solar trickle charger recommendation

mbeckerpasha

Greetings All,
We are replacing our original Harris AGM batteries with another brand of AGMs. We would like to use a trickle charger, powered by solar panels to keep these new batteries healthy while the camper is in storage. I am looking for recommendations for a solar trickle charger. We have looked at a lot of them but I am hoping you can help with our decision. I always appreciate what others share on this forum. Thanks in advance.

Marceline

When I had an AGM I used a 50w panel to trickle charge. I think it was sold under the Coleman brand. 

Grumpy_G

Two cents: 
- Have you done the math of buying 2 200Ah 6V AGM batteries vs one 200Ah 12V LiFePo battery ? 
- Didn't the Boondocks models come with solar ? If you don't have solar get a regular 100W+ solar setup which not only keeps the battery(ies) topped off but also serves as a battery charger when camping without hookups. 

Slackers

And Lithium batteries barely lose energy at rest. No trickle needed when battery switch is off.

MuttonChops

My 320S with an AGM battery, 100Ahr, uses a simple single 10W Solar Panel and a (cheap) PMW controller and it keeps the battery fully charged during storage.  There is No Trickle Charge specific product; just use a low Wattage Panel that can only provide a few Amps of charging current in direct sun.

My 10W panel is mounted on top of the front storage tub - - - not covered by my winter weather TAB cover.

Bayliss

@mbeckerpasha, I sent you a private message via the Forum.

mbeckerpasha

Many thanks for these helpful comments. When our AGM batteries were healthy, we had no trouble boondocking for days, using the T@b solar panels to charge. This is why we opted to stay with the AGM as opposed to changing to LiFePo. We live in AZ, sufficient sunshine is no problemo. When the camper is in storage, it is covered; no solar panel charging. Hence, the need for a trickle charger.

Thanks to your responses, we may revisit the battery type change. Thanks again!

Cherokee

Indeed, with a 3-way refrigerator running on propane, AGM's are all you need. Trickle charging them when in storage is the best way to prolong their life. A small low wattage solar panel will accomplish that, but the trickle charge should be maintained regardless of available sunlight. We use an X2 .8 amp trickle charger plugged into our house system which is supplemented by the panels on our roof during daylight.    

mbeckerpasha

Thank you Cherokee, super helpful. Have decided to stick with AGMs.

Best to you All!

Marceline

Marceline said:

When I had an AGM I used a 50w panel to trickle charge. I think it was sold under the Coleman brand. 

Correction: It was a 10w panel.

mbeckerpasha

Thanks Marceline, I appreciate your correction. We did install a 20W but lost power instead of maintaining charge. I left the battery disconnect open. Was this the wrong thing to do?

Thanks again.

Horigan

Having the disconnect open is good for eliminating loads on the battery.  This will only work if the solar charger is connected directly to the battery, or between the battery and the disconnect.