This second part of the series will delve into larger solar systems for an RV.
Part One (simple solar systems) covered:
We’ll follow the same methodology to size and design a larger solar array.
Do Lithium (LiFePo4) battery deliver on the manufacturer’s claims. We’ll explore my 30 month experience, which didn’t live up to expectations. But there are some factors that need to be investigated as part of my conclusion. Then I’ll share me new LiFePo4 battery system for my remote telescope kit.
A couple years ago I shared my remote kit set-up for astrophotography. It included a Lithium (LiFePo4) battery bank consisting of three 16AH lithium batteries wired in parallel. I built this in April of 2021 and was my first experience with LiFePo4 batteries.
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:
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.
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
Well, it’s Black Friday again. People are beginning to search for a perfect gift for the special person in their life.
So here are over 200 gift ideas with links to help you out.
Continue reading 2023 Gifts For The Backpacker Or Camper In Your Life (over 200 ideas)
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.
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.
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
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
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