Solar set up for 5th wheel camper

[4K3OGH]

So I've decided I need to get a solar setup for the camper. Looking for opinions, how to's, what not to do etc.

Any advice is appreciated!

[operator john]

Originally Posted by 4K3OGH

So I've decided I need to get a solar setup for the camper. Looking for opinions, how to's, what not to do etc.

Any advice is appreciated!

Check out papsolar.ca
All the information you need and more.

[bridger2010]

Why not buy a generator and be done with it?

[curtz]

I'm running 4 six volt batteries in series with a 160 watt panel, 36ft 5th wheel. Works good for us when we dry camp, mainly lights, water pump and furnace.

[RancheroMan]

First, you need to a good handle on what your energy consumption is, or what you would like to do with power in your 5th wheel, from there it will be easier to make suggestions.

[sako1]

Originally Posted by bridger2010

Why not buy a generator and be done with it?

I could be wrong but solar seems quieter. A lot quieter.

[saddleup]

i have both...mtd on a lq horse trailer, a 4500 watt honda gen. electric start wired in, and 150 watt solar panel on two deep cycle 12 volts. The quiet one gets used the most.

[bridger2010]

Originally Posted by sako1

I could be wrong but solar seems quieter. A lot quieter.

True, but also less reliable. A lot less reliable.

[ETOWNCANUCK]

I bought my portable power from these guys.

https://microcel.com/goal-zero

[sewerrat]

Just this past weekend Canadian Tire had 100 watt solar panels with controller on sale for $179.99.
A few years ago I put one on the roof of my RV and it works great.
I did have to buy the brackets that mount the panel to the roof from amazon.

[sako1]

Originally Posted by bridger2010

True, but also less reliable. A lot less reliable.

My 2 180 watt panels and 4 6 volts have been extremely reliable. I'm not sure how you can even compare reliability?? ..lol.

[ghfalls]

Could a guy build a box with 4 six volt batteries and a n inverter with a couple solar panels to keep it all charged at a lake lot, then use it as shore power to plug your trailer into? Or is that a bad way to do it because the trailer has its own inverter and converter already?

[4K3OGH]

Originally Posted by sewerrat

Just this past weekend Canadian Tire had 100 watt solar panels with controller on sale for $179.99.
A few years ago I put one on the roof of my RV and it works great.
I did have to buy the brackets that mount the panel to the roof from amazon.

We are never inside during the day. Basically looking for something that will keep the batteries charged up enough so that I'm not having to run the gen set so the wife can her lady things before bed and in the morning.

Would the CT package be sufficient?

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by RancheroMan

First, you need to a good handle on what your energy consumption is, or what you would like to do with power in your 5th wheel, from there it will be easier to make suggestions.

This is key - there are several online calculators that can help determine ballpark figures of the amount of wattage you need for your load demands.

For us, we don't run an inverter (we don't use AC when boondocking) so our demands are low (heater, pump and LED lights). Of course, in cooler weather, you have to factor in that the heater blower motor will suck more power, and your solar panel will be less efficient, so your run time will be decreased (or you need to add panels/batteries).

[Albertadiver]

I have a 150watt rooftop mounted panel, and another 140 watt portable panel that I can adjust to find the sunshine. 2 6V trojan deep cycle batteries.

I'm having this guy install a 1500 watt inverter with a transfer switch to power the entire trailer when I'm dry camping. All the outlets will work including TV etc.

http://www.empyreal-solar.com/

[beltburner]

solar wholesalers in Calgary are good.
4 6volts and at least 250 watt panel.
A 100 watt panel would take forever to charge the batteries of that capacity

[nebcfarmer]

Originally Posted by ghfalls

Could a guy build a box with 4 six volt batteries and a n inverter with a couple solar panels to keep it all charged at a lake lot, then use it as shore power to plug your trailer into? Or is that a bad way to do it because the trailer has its own inverter and converter already?

Great idea, only issue I’d be worried about is theft/vandalism.

[Jays toyz]

That is how mine is set up. 3000w inverter hooked with 3/0? Welding cable to the battery bank. My shore power plug is hooked to the inverter and bobs yer uncle. I had to unplug my fridge from its 120v
outlet behind the exterior fridge access panel for some magic pixies to be happy for reasons electricians and magic pixies understand. So the fridge is propane only. I also have to unplug my converter so I am not charging my batteries from my batteries. I use four 100w panels on a stand and four 6v golf cart batteries. More than enough power for my family of 4 to live in it for anything above 0c. Below that the draw from the near constantly running furnace is more then I get back from the panels. I have played PS4 on my 50" tv with son for a whole day. We make toast, run the microwave, leave lights on. Come back from work and it's all charged up to 100% again.

[Moosetalker]

I bought the 100 watt solar panel combo from CT last year reads 5 amp out put in full sun
I dry camp exclusively. I have an onboard Onan 5kw and a Honda 2000I as well. my setup is 2 of the largest 12v deep-cycle's

Summer and early Sept solar panel is good for keeping battery's topped up/recovered without having to run Generator's as long as F/A furnace is not having to be used in inclement weather. I normally use Honda when TV or toaster is needed Microwave and A/C requires big unit Fridge has auto setting for when no 120 reverts to propane.

Later in September and onward till end October when using furnace overnight single panel unless in full sun will not recover battery's to full volt/amperage so end up being on a continuous depletion unless hooked to Generator with a 10 amp battery charger to be fully recovered. Shoreline plug charging rate is 2 amps split between 2 battery also insufficient to recover depleted batterys hence the Charger.