Since my T@b is in storage and snow abounds, I'm spending my time planning next summer's adventures. The plan is to spend the month of July in Oregon. I have 2 questions. First, since it's much sunnier there, if I'm boondocking and not using the AC, will the solar power I get provide enough energy to use the fridge continually and let me heat water? Alternately, if I have 15 amp power (ie. I can plug into the power at our friend's house), will this help? I just recall getting an error on the Alde when I was plugged into 15 amp service so I'm not sure what works with it and what doesn't. Thanks for your help.
(Title edited for search purposes. Moderator)
2021 Tab320S Boondock, 2019 Subaru Outback 2.5
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Can't comment on the Alde issue, mine is on a 20A outlet when at home but the manual states 16A. Obviously you wouldn't be able to use anything else in the trailer then.
cheers
This past August and September we camped out west and dry camped fully half of the time. We do have a very efficient ARB frig, and our battery is 150 Ahr AGM. We found that using 200 watts of solar panels very quickly recharged our battery. We were at an advantage in that we could recharge via driving to the next site, but it never came to be necessary.
One more thing, instead of futzing around with moving panels, we laid them flat and positioned them with a southern exposure.
You could add a DC/DC battery controller/charger to put on your TV, and use it to top off the battery on bad solar days. Have fun and stay safe..
cheers
https://www.amazon.ca/Terminal-Connecters-Extension-Disconnect-Motorcycle/dp/B09JP4DK4S/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3QUGRD505MQP6&keywords=sae+battery+connector&qid=1639531248&s=automotive&sprefix=sae+b,automotive,211&sr=1-3
Good luck and safe troves to the west…
cheers
If you’re at a site with power, the NOCO shouldn’t be necessary, so I’m not clear on how you intend on using it?
Editing to add: I have and do carry a NOCO, but with the intent to use it with either my little propane fueled generator or my 40 amp hour lithium Goal Zero Yeti as the emergency power source. I’m also at 400 possible watts of portable solar, though right now I’m not set up to use all of it at once. The Jackery panel could likely be used with your trailer, but you’d need adapters and a controller to do so.
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
In the PacNW, solar often isn’t sufficient for boondocking due to the angle of the sun, frequent cloud cover, and tree covered campsites. The standard guideline of 100 watts solar to 100 amp hours battery capacity goes out the window up here. Adding a solar suitcase will help, or increasing your battery capacity. Or both.
2015 Subaru Outback 3.6r (unsafe 200lb tongue weight limit until 2020 models)
2020 Subaru Outback XT
Pacific NW
I have to give some thought to the solar suitcase; boondocking for days in sunny places is a retirement dream. Definitely not needed for here and now in the PNW!
I bought my 2018 T@B from the original owner in 2020 -- they included their suitcase solar panels and I have yet to use them!
"Blessed are the curious, for they shall have adventures.”― Lovelle Drachman