Solar Charger and Battery Help

[Rob Baff]

I own a 2006 Crossroads Zinger. It currently has 1 battery (new). I'm looking into getting a solar charging system for it and am looking for suggestions. Should I add another battery in parallel? Probably should I'm thinking. I have never owned a solar charging system for an RV, but it sure sounds like the way to go if shore power isn't often available.



Thanks,


Robert

[Lloyd]

Originally Posted by Rob Baff

I own a 2006 Crossroads Zinger. It currently has 1 battery (new). I'm looking into getting a solar charging system for it and am looking for suggestions. Should I add another battery in parallel? Probably should I'm thinking. I have never owned a solar charging system for an RV, but it sure sounds like the way to go if shore power isn't often available.



Thanks,


Robert

There are several things you should look at and consider before going with plans.
Yes, you can add another battery in parallel. But, you have to make sure they are both the same type.

I think you will find out that it will take a fair amount of battery and a fair amount of solar before you will benefit very much.
Not knowing what your plans are for camping, it's hard to advise to much.


I have one 135 watt panel and two 6volt deep cycle batteries. It helps, but not as much as I first thought when I installed the system.
You should stop and consider just how much you will need or use the setup. Then sit back and add up just how much power you will consume in that situation. Then you can figure how large a system you will need to do the job. A good solar setup isn't cheap. Maybe a small Honda generator would do the the job for you.

Last, you should do some soul searching and decide if it's really a need, or a want.

[Rob Baff]

Thanks for your reply. It might be a need, but I just don't know for sure yet. I'll be living in the trailer during an out-of-town work project. I am trying to find a place with hook-ups and if I do, I'm going to hold off on a solar charger. I can also charge the battery with my work vehicle, but not for long periods of time. It will automatically send an idle alert to my supervisor. Maybe, if I don't end up with shore power, I'll just rely on my work vehicle to charge the battery. My biggest concern is using the furnace at night and how badly it will drain the battery. Extra blankets might be the answer.
Hoping to find shore power.
Thanks

[Lloyd]

If you're not in a campground where there is electric, a small Honda generator would be cheaper then a solar setup.

As far as charging the battery using the truck, I don't think you should count to heavily on that either. The wire going back from the truck usually isn't heavy enough to carry the current needed.

The small Honda is quite fuel efficient and very quiet. I think if you had 2 batteries and fully charged when you turned in, they would carry you thru the night.

[Rob Baff]

Thanks for your input. I think this will be my plan.


I appreciate your thoughts,


Robert

[Miniozzy3]

Solar is the cheap part. Its the ability to store the power that gets costs up.
at one point I was running 4 type 31 deep cycle batteries and only 120w of panels.

Now you can buy 300watts of panel and a decent charger for what I paid for one of the 60w panels I had back then.

Running a furnace will eat up one type 27 battery if it cuts in more than a few times a night. Or at least it will draw a lead acid battery down low. If not do it damage if it gets below 60%. So more batteries, more time above 60%.

300w will give you a good 15amp charge as long as you have good sun. Which all depends how far north you are.

[Rob Baff]

Thanks for your help and insight.

[Geezer]

Look into a portable solar panel or two. Can place them on the ground and move them around to keep them in the sun. A 10 amp solar charger hooked right to battery with quick connecters. I used this style until I installed permanent panels on the roof.

[Rob Baff]

Thank you for your advice.