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Re: Solar charger recommendations
Thank you all for the feedback. I was seriously looking at the glass panels and hadn¡¯t thought about the weight. Coming from over 40 years in maintenance at a steel mill I couldn¡¯t tape the panel in place. That would not be ¡°Mill duty.¡± I¡¯ve always been a ¡®planner¡¯ so I¡¯ll see how we really use our new camper before I make the solar investment, because I don¡¯t want to have to do it twice. Thank you all again and I¡¯ll keep you posted.
Joe
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Anyone out there purchased an air conditioner cover recently. The cover on my ac unit (LG 6K BTU)is in tatters.?
Any recommendations would be appreciated.
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
You're good Steve.? Thanks.? Jerry
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
Another good way to mount a flexible solar panel is to frame the perimeter of the panel with 1" aluminum angle, 1/16" thick, then mount two 1.5" aluminum angle, 1/8" thick, on the roof.? Then bolt the 1" angle to the 1.5" angle with carriage bolts and wing nuts.? That allows you to remove the panel from the trailer and place it further away, if that's where the sun is.
When you frame the panel, you also put an extra cross pice in the middle so the panel doesn't flutter in the wind.
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
I have to agree about flexible panels if you are mounting to the aliners. Just be aware they are not as efficient over the long haul as regular panels.? But the weight and ease of mounting makes a big difference.
The one thing to watch for is make sure the connections are on the front otherwise you can't flush mount the panels.? Some are on the back
I used eternabond tape, it's been holding the panel & wiring for me for 5 years without a problem.
On Sun, Jun 18, 2023 at 2:46 PM, Steve T <srtimm@...> wrote: There are 2 major types of solar controllers:? PWM and MPPT.? ?PWM are about $20 and MPPT are about $100.? An MPPT controller gives you about 25% more power than an PWM.? A 100 watt solar panel is 6 amps max so if you want 2 panels that requires a 15 or 20 Amp controller.? Just watch out some cheap mppt controllers are really pwm.? Read the reviews.
I would not put glass panels on top of your roof.? Too heavy.? Duct tape some weights to the roof that match the weight of a glass panel and see for yourself.
If you get plastic panels get ones which have the 25 year power guarantee.? When I checked a while ago those were hqst, renogy, and sun power.? The other plastic panels last only a couple years.
If you just use the trailer appliances like the furnace, fridge on propane, LED lights, water pump, and also cell phone charging, then a single 100 watt panel is all you need.
Some campgrounds are complete shade and if you go there you'll need a generator.? I'd recommend getting a small 900 or 1000 watt generator that runs on propane.? They used to sell cheap Ines like that and running on propane means you don't have to carry gasoline?
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
There are 2 major types of solar controllers:? PWM and MPPT.? ?PWM are about $20 and MPPT are about $100.? An MPPT controller gives you about 25% more power than an PWM.? A 100 watt solar panel is 6 amps max so if you want 2 panels that requires a 15 or 20 Amp controller.? Just watch out some cheap mppt controllers are really pwm.? Read the reviews.
I would not put glass panels on top of your roof.? Too heavy.? Duct tape some weights to the roof that match the weight of a glass panel and see for yourself.
If you get plastic panels get ones which have the 25 year power guarantee.? When I checked a while ago those were hqst, renogy, and sun power.? The other plastic panels last only a couple years.
If you just use the trailer appliances like the furnace, fridge on propane, LED lights, water pump, and also cell phone charging, then a single 100 watt panel is all you need.
Some campgrounds are complete shade and if you go there you'll need a generator.? I'd recommend getting a small 900 or 1000 watt generator that runs on propane.? They used to sell cheap Ines like that and running on propane means you don't have to carry gasoline?
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
Welcome to the world of Solar equipment.? There is lots of different types of solar panels. If your plan is to mount a panel on your dormer you might want to look
at something light weight like this?
Any panel that you install be it fixed or portable will also need a solar controller Like Dan was showing you in his post.? It will save your battery's from overcharging.
