Sizing An RV Solar System: Part 1

Camping, Solar, Telescope, , ,

Planning a Simple Small Solar System

This post will detail how to calculate a small solar system including how to determine what battery and solar panels will be optimum.

I am following up on the two previous solar system posts:

  1. 20 Year Review of the TriMetric Battery  Monitor
  2. Solar Charge Controllers: PWM vs MPPT

It isn’t a theoretical exercise, but looks all the steps I followed for my small remote power system for my telescope rigs.

This system is smaller than what most people might want for a camper. Although it could work for a van setup. The methodology is important and is applicable for any RV Solar System planning.

Continue reading Sizing An RV Solar System: Part 1 →

Solar Charge Controllers — PWM vs. MPPT

Solar, ,
Fifteen Morningstar TriStar MPPT solar charge controllers hooked up in a parallel off-grid charging system

I can’t count the number of times on the internet (especially forums) I have seen the comment that a MPPT solar controller is far superior to a PWM controller. Often times, if someone is seeking advice about their first RV solar system, someone will pop up and state they need MPPT without having any information about the other components that will be part of the system.

The bottom line is that MPPT is not superior to PWM solar charger. For specific systems one type can be better than the other. 

Let’s find out more about the MPPT vs PWM debate. If you are thinking about installing a RV solar system or expanding your current system which solar controller you choose is very, very important. Continue reading Solar Charge Controllers — PWM vs. MPPT →

TriMetric Battery Monitor — 20 Year Review

Solar, Travel Trailer, , ,
TriMetric 2020 Battery Monitor

If you have a RV solar system get this if you don’t have a shunt-based battery monitor.

If you are planning on installing a solar system on your RV, buy this first. It can be used to determine your energy needs before buying solar panels. I will be publishing a guide on how to size a solar system in a few days.

This post will explain what a battery monitor is and how to install and set up a TriMetric Battery Monitor.

Continue reading TriMetric Battery Monitor — 20 Year Review →

How Long Are You Willing To Drive?

Backpacking, Camping

How long are you willing to drive for a backpacking or camping trip?

Over the decades I have observed many people arriving at a campsite on a Friday night well after dark. Frequently it is a family with children and they spend considerable time setting up tents and other camping gear. On Sunday morning they are up early packing up and often leave the campground before we even get up. Seems like a lot of logistics and time for a 64 hour camping trip.

I will share some thoughts on the subject and outline my strategies.

Continue reading How Long Are You Willing To Drive? →

Revisiting the Mopeka Propane Sensor Installation

Camper Upgrades, ,

Everything is working great.

But I was unhappy with how I had to raise the tanks for clearance using the Mopeka spacers. What I really wanted to do was use the Mopeka Halo for each tank, but they were too big for my propane tank tray.

I found a solution.

Continue reading Revisiting the Mopeka Propane Sensor Installation →

Camping in the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary

Camping, ,
We had camped in this same spot next to a large wash back in April and again in June. Surprisingly, on this trip, there was no “damage” from Hilary.

A few days ago we returned from a two week camping trip in the Mojave Desert of Southern California. We were concerned that one of our favorite camping spots might have been washed away by tropical storm Hilary. Our fears were unwarranted and, as usual, we had a great time.

Continue reading Camping in the Aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary →

Eclipse Milan 26RLS Travel Trailer — 10 Year Review

Travel Trailer,

I just paid our yearly state registration fee for our travel trailer and realized we have had it for 10 years. Ten years of use for any piece of equipment, backpacking or camping gears is my threshold for a thorough product review.

This model is no long made. On the other hand, many companies make very similar trailers, so a review might be valuable for those in the market for a new travel trailer. Especially important is the fact that most of the components used by trailer manufacturers are sourced through just a handful of vendors — often just two or three vendors.

So here are some of the things we like about our trailer and some things we do not.

Continue reading Eclipse Milan 26RLS Travel Trailer — 10 Year Review →

How to Repair a Leak in a NeoAir Mattress

Backpacking Gear,

My Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite developed a leak a while back on a backpacking trip. Finally got tired of having to blow it up a few times during the night.

This is the first time I have ever needed to repair an air mattress, other than the warranty repair Therm-A-Rest did for me three years ago. The repair was straightforward, but there are a few tips I would like to share.

Continue reading How to Repair a Leak in a NeoAir Mattress →

Camco Awning Anchor Kit

Camper Mods, Camper Upgrades, Travel Trailer,

This isn’t a review. It is just a first impression.

As I shared yesterday in my 20+ year review of the Camco Awning Hold Down Kit, I have been happy with the product. However, there are two things I don’t like about it:

  1. The strap that runs over the top of the awning can be difficult to set-up and usually requires the use of a step ladder and often assistance from Joyce.
  2. The strap applies force on the rafters, somewhat twisting them. Of concern is potential damage to the plastic pieces that lock the rafters into place.

The Camco Awning Anchor Kit solves both of these problems.

Continue reading Camco Awning Anchor Kit →