GlennWest Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Home Depot sells a foldable solar charger for $75. Believe it 14 watts. Would this be good to keep batteries up while sitting. My truck is behind our Teton now in an over flood parking area. Can't run a cord across road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darryl&Rita Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Lot's of $$$ for what you get. You need to do a load calc on your truck, to see what you need to replace. Add in a safety factor for cloudy days, then buy a panel. We use a 185 watt panel, but run the fridge off the inverter year round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 18, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 (edited) With that big a panel I also need a controller. What is neat about this is folds ups and put away easily. Fridge not running. I usually just run a cord and a simple trickle charger. Just not practical here and be here till next summer. Also a large panel I would have build something to mount it to. Maybe one day I will get a drom box and then, yes, larger panel Edited September 18, 2019 by GlennWest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertMiner Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Come wintertime 14 watts won’t be doing much... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 18, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Well what would be your choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertMiner Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 (edited) With winter coming I would use at least a 100 watt panel. That should give you enough to keep 4 batteries nicely charged. A PWM solar controller would be fine. Some wire to connect everything and you have spend only a bit more than that other panel you were looking at. Lots more power. Edited September 18, 2019 by DesertMiner Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickeieio Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Hmmmm... rally project? Count me in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 18, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 Thanks, any certain PWM controller Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertMiner Posted September 18, 2019 Report Share Posted September 18, 2019 I have used this one in the past Solar Controller I also used this Solar Panel. I am using 2 of these Solar Panels along with this controller on my Volvo to keep 4 batteries charged while in storage. It’s overkill but I have limited sun exposure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 Reckon I could hinge one on back of cab and latch down when traveling. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertMiner Posted September 19, 2019 Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 I leave mine connected and strapped to my bed. Need it to be portable to keep it in the sun when parked in different locations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlennWest Posted September 19, 2019 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2019 I could but would be concerned about some child messing with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
earlvillestu Posted September 27, 2019 Report Share Posted September 27, 2019 https://www.harborfreight.com/100-Watt-Solar-Panel-Kit-63585.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
house Posted September 30, 2019 Report Share Posted September 30, 2019 (edited) Make sure you have a charge controller, either built in, or add on. without one many cheaper solar panels will actually drain the battery at night, and not help you at all. Also if you are going to use an mppt charger which I would recommend try and get a panel that is at least 24V it will do a much better job charging off peak. I really like these https://www.amazon.com/ALEKO-SP30W24V-Monocrystalline-Opener-Driveway/dp/B0158WSUYW/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=24+Volt+solar+panel&qid=1569878441&s=lawn-garden&sr=1-3 Edited September 30, 2019 by house Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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