I use a :
It's nice to be able to move it around to get the most sun shine. But like you said nice to charge while traveling.? My battery would not last if I used just the battery to run the frig. while traveling all day.?
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
Interesting that you would not put the panels on the roof if you were going to do it again. My thoughts were that the roof panels would charge the batteries while on the road (no charging from the TV). Your portable setup looks clean and simple. Nice.?
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
Price update they are currently $67 a panel for the polycrytaline - I think the poly are better than mono on cloudy days
On Sat, Jun 17, 2023 at 9:32 PM, dan smartt via groups.io <dansm@...> wrote: I use two cheap 100 watt panels, joined together with a hinge and homemade legs out of PVC pipe.? Use it as portable that way I can move it to where the sun is - in case I park in the shade?
I also have 2- 50watt panels mounted to the front roof, but the portable are better for me - I had put the 50watt panels on first, if I did it again I wouldn't bother with the mounted panels.
So a total of 300 watts in a 24 volt configuration (panels in parallel so I can use smaller wire outside) the charge controller changes it to the 12 volt for the camper.
I use it mainly for a compressor fridge & freezer
I have a compressor fridge for day to day and a separate small compressor freezer (to freeze fish)
$72 a panel
HQST 100 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel with Solar Connectors, High Efficiency Module PV Power for Battery Charging Boat, Caravan, RV and Any Other Off Grid Applications
On Sat, Jun 17, 2023 at 6:12 PM, JoeS via groups.io <joesears74@...> wrote: What are you using for panels and how many watts?
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
I use two cheap 100 watt panels, joined together with a hinge and homemade legs out of PVC pipe.? Use it as portable that way I can move it to where the sun is - in case I park in the shade?
I also have 2- 50watt panels mounted to the front roof, but the portable are better for me - I had put the 50watt panels on first, if I did it again I wouldn't bother with the mounted panels.
So a total of 300 watts in a 24 volt configuration (panels in parallel so I can use smaller wire outside) the charge controller changes it to the 12 volt for the camper.
I use it mainly for a compressor fridge & freezer
I have a compressor fridge for day to day and a separate small compressor freezer (to freeze fish)
$72 a panel
HQST 100 Watt 12V Monocrystalline Solar Panel with Solar Connectors, High Efficiency Module PV Power for Battery Charging Boat, Caravan, RV and Any Other Off Grid Applications
On Sat, Jun 17, 2023 at 6:12 PM, JoeS via groups.io <joesears74@...> wrote: What are you using for panels and how many watts?
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
What are you using for panels and how many watts?
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Re: Solar charger recommendations
I use a victron charge controller for solar, it's a premium brand and performs as such.? All victron components are very reliable.
My current model is a 15/75 mppt with Bluetooth
Victron Energy BlueSolar MPPT 75V 15 amp 12/24-Volt Solar Charge Controller
Happy camping
On Sat, Jun 17, 2023 at 5:53 PM, JoeS via groups.io <joesears74@...> wrote: We have a ¡®22 Aliner Classic with dormers and would like recommendations for a solar charger. We are new to camping with a trailer so I¡¯m not sure what our real needs will be. We don¡¯t plan to run the a/c but maybe the refrigerator, furnace? and coffee maker for a few days??I would like to install the panels on the rear dormer roof. I¡¯m installing 2 golf cart batteries on the tongue for more capacity. We would rather not use a generator but that is a possibility. ?We¡¯ve camped a few times in state parks and KOAs, always plugged in and would like a little more space, more like our tent camping sites. Sharing your knowledge would be appreciated.
Thanks,?
JoeS
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Solar charger recommendations
We have a ¡®22 Aliner Classic with dormers and would like recommendations for a solar charger. We are new to camping with a trailer so I¡¯m not sure what our real needs will be. We don¡¯t plan to run the a/c but maybe the refrigerator, furnace? and coffee maker for a few days??I would like to install the panels on the rear dormer roof. I¡¯m installing 2 golf cart batteries on the tongue for more capacity. We would rather not use a generator but that is a possibility. ?We¡¯ve camped a few times in state parks and KOAs, always plugged in and would like a little more space, more like our tent camping sites. Sharing your knowledge would be appreciated.
