Choosing The Correct Solar Power Kit For A Retrofit Van

Question

Question:

Hello. I am doing some initial research to retrofit my 2005 GMC Safari van to accommodate one of your kits. I am reading thewaywardhome,cominch blog to get some ideas. The blogger recommended two 50 watt flex panels with your converter and inverter. Would you be so kind to give me some direction on the correct units to purchase. It will have to accommodate a single person, using a PC, charging a phone and possibly a small refrigerator. Thank you for your time....

asked by: Duane G

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Expert Reply:

Solar power does not directly power your appliances. It charges your batteries and your batteries power the equipment. The first step is to determine how much power you'll be using and for how long to choose the correct amount of batteries. From there you can determine the amount of solar panels and the size needed to get the best charge for your batteries. You will have to keep in mind that peak conditions for max output from each solar panel only average about six hours a day.

I have attached our FAQ pages on solar power to offer you additional information.

expert reply by: Kevin C

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Answer 1

How long a system can support off-road support depends on your battery (or batteries) as well as what your use will be. Running things like AC will drastically change the time you can be away from shore power without a fairly good size generator. For…

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Answer 2

We have just what you need, the Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller, #34282610. This lets you place the solar panel where you need it for maximum sunlight while not having to place the camper in the sun too. For the later…

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Answer 3

It is not recommended to walk on the solar panels when they are installed on your roof. In the installations we typically do here we like to leave some space for folks to walk through should they need to get to different items on the roof. As far as…

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Answer 4

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 5

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the AirLift 5000…

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Answer 6

We have run into this quite a few times in the past, and the best option will be replacing the Lance 7-pin connector with a standard 7-way blade connector like the #PK12706. This will give you a standard 7-way connector to plug into the factory 7-way…

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Answer 7

The Hellwig Adjustable Big Wig Rear Anti-Sway Bar #HE94FR is only going to leave a few inches between it and the spare tire, as you can see in the attached picture. Depending on how far forward you have the tire it could potentially interfere with…

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Answer 8

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 9

Thanks for the photo it was really helpful and based on that, you do have the OEM hitch for your 2003 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. The hitch is unique in that it has the same open-end on the tubes, the same brackets, and same chain loops, which are all…

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Answer 10

I recommend going with the Air Lift LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate Air Helper Springs #AL89DQ for hauling around an in-bed camper with your 2024 Ford F-350 Super Duty. I really like this kit because it has the higher 7,500 lb rating (which you don't…

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Answer 11

The distinction you're referring to is about whether or not your Silverado has running boards or steps that sit under the bed and could block the fitment of a frame mounted camper tie-down. The hitch stipulation is in place because some people…

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Answer 12

Although both the #LM67048 and the #14125A bearings might have the same inner diameter of 1.25 inches, they aren't interchangeable. Both bearings are compatible with a different race or bearing cone. The races have a different outside diameter,…

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