Best way to mount solar on our trailers

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/1821/thread" timestamp="1404333564" author="@funpilot"]Endless wisdom here.  I hope I am on track as I sent them this link for the batteries I will first get:

http://www.usbattery.com/usb_us2200xc_golf.html

Thanks to the new poster who posted pics on his 28BHS and a phone call with him, I was able to confirm that sales was mistaken on an item.  The propane quick connect for a BBQ is not standard on the 28BHS so more good feedback.  They will add it. Also sent a follow-up email to LL to be sure they understand that by using a 6 volt battery, I need space for 2.  Also asked if they can make room for the controller.  They must be close to ordering a "hit" out on me.  [/quote][font size="3"][font face="arial"]Looks like a standard GC2 battery. Make sure you and LL allow for the battery boxes. BTW, unlike warranties, "hits" have no expiration dates  .[/font][/font]

[funpilot]

I sent LL the advice I received on this thread so they know it is coming from owners.  I have done that in the past and they respond very favorably to you all being the source.  It may be the only reason the "hit" has not been executed, or perhaps the list is expanding .... LOL

[david]

This is what I use to keep my batteries fully charged while the trailer is in storage. I can also use it to charge while we are camping, but so far haven't had enough sun. It cost about $120 to put together.

I have a 30 watt solar panel. These are available from Amazon Prime for about $65. 50 watt panels are about $85. I also bought a Morningstar Sunsaver 6 amp controller for about $50. This isn't the cheapest controller and you can find Chinese controllers for about half, but Morningstar is a name brand. You can find kits with a panel and controller for about $100, but these use Chinese controllers.

I shouldn't be so prejudiced. I bought a 10 amp Chinese controller for about $25 for another application and it looks well made.

I glued the controller to the back of the solar panel with epoxy paste. Then I hooked up the output of the solar panel to the controller input. I made up a 6' (go longer if you want to get away to a sunny spot) cable from the controller with alligator clips on the other end and a 10 amp fuse in the positive lead near the clips. I used 18 gauge tinned boat wire.

At the storage yard I set up the panel at an angle facing south against the tongue and clip the alligator clips to the battery terminals. If I had a long enough cable I could mount the panel where it can get some sun while camping, but like I said, so far (and forever as far as I am concerned) no sunny spot was nearby.

When I am ready to tow, I unclip and stow it in the pass through compartment.

30 watts will put about 10 amphours into your batteries on a sunny day in full sun. That is about what I expect to use in an average day while camping. A 50 watt panel will give you some extra for cloudy days.

David

[funpilot]

At this point, I am getting it just to have it.  Still not sure whether I will go portable or permanent mount.  I just want the choice.  I did get feedback on the battery holder and that was they have not seen a controller for solar so do not know how to size their battery holder to accommodate one.  I will find a way to mount it later if I go that route. Your home made approach certainly is affordable!!

[charliem]

[quote source="/post/1845/thread" timestamp="1404411207" author="@funpilot"]At this point, I am getting it just to have it.  Still not sure whether I will go portable or permanent mount.  I just want the choice.  I did get feedback on the battery holder and that was they have not seen a controller for solar so do not know how to size their battery holder to accommodate one.  I will find a way to mount it later if I go that route. Your home made approach certainly is affordable!![/quote][font size="3"][font face="arial"]I think finding a battery box that would  allow mounting the charge controller inside with the batteries might be a challenge. Mounting the controller inside the camper would shelter it from the weather and passers by. The only advantage to co-locating the charger and batteries would be reduced voltage drop to the batteries. An easier approach might be to get the battery rack sized for three GC2 battery boxes end to end; two for the 6V batteries and one for the controller. Should be easy to mount the controller in the bat box and it's right next to the batteries. [/font][font face="arial"]Also less attention grabbing to the curious.
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[david]

Many small controllers are waterproof. The Morningstar Sunsavers are. Why not mount one on the outside of the battery box?

David