Thanks,?
JoeS
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Patricia I wouldn't trust glue to hold that plastic part together.? It may work for a while but I wouldn't trust it long term.? If you just need a new strainer those don't cost much.
You might also want to get some fittings or hoses from the hardware store to test the pump outputting to a bucket.? That could save some time ordering a new pump or other parts needed, if any.
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Hi Fred and Steve,
I have a 2014 Aliner Ranger 10. Turned the water pump on and it's running fine.? But no water coming out of faucet.? I found your discussion here.? I took the bed out and looked at the water pump.? Found a little water and wet floor.? Found the pump filter and it was broken off.? the Strainer part was on the floor and the rest of it was still screwed into the bottom of the pump.? Fred, thanks for your link to page with the filter.? It looked just like mine.? So I cleaned the mesh strainer with a little water and a brush.? I glued the clear plastic filter back together. I'm waiting for it to dry.? then I'll try to screw it back into the pump assembly.
Thank you all for your help.
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Re: Air Conditioner Replacement
Great idea.? But I just looked at your second replacement, and your LG has a hole in the lower right.? Mine does not. -- Don DeRyke Sunrise, Florida 2009 Classic, 2020 Ford Escape, 2.0 liter EcoBoost, AWD.? Previous TV 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 ltr EcoBoost engine.
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Re: Air Conditioner Replacement
Don,?? I took my drill and drilled a very small hole (1/8")? in the bottom corner away from the door.? Then I angled the drill into that hole and drilled another hole through the bottom of the A/C.? This allows me to tie a string through the two holes and direct the water drip to the back of the Aliner.? No more puddle by the door!!??? I think I put that in one of my videos.
Rick
GoingNoWhereFast
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Re: Air Conditioner Replacement
Hello
Don:
The Dry
setting sounds the same as ours. No drain hole is by design.
The fan blade has a ring around the outside, called a slinger,
that picks up the condensation and throws it at the condenser.
This helps cool the condenser and make the AC more efficient.
So rising water isn't shutting the unit down.
On our
AC, I cut into the fan power line and added a switch so the
fan can run continuously. It was a challenge since the AC was
installed in the camper wall.
Carl.
On 6/8/2023 9:01 PM, Don DeRyke via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
Hey Carl.
I remembered your comment about the dry setting, so I looked this
back up.? I was using it in the Florida Keys last week.? As you
mentioned, it cycles off and on.? But mine comes on for a very
short time, then stops, then starts again, and might stay on a
while longer.? Is that how yours works?? The other odd thing, is
mine does not have any hole in the pan for drainage.? I thought
that was by design, and I like that is doesn't drip.? But I have
not seen any pictures of the same unit that doesn't have a hole on
the right bottom.? I'm wondering if it should have had a drain
hole, and rising water is shutting it down.
--
Don DeRyke
Sunrise, Florida
2009 Classic, 2020 Ford Escape, 2.0 liter EcoBoost, AWD.?
Previous TV 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 ltr EcoBoost engine.
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Re: Air Conditioner Replacement
Hey Carl. I remembered your comment about the dry setting, so I looked this back up.? I was using it in the Florida Keys last week.? As you mentioned, it cycles off and on.? But mine comes on for a very short time, then stops, then starts again, and might stay on a while longer.? Is that how yours works?? The other odd thing, is mine does not have any hole in the pan for drainage.? I thought that was by design, and I like that is doesn't drip.? But I have not seen any pictures of the same unit that doesn't have a hole on the right bottom.? I'm wondering if it should have had a drain hole, and rising water is shutting it down.  -- Don DeRyke Sunrise, Florida 2009 Classic, 2020 Ford Escape, 2.0 liter EcoBoost, AWD.? Previous TV 2015 Ford Escape 1.6 ltr EcoBoost engine.
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Patricia Bailey
Don DeRyke
Rick Sutliff
Carl
