or towing, the regulator blocks reverse current to the panel.
PopRichie77
Senior Member
My 2209T came from the factory wired for a solar panel and it also had a regulator, I bought the panel on ebay, it had a 20 year warrant but the seller and the company disappeared, I can't recommend a place. Do an internet search, or go to your local RV dealer.
garyk52
Senior Member
1sportster,
check out Harbor Freight, a lot of times they have their 45 watt solar panel kit on sale or you might find a 20% off coupon online.
check out Harbor Freight, a lot of times they have their 45 watt solar panel kit on sale or you might find a 20% off coupon online.
I've gotten by with an 18W panel and charger- though it doesn't quite ever get them all the way topped off. Mine was a gift from a friend and it was marketed by Coleman. Check amazon, they also have different deals that are pretty "plug and play". However,a 30 -40 w would certainly be better. I leave mine as a "portable" so when camping I can move it around the site, especially when camped in some shade. It will help keep things topped off during the day.
rick
rick
RCREYES
Senior Member
You could also go with a trickle charger/battery tender that you plug in and don't have to worry about overcharging your battery. Available at plenty of places but here are a couple of links.
Search - battery tender - Camping World
Automatic Battery Charger - 12V
Search - battery tender - Camping World
Automatic Battery Charger - 12V
I am using two 150 watt solar panels, with mptt solar controller, and two 80amh, AGM batteries. Charges like crazy. I used a 30 amp breaker to control any overload. The solar controller protects against overcharge, as well as back feed at night. I also ran welding cable #4 with quick connects from my truck charge controller to the front battery. My truck is set up with two batteries with an isolator, and with 80 amp breakers on both the truck and trailer ends. I run with the fridge on, and no dead batteries.
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