Recommended Flexible Solar Panels and Battery for Off-Grid/Boondocking With Travel Trailer

Question

Question:

Solar configuration. I have a 2021 20 ft Gulf Stream travel trailer that I would like to install flexible solar panels. Would like to have some power remaining in the morning before system starts charging again. Boondocking. Trailer has a WF8935PEC 30 amp controller with one 88 amp hrs deep cycle battery. Would like to change to lithium batteries. Was informed from manufacture that I would need to change controller to a WF8955 LIS-MBA 55 amp and make sure I have at least 8 gauge wire to battery. Usage: Watts: TV 66w, microwave 1350w, radio 60w, furnace fan 50w, cell ph chargers11w, Wattage on the following unknown: LED lights, stove hood fan, water pump, vent fan, hairdryer, Will only run microwave by itself and very conservative on power usage. Total usage for one day: TV 4hrs, lights 3 hrs, radio 3 hrs, microwave 30 mins, stove hood fan 30 mins, water pump 30 mins, vent fan 30 mins, hairdryer 10 mins, cell phs always on, router/modem for TV and internet always on. Lap top 2 hrs.

asked by: David S

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Expert Reply:

Changing to a lithium chemistry battery bank is definitely a good choice if wanting to arrange at truly off-grid system. From your list of estimated usage, you should plan on in excess of a 1,500 watts per 24 hour period or close to 140AH. I suggest nothing less than a 200AH battery bank and at least 300 watts of solar panel to provide charge. Having a 1.5 to 1 ratio of solar panel rating to battery AH is minimum. If you choose to increase over that, then all the better but at minimum have 1.5 watts of solar to each 1 AH in your battery banks potential.

For off-grid/boondocking I prefer redundancy of being able to provide charge to the battery bank so I suggest you consider adding a small inverter generator to your system too. This not only allows for ability to charge the battery bank if weather conditions prevented a full recovery but also supports in recovery if unexpected excess usage occurred. Or simply plan to start the generator at meal prep time to support microwave usage and saving the energy stored in the battery bank for evenings/overnight.

For a flexible solar panel kit, the 202of mounted panels, offset that by augmenting the system with the portable panel.

For your battery bank, I suggest at least two (three if budget allows) of the RV Lithium Battery, # GP99QR.

And finally, I recommend you consider a generator. Either the A-iPower 2,000-Watt Portable Inverter Generator, # 289-SUA2000i or the A-iPower 3,800-Watt Portable Inverter Generators, # 289-SUA2000i-2.

Please note the linked product review videos below and that I also attached a link to several help articles on RV solar panels that I hope you find of value.

expert reply by: Michael R

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Answer 1

Yes the Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel Expansion #GP76FR that you referenced does come with the MC4 adapter cable.

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Answer 2

If your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker Motorhome has a solar panel port on it there's a chance there's a controller already installed and ran to your panel but you'd have to check to be sure. The Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel…

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Answer 3

On your Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller - 100 Watt, #GP66FR, if you are referring to the listed statement in the quick start guide of "This kit IS NOT weatherproof" then yes, I definitely understand your…

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Answer 4

Yes, the Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller #GP66FR works with Zamp solar plugs. It comes with XLR-style and SAE solar plugs, which work with RVs that are pre-wired for solar, including Zamp solar ports.

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Answer 5

The reason the Go Power Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller - 200 Watt Solar Panel #34282610 has a 25 year limited warranty through the manufacturer because the tempered glass and aluminum construction is heavier duty and meant to last…

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Answer 6

The Go Power DuraLite Portable Solar Panel with Digital Solar Controller #GP66FR panel will still have a maximum voltage output of 19.6v. Because voltage can fluctuate slightly, I cannot say what the definite voltage output would be. But what I can…

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Answer 7

Keep in mind that solar ONLY charges batteries, and in the absence of electrical hook up, all your electricity comes from your batteries. If you really want to dive into solar I recommend that you review the documents I have attached for you and to…

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Answer 8

I went ahead and checked the instructions, and the Go Power MPPT Solar Charge Controller #GP54FR will need to be mounted vertically on a wall near the battery compartment. I've went ahead an attached a product overview video for you to check out…

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Answer 9

Most if not all trailer wiring harnesses/connectors use larger wires for the 12 volt and ground circuits compared to the other circuits (lights). The sockets themselves don't have an amperage rating so you will go by the draw of the things…

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Answer 10

Since Demco uses 3,500 drum brake assemblies part #DMSB24429M and #DMSB24428M what you'd need is similar 3,500 electric brake assemblies like the etrailer part #AKEBRK-35L-SA for the left hand side and #AKEBRK-35R-SA for the right hand side. To…

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Answer 11

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

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Answer 12

I would love to help you upgrade the suspension on your Twilight 2800 travel trailer. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers #MR87ZR that you referenced are a great solution but we do need to double check a few things. First is that…

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