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kbmwrs · 03-06-2018, 04:22 PM

OK..I have tried reading the posts concerning solar, really I have...but...

I am electrically ignorant...it just doesn't sink in.
so....

I need advice (respond be typing slow and I'll read slow).

2016 Airstream International 25FB (used)...they say it is pre-wired for solar (not sure what that means)

My batteries (2 12v Interststate acid...hey I know that much) are dead.

I was thinking of getting 2 Optima Blue Top Deep Cycle batteries.

As for solar....2 100w panels.....
flexible or not?
A controller...for said solar, right?

and a 3 stage converter upgrade.
I even talked to the local Airstream dealer on this and he said AS is now putting in 3 stage converters but the older ones, mine included is a 1 stage. He said they have fried many a battery.

So advice.....meaning product models numbers...what should I get?

Thanks,
Mike

And remember I'm not 'up' on what all this means. I just need someone to say "Go buy this"

Meeks · 03-06-2018, 10:01 PM

I recommend AM Solar (they installed our system) as a starting point for your research.

amsolar.com

There's a lot to learn!

Chris

gandttimes · 03-06-2018, 10:12 PM

READ everything you can get your eyes on.
Yes AM Solar is one to read but also educate yourself so you know what questions to ask.
Here is a site I go back to all the time.
https://handybobsolar.wordpress.com

Trailbob · 03-07-2018, 07:37 AM

+1 to the first two replies.

I would add "just say no" to Optima batteries for your trailer. Not that they are bad batteries, just that they have less ah capacity than other batteries with the same footprint. I made the mistake of putting one as the second battery (recommended by the dealer) in my truck before I knew this. The lower ah capacity is due to their design.

AnnArborBob · 03-07-2018, 08:27 AM

I agree with the folks recommending AM Solar. Their web site has a lot of good information you can use to educate yourself.

If you don't educate yourself, you risk spending a lot of money and in the end not getting what you really need. You cannot rely on someone to hand you a "parts list" without providing them with a lot of information about your daily electrical usage, mode of camping (full time, most time, part time or weekender,) time of year you travel, trees or no trees, etc...

https://amsolar.com/diy-rv-solar-instructions/

kbmwrs · 03-07-2018, 11:01 AM

Thank you all.

Yes I knew about AM Solar and have contacted them. I agree about the AGM batteries now....see I did learn something.
And I agree about just not taking a list of parts and have them installed.

I'm in contact with AM and no doubt will go that direction.

PKI · 03-07-2018, 11:20 AM

New Group 24 wet cells - Walmart, no Optima.
PD 4655 with the Li option - your dealer can install.
Renology or Zamp suitcase solar unit.
Disconnect battery bank cables when in storage.
Stay in electric sites as a general rule.

Enjoy your coach! Go make a smile. Pat

Edit - AM Solar - Then you have the $s for a major upgrade. Will make a nice coach. Good Luck and enjoy the project.

AirMiles · 04-12-2018, 11:24 AM

Here is the best article explaining RV solar that I've ever read:

https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/how...need-on-my-rv/

Wconley · 04-12-2018, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirMiles

Here is the best article explaining RV solar that I've ever read:

https://www.thefitrv.com/rv-tips/how...need-on-my-rv/

Great common sense writeup on figuring out your solar/battery needs and describing the difference. Thanks for sharing this. We are in the process of defining our needs and it doesn’t take much to drive the price out of the ball park. I think for us the hard part will be adding the battery capacity to run the furnace at night without worrying about draining batteries beyond 50%. I haven’t quite decided that Lithium is in the budget and I don’t like the weight of lead acid.