Any recommendations on portable solar panel units?

[Kristof]

100W is a lot for battery maintenance. I use a 35W small but quality panel and a small inexpensive 7 amp charge controller plus a couple alligator clamps and it keeps the battery fresh. I do this on my parked vehicles as well through the 12V lighter sockets. If you are maintaining a load in the trailer you will need more than 35W.

The other option is to build a portable solar charger. Small inverter, battery, charge controller and panel(s). Then just plug the trailer into that. Other option is to plug it into a genny once a month for an hour.

[dbates]

Originally Posted by Lee-Robert

Now that my Basecamp is in covered storage the factory installed solar panels on the roof can't keep the batteries charged. I need to locate a good option for a portable solar panel setup to connect to the exterior solar panel connection.

I would recommend that you check out this review of various panels out on the market.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goqxgjTsReY&t

[SeanK]

Originally Posted by CAV

Have Go Power 120 portable panels (suitcase) . Plugs into 7 pin to charge. See ad in Airstream Life store.

I have the same. Works for me

[Bdinla]

Originally Posted by Paprika

Food for thought: Renogy's "Compact Design" 100 W rigid panels (which at $113 look like the current best buy) are performance warranted (90% of rated output) for 10 years. Renogy's 100 W flexible panels are performance warranted for 0 (yes, zero) years.

I've had flexible panels. I've seen them fail after a year or so. I use rigid panels on the ground now. Bonus: they cost half as much per watt as the flexibles.

I wonder if you could expand on the issue with the flex panels a bit more. The dealer where I picked up my 2016 25' International FB installed two 100-watt flex panels on the coach, and I'm beginning to notice some 'fogging' of a few of the sections on each panel. I don't have the tools or the experience to know how to measure the output from the panels.

[WestieHouse]

I’ve used the Zamp portable 160 Watt panels successfully for 3 years to recharge my AGM batteries at sites when we have no 30 Amp power. The problem I had was how to charge batteries on the day of departure after a night without AC power. We would artive at our next site with partially depleted batteries. I purchased a Yakima “Off Grid” roof rack (see photo) and mounted the Zamp solar panels to it using nylon straps, cushioning under the panels, and cable locks for security. I simply connect the solar panel to my batteries as usual but can now charge as I drive to our new destination. This has worked very well during my recent test on the way to Death Valley from Orange County in preparation for an Alaska ttip this summer,.

An added advantage is I can position the Zamp wherever I get best benefits while camped yet get total recharge on the day of travel.

[dznf0g]

Same concept on a home built 200w renogy suitcase mounted on my son's camper.

[Pocahontas]

I also got the Renogy Eclipse 100w panels. Eclipse is smaller and lighter than the previous model. Got an "open box" suitcase sold by Renogy through eBay and saved about $140. Can't even see any wear and tear on it. Check out YouTube video by Bob Nada for how to set up a convenient wire from your panels to your trailer batteries.

[gandttimes]

Originally Posted by SilverWind

I have both the ZAMP 160 for a 2 x 6 volt AGM trailer and a ZAMP 120 for the single 12 volt AGM trailer. Both work very well.

I opted for the made-in-the-USA ZAMPs instead of the Canadian based Renology and Go Power! Valterra Power panels. I've read that people have had difficulties with warranty issues with the Cnadian companies.

I think you mean Renogy. I don't know where you got the idea that it is a Canadian company. All my dealings with them have been through their business in California.
Also as to the issues with warranties, I found them to be very easy and accomodating to deal with.

[Zila]

You’ll have to remove the charge controller on your portable panel and wire it into the sunexplorer in your basecamp, you can’t have two solar controller’s. sunexplore solar charge controller can handle up to 40 amps on most basecamps,

[GeocamperAS]

Originally Posted by WestieHouse

I’ve used the Zamp portable 160 Watt panels successfully for 3 years to recharge my AGM batteries at sites when we have no 30 Amp power. The problem I had was how to charge batteries on the day of departure after a night without AC power. We would artive at our next site with partially depleted batteries. I purchased a Yakima “Off Grid” roof rack (see photo) and mounted the Zamp solar panels to it using nylon straps, cushioning under the panels, and cable locks for security. I simply connect the solar panel to my batteries as usual but can now charge as I drive to our new destination. This has worked very well during my recent test on the way to Death Valley from Orange County in preparation for an Alaska ttip this summer,.



An added advantage is I can position the Zamp wherever I get best benefits while camped yet get total recharge on the day of travel.

I’m confused. I thought the trailer batteries change from the tow vehicle when running.

[WestieHouse]

Originally Posted by GeocamperAS

I’m confused. I thought the trailer batteries change from the tow vehicle when running.

I’ve been confused, too.

I’ll defer to, and welcome comment from, those with more knowledge of auto alternators and the Airstream electrical systems, but my experience and limited reading suggests that only minimal battery recharging occurs while driving. I also understand that running the refrigerator while driving consumes electricity, as do other phantom draws like the lpg detector.

On numerous occasions I have started a day-long drive with fully charged (and favorable tests of my AGM batteries in the Airstream) after being on shore power the previous night only to arrive at my destination with partially discharged batteties (usually about 12.5V on the Airstream gauge and also using a volt meter at the battery terminal).

My electronic vehicle information center (EVIC) shows my alternator (TV has a factory tow package) to be putting out 14 V and several independent tests of the battery and alternator by mechanics have been good. I maintain clean and tight connections to the batteties and the 7-pin connector.

I know the batteries should rest for a few hours before testing in order to obtain an accurate reading, but that’s not usually practical while on a trip.

[GeocamperAS]

Ok I checked my TV manual. I have several fuses designated for towing. One for “trailer tow battery charge”.

Someone with more knowledge (not guessing) PLEASE chime in because I’m only guessing.

It all has to do with how many amps/hr the TV puts out vs how many amps/hr the trailer is asking for.

1. If I am running nothing in my trailer, the trailer battery should charge fine. Because nothing is using any of the TV output.
2. If I am running very little in my trailer, as in the refrigerator on LP so just the circuit board is using current, the trailer battery should charge slower. Because the circuit board is using some of the TV output.
3. If I am running the refrigerator on the 12v heater, the battery may not charge. If the 12v heater is drawing more amperage/hr than the TV can put out.

[Vantair]

Like others here, decided to build own mainly to not have a larger, heavier, hard edged assembly to wrestle. $375.00 all in +tax

Found amazingly light 5 soft panel folding “notebook” 120Watt from Aims (225.00 Amazon).

Adding the Victron Smart Solar 75-15 with bluetooth programmable management (118.00), 35ft 12/2Ga and suitable clip-on battery connectors. Pumps up the 2-6V 220ah FullRiver AGMs with exact needed programmable algorithms in short order full sun. Smartphone history and performance data to boot.

This compact kit folds up, slips into the smaller side AS storage hatch and weighs less than 6lbs. Resembles a medium size laptop in all respects folded.

Ok for us for now when ever needed.

[trailerpup]

I went with the Zamp 180 and the extension cord. It has a nice case and I really like the carrying handle. Wondering when they will start making them with their new Obsidian panels which are low profile and 30% lighter. No adapter required since it's what Airstream specs.