Coleman 40w solar panel.

CanuckTabber

Having said all of that.  If you have a fridge in a clam shell model and its only two-way there is no propane option (correct?).  Therefore solar is ESSENTIAL when it comes to boondocking and keeping a fridge running off battery/solar supply?  

Verna

CanuckTabber said:

Having said all of that.  If you have a fridge in a clam shell model and its only two-way there is no propane option (correct?).  Therefore solar is ESSENTIAL when it comes to boondocking and keeping a fridge running off battery/solar supply?  

Yes, I apologize for thinking you had the "S" model with a three way fridge. Solar  power or a generator is the only way you'll be able to boondock for long periods of time. While I understand the 2-way fridge is more conservative on battery power than the 3-way on battery, according to Normfun (see his post to this discussion), the 2-way fridge does use a lot of battery power. 

You have seen that we all have voiced our opinions about our own solar systems and you have a lot of homework to see which system is best for you, your usage and your budget. While many feel that 120 watts of solar is the minimum amount needed for a T@B, others have been able to get by with fewer watts of solar power. You'll need to figure out what you will use in your T@B, how many amps that will take, how large of a battery it will take to give you that many amps and then how many watts of solar power it will take to replenish your batteries on an average day. 

Rather than repeating previous discussions on what appliances or gadgets use how much, do a search on this forum for previous discussions about solar power. It is very educational and be sure to be ready to take notes. 

And, there are also discussions on generators. Do some reading, take notes and then ask some questions. There's already many answers already here. 

mash2

I started a new subject with a bit on solar sizing in hopes that it will help anyone looking for information.... Feel free to correct, trash, etc.  the data.  I used in in setting out sizing for my solar system.

mickietucs

Lisa33 said:

I just think it would be a shame for people to be put off of using solar because they don't have $800 to spend.  Pretty much all of us are on a budget of some sort.  Of course everyone has the complete right to decide how to spend their money.  I stand by my opinion, though, even though it isn't popular.  I do regret ruffling feathers, though!  It wasn't my intention--I am just trying to help.  

To use the Renogy suitcase panel with the Zamp port, you simply need to swap the two wires on the Zamp quick connect as they attach to your battery terminals--super easy to do and would take 30 seconds.  If you are buying a new T@B, you could even ask your dealer to do that for you.  The additional benefit of swapping those two wires is that it will also allow you to use the Zamp port to connect a Battery Tender since both Renogy and Battery Tender have the same wiring requirements, which are opposite of Zamp's.  If you want 200 watts, you could buy two of the Renogy suitcases without their charge controllers and connect them to one, larger (20-30 amp) solar charge controller of your choice.  That would be a little more involved, but still not all that hard.  The upside of two suitcases is that they'd be easier to handle and store since they are half the size and weight.  Hope someone finds this helpful

Lisa / Jenn (and others) - I think Jenn wrote that Renogy is now shipping their suitcase(s) with the Zamp type plugs - or Jenn, you wrote "unincluding the SAE cables..." so does one have to swap the two wires running from the Zamp that goes to the battery?

And can a separate charge controller be mounted inside the battery/propane cover? I'm debating 2 Renogy's but if getting them ready to be a "plug n play" is a hassle I'll perhaps either go with just one 100w or win the lottery and get a 160w Zamp

Verna

mickietucs said:

Lisa33 said:

I just think it would be a shame for people to be put off of using solar because they don't have $800 to spend.  Pretty much all of us are on a budget of some sort.  Of course everyone has the complete right to decide how to spend their money.  I stand by my opinion, though, even though it isn't popular.  I do regret ruffling feathers, though!  It wasn't my intention--I am just trying to help.  

Lisa / Jenn (and others) - I think Jenn wrote that Renogy is now shipping their suitcase(s) with the Zamp type plugs - or Jenn, you wrote "unincluding the SAE cables..." so does one have to swap the two wires running from the Zamp that goes to the battery?

And can a separate charge controller be mounted inside the battery/propane cover? I'm debating 2 Renogy's but if getting them ready to be a "plug n play" is a hassle I'll perhaps either go with just one 100w or win the lottery and get a 160w Zamp

Michelle, one thing I found in my research is that Zamp has a built-in waterproof controller. The Renogy's standard controller is not waterproof. I'm not sure the tub on the front of T@B would be waterproof enough, but then again, I've only towed my T@B for about 1,000 miles. I have read that some individuals ordered a waterproof controller from Zamp for their Renogy's setup and that worked fine. I understand the waterproof Zsmp controller is a reasonable price.,Csll one of their dealers (check the Internet) for a price quote. 

I'm going to try a Pelican box for the Renogy controller tucked into my tub for my 50 watt Renogy panel with the non-waterproof controller that I'll be using to keep my battery charged. But, this 50 watt panel will only be used while parked in my yard, not to be used while traveling. Too many things going on right now to sneak that task into my schedule for a couple of weeks.

mickietucs

Thanks Verna - If I decide to go Renogy (without the controller) I'll look into the Zamp controller. I would love to find someone in Tucson who'd install everything after helping me order what I need based on my wants. Most solar places don't deal with rv's although you'd think being in AZ we'd have some company around - my search continues!

Verna

Michele, do you read rvsue's blog? She found someone around Globe, AZ (if I recall correctly) to help with her panels and with her Casita. 

mickietucs

Verna - no I haven't. I'll have to look into that, although Globe isn't too close to Tucson. But when the time comes I could make a camping trip line up if that person pans out. Thanks!