cruiserjs
Aurora, CO, USA/ Mesa AZ/ openroad
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I open my knife-blade style disconnect. They stay 'good' for several months.
But at Calgary winter they could suffer from the cold. maybe better to take them in?
Colorado Cruiser
Cruiser CF29CK 5th wheel; 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD, 2wd, short bed
wonderful lifetime traveling companion/spouse
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23mikey
Kent,WA
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If I understand correctly, all you're trying to do is keep already charged batteries topped off during storage between camping trips during the season, correct? As other posters have said, a small solar set-up would be perfect for staying ahead of any internal discharge and parasitic loads.
As to sizing, 30- 45 watts could be installed with no need for a controller. Over 45 watts and you might want to invest in a cheap controller as insurance against overcharging the batteries. A MPPT would be overkill for what you want to do, unless you want to ditch the generator and get serious about solar!
Happy Camping!
Mike
2003 GMC 2500HD SLT EC LB D/A, J+A, Rhino Liner, J&J SS Running Boards, Prodigy, B&W 5th Wheel Companion, H2 Wheels w/Toyo AT 265x70x17E, MBRP 4" Exhaust, AMSOIL thoughout,
2001 Laredo 25RL, 2x100w solar, Heart 2000w, 4 Lifeline 6v AGM,
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jauguston
Bellingham, WA
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Just keep in mind solar panels don't work well covered with snow (-:
Jim
Jim, Sharon and Buddy the Yorkie
1999 Gulfstream Sun Voyager 31' ISB Cummins 210 uprated to 275
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Vinman02
Calgary, Alberta
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23mikey wrote:If I understand correctly, all you're trying to do is keep already charged batteries topped off during storage between camping trips during the season, correct? As other posters have said, a small solar set-up would be perfect for staying ahead of any internal discharge and parasitic loads.
As to sizing, 30- 45 watts could be installed with no need for a controller. Over 45 watts and you might want to invest in a cheap controller as insurance against overcharging the batteries. A MPPT would be overkill for what you want to do, unless you want to ditch the generator and get serious about solar!
Happy Camping!
Mike
Yes, this is what I'm trying to achieve but when the trailer goes into storage between trips, the batteries may not be fully charged when I drop it off. I do have a battery disconnect switch to isolate the batteries against parasitic draws.
My biggest concern is leaving the batteries in a less than full charge state for weeks at a time, I would think that doing this will reduce overall battery life.
Thanks for all the input.
Vince
2008 Toyota Tundra
2009 Komfort Trailblazer T254S
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pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
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Hi,
Because of his location snow is unlikely to be a problem. It can be very windy--which keeps the panels clear of snow.
jauguston wrote:Just keep in mind solar panels don't work well covered with snow (-:
Jim
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts solar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries 2500 watt inverter.
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23mikey
Kent,WA
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Vince - I think you're gonna be just fine. You've got a valid concern about leaving your batteries not fully charge for days or weeks on end, but by hooking up a solar "trickle" charger that shouldn't happen.
If your storage spot doesn't have any significant shading issues, and you isolate your batteries from the coach with your disconnect, you might have more of a problem with overcharging. During Jun - Jul - Aug you probably get 15+ hours of daylight and if you only averaged 1.5ah during 10 hours of that time could be adding 15ah per day. More than enough to add that top charge before your next camping trip.
In my experience you'll also enjoy better capacity from your existing batteries and longer battery life.
Happy Camping!
Mike
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