solar trickle charger recommendation

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.
2021 T@B 400 Boondock "Boony"
Towed by 2023 Ford F-150 "Frida"
Tucson, AZ

Comments

  • MarcelineMarceline Member Posts: 1,636
    When I had an AGM I used a 50w panel to trickle charge. I think it was sold under the Coleman brand. 
    San Francisco Bay Area
    2013 CS-S us@gi
    2015 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Double Cab
  • Grumpy_GGrumpy_G Member Posts: 590
    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. 
  • SlackersSlackers Member Posts: 490
    And Lithium batteries barely lose energy at rest. No trickle needed when battery switch is off.
    2019 Tab 320 CSS, 2019 Ranger TV, OH
  • MuttonChopsMuttonChops Member Posts: 1,770
    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.

    '18 320 Spitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    Adventures:  56   Nights:  379  Towing Miles 47,220
  • BaylissBayliss Member Posts: 1,384
    @mbeckerpasha, I sent you a private message via the Forum.
    2019 T@B 320 S Boondock Lite2025 Toyota Tundra CrewMax 4x4
    (Alde: 3020; Refrig: Isotherm Cruise 65 Eleg; Battery: BB 100Ah LiFePO4; Solar: Renogy 220W Portable Suitcase; Victron BMV-712; Pwr Cntr: PD-4135KW2B; EMS: PI-HW30C)
    Greg & Marlene (Tucson, AZ)


  • mbeckerpashambeckerpasha Member Posts: 24
    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!
    2021 T@B 400 Boondock "Boony"
    Towed by 2023 Ford F-150 "Frida"
    Tucson, AZ
  • CherokeeCherokee Member Posts: 297
    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.    
    TV:2019 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X With an Old Man Emu lift
    Trailer: 2019 T@B 320 Boondock with a Lock&Roll Coupler & Jack-e-up
    Custom fabricated metal bottom cladding
    California, USA
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