Hi, I just bought my first RV, it's a 2006 Winnebago. I am an RV and solar newbie. I would like to be able to dry camp for several days.
It has a generator, but it does not have an inverter nor any solar. I have one 85ah lead acid, and I plan to add another (I have room for up to 2 batteries under the step). It has a 45 amp converter.
My daily load will be low I think: Some LED lights, the propane fridge, perhaps the propane furnace, and a laptop all day. Maybe a 12v monitor with the laptop. I think I can get by using only 12v for most of the day - so if I were to purchase an inverter, I might only use it for microwaving meals.
At night I'd use the laptop for a bit, and maybe a 12v heated blanket while sleeping.
I'm considering one of these 400 watt kits:
400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Starter Kit
400 Watt 12 Volt Solar RV Kit
New 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit
I'm a little confused about all the options! I think I want the MPPT controller. So I'm looking at the Premium kit linked above. Would this let me connect the solar panels in series so I can use thinner wires down into the controller?
In addition to solar, I'd like to be able to recharge my batteries quickly by running the generator for an hour or two. So I'm considering replacing the on board 45A converter with an inverter/charger cabable of charging at higher current. I believe even a 50 or 60A smart inverter/charger would charge much more quickly than my single-stage 45A converter.
Do you think this is a good setup for my needs?
Eventually I'd like to upgrade to Lithium batteries. But I think there is some complexity involved because the coach electrical system uses a 12v lead acid, and the systems are connected by an isloator that isn't "smart" about lithium batteries.
Thanks!
It has a generator, but it does not have an inverter nor any solar. I have one 85ah lead acid, and I plan to add another (I have room for up to 2 batteries under the step). It has a 45 amp converter.
My daily load will be low I think: Some LED lights, the propane fridge, perhaps the propane furnace, and a laptop all day. Maybe a 12v monitor with the laptop. I think I can get by using only 12v for most of the day - so if I were to purchase an inverter, I might only use it for microwaving meals.
At night I'd use the laptop for a bit, and maybe a 12v heated blanket while sleeping.
I'm considering one of these 400 watt kits:
400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Starter Kit
400 Watt 12 Volt Solar RV Kit
New 400 Watt 12 Volt Solar Premium Kit
I'm a little confused about all the options! I think I want the MPPT controller. So I'm looking at the Premium kit linked above. Would this let me connect the solar panels in series so I can use thinner wires down into the controller?
In addition to solar, I'd like to be able to recharge my batteries quickly by running the generator for an hour or two. So I'm considering replacing the on board 45A converter with an inverter/charger cabable of charging at higher current. I believe even a 50 or 60A smart inverter/charger would charge much more quickly than my single-stage 45A converter.
Do you think this is a good setup for my needs?
Eventually I'd like to upgrade to Lithium batteries. But I think there is some complexity involved because the coach electrical system uses a 12v lead acid, and the systems are connected by an isloator that isn't "smart" about lithium batteries.
Thanks!
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