Recommendation of Portable Solar Panel Set-Up for a 2022 Coleman Lantern LT 17B

Question:

We boondock / Dry camp a lot, and need to keep the battery charged for the 12v refrigerator and lights. What budget friendly solar setup would be recommended for this use? I have never had a travel trailer without a 3 way refrigerator, so I am completely in the dark on this topic. Previous trailers I have just ran the small generator for a couple hours in the evening to charge the battery, but that is only for using lights and vent fan sometimes. Would this work for this setup, or would you recommend a solar setup? Thank you in advance.

asked by: Ben

Expert Reply:

For a portable system, I suggest the Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller, # 34282730. This is a 130 watt foldable solar panel that allows you to place it where you choose to for maximum sunlight. Under optimum conditions, this 130 watt system will charge your 12VDC battery at up to 6.74 amps. Park you travel trailer in the shade and place in this in the sunlight. It comes as a complete package that includes single solar panel with built-in solar controller, solar cable, battery clamps, ring terminals, quick-connect cables, SAE solar plug, XLR-style solar plug, and carrying case. There is an extension cable available for Go Power Portable Solar Kit that adds 30' feet to the length, # 34270356 and there is also a 200 Watt version under # 34282610.

If this will fully meet the needs of replenishing consumed stored energy from your battery bank each day can only be determined by measuring your daily usage. Recharging your battery bank each day with a generator is not the most efficient way but yes, it will work. Addition of the Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller, # 34282730 will at the least minimize the time needed to run the generator.

I am going to add the Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger, # RED96FR as an option for you to review. It may not meet your needs but wanted to let you know this type of product is out there. It is less for charging a battery bank while stationary, at the camp site, but more for using the tow vehicles electrical system to charge your travel trailers battery bank while the engine is running. This is great for those that use their RV to overnight while in route. Driving down the road your travel trailers battery is being charged. Arrive at your nights destination with a fully charged battery and repeat the following day why you travel to your next destination. The Redarc In-Vehicle BCDC Battery Charger, # RED96FR is a 12 amp version and the # 331-BCDC1225D is a 25 amp version dual input version.

Please note the linked product review and installation videos below.