Solar Chargers for an RV

[Tim]

We bought a small RV last month that comes pre-wired for solar charging. The solar panel is meant to charge the deep cycle 12v battery, not power the RV directly.

So, I'm looking for 1st hand experience and recommendations on equipment and best source to purchase.

Something like...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...beb-4819111bef9a&pf_rd_r=CBRFE16X4G9PZZKRD1A7

 

[Ikarus1]

that's a pretty nice kit, same price as the 100W HFT kit that doesn't include the charge controller. But you will need some other items to make it 'plug and play', since the solar ready RVs I have seen come with a industrial type circular plug.

Here's a pretty good connection kit (that also works with battery tenders, etc) https://www.harborfreight.com/Solar-Power-Connection-Cable-Kit-68684.html

 

[Gazengine]

As the owner of a motorhome and a pull behind camper, I have been looking at solar myself. Here are a few links with some useful info dealing with RV specific systems.
The first is the best as he gets into the electrical theory required to make them work properly.


HandyBob's Blog Solar & Elect

http://handybobsolar.wordpress.com/the-rv-battery-charging-puzzle-2/

The 12volt Side of Life (Part 1) Batteries http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volt.htm

The 12volt Side of Life Part Solar & Inverters http://www.marxrv.com/12volt/12volta.htm

Jack Mayer RV Electrical

http://www.jackdanmayer.com/rv_electrical_and_solar.htm

Jack Mayer Battery & Charging

http://www.jackdanmayer.com/Batteries_and_charging.html

Jack Mayer-Solar Controller Disconnect

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zQkY_arn9dM3LgdUSOV3zKOcCMAMnp9DDMzyTKOgMzM/edit


RV Dreams Electrical Information site

http://www.rv-dreams.com/rv-electrical.html

RV Dreams Electrical System http://www.rv-dreams.com/our-rv-electrical.html

Excellent Review of Solar & Charging RV-Dreams http://rv-dreams.typepad.com/rvdreams_journal/2018/01/solar-system-check-up-surprise-az.html