BIG PLANS small wallet

[rm.w/aview]

I have an idea about not mounting solar on top of an RV, (16ft floor length), that has typical RV energy needs. The frig is 6cu.ft. and will obviously be used. The microwave sees rare use, and genny for infrequent air conditioner use. Setting up in the shade for coolness with the sun just over there has had me looking at suitcase solar systems. I then thought that I could put two panels on the truck rack via unistrut  which would help with storage, deployment, and mobile charging. The space available on top of the RV can fit one 160w panel, but then there's the shade at times. Until recently, power beyond batteries for headlamps, lanterns, and weather radio were not considered, and refrigeration was not needed. We'd backpack for a few weeks between my jobs as a construction worker as money and time would allow, then I'd find another job. Never got rich but enjoyed the country. Four decades of heavy industry has broken me, though I can still walk, and I will adapt to light weight mobile adventures. With the help of this forum, Bob's website, (which then led me to his videos... GOOD STUFF), and other suggested websites, I've learned much. Back to the truck rack; two panels endo, 320w, could keep me out awhile, as I'm not a park hopper, and I would have connectors at the back of the truck & the front of the trailer with a wire length between that I could coil up when needed. Is this sound thinking given the advantages listed above, storage/deployment/mobile charging, or do the suitcase solar packages do a fine job of topping off two 6v batteries from 70% within a good timeframe? Additionally, I will obtain a battery charger if needed based on what I've read in this forum.

 

[user 37446]

For sure do the one panel on top of the rv, doesn't have to be as big as the 160 watt. If you can find it, the Renogy 100w suitcase is a good thing, as long as you are around to babysit the sun location. Also when plugged into shore power, be sure your trailer's converter/charger is not the old low power single stage kind (most are), as they dont do a good job of recharging your battery/ies.

Otherwise make sure to utilize the "alternator to continuous duty solenoid" charging method which is discussed in the Electrical subforum here.

Keep watching other YT videos on solar installs, read up here on battery care from John61, Sternwake, jimindenver etc...

 

[rm.w/aview]

Thanks for the suggested reads, I appreciate it and will look for them. My initial post was based on the possible purchase of a trailer. This course of action has been discontinued so disregard post, thanks.