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Post by rockdoc on Nov 13, 2022 11:11:30 GMT -5
Hi folks
we recently purchased a Connect trailer with a 12v fridge. After looking at the solar options I think we are stuck purchasing an inverter generator for the following reasons: 1) Our 2019 connect c271bhk only has a cargo capacity of 1000Ibs. Aside from cost , batteries are heavy and will add tongue weight. 2) no thrilled about drilling holes though the roof and the forces on the mounting hardware when travelling down the road 3) we camp a lot in national/provincial parks and are often in trees sites. Portable ground setups look like they would be a pain to setup every time and could even be stolen/ damaged
As much as I was excited to try solar I just don’t think it is reliable enough yet.
So I am considering a 100amp hr lithium battery paired with a suitcase inverter generator with command start. I am trying to find a voltage sensor that I can install on the battery and can be programmed to sync with the command start that is typically available with inverter generators.
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Post by nvguy on Nov 13, 2022 22:34:49 GMT -5
You bring up so good points about solar, while your concern about the roof mounting aren't totally unfounded, understand there are a lot of RV's with solar (including ours) and if mounted properly stay put & don't cause problems. You are 100% right about solar output dropping if / when shaded. I can see with my own panels, and really, who wants to move panels all over the place chasing the sun? But in solar's defense, they do a great job of keeping my batteries maintained here at the house, where trees are far a few between. From what I have heard lithium batteries do what they are advertised to do, and the lighter weight will offset the generator weight. Please keep us posted at to what you find and how all this works out
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Post by rockdoc on Nov 15, 2022 6:44:30 GMT -5
Working through an option to have 200W of portable solar and a small inverter generator with AGS. For some reason I can’t seem to find a generator under 5000W that can be wired for AGS. Seems like a great option to have a small inverter gen (with 2 wire starter) that will auto start to top off the batteries when the solar fall too far behind. Trying to balance it so it starts no more than twice a day. people report the DC fridge is 60 -80 amps per day so seems doable if we manage the non critical power draw…trailer has all led lighting.
I also can across an interesting YouTube video that warns folks of the potential damage to a vehicle alternator when connected through the 7pin to a trailer with lithium battery bank. Going to ask one of our electrical engineers at work about that but seems to make sense.
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Post by laknox on Nov 18, 2022 16:18:41 GMT -5
Hi folks we recently purchased a Connect trailer with a 12v fridge. After looking at the solar options I think we are stuck purchasing an inverter generator for the following reasons: 1) Our 2019 connect c271bhk only has a cargo capacity of 1000Ibs. Aside from cost , batteries are heavy and will add tongue weight. 2) no thrilled about drilling holes though the roof and the forces on the mounting hardware when travelling down the road 3) we camp a lot in national/provincial parks and are often in trees sites. Portable ground setups look like they would be a pain to setup every time and could even be stolen/ damaged As much as I was excited to try solar I just don’t think it is reliable enough yet. So I am considering a 100amp hr lithium battery paired with a suitcase inverter generator with command start. I am trying to find a voltage sensor that I can install on the battery and can be programmed to sync with the command start that is typically available with inverter generators. Don't forget that, if done right, your battery storage is 2 - 2.5x for lithium over lead acid. IE, the 200-210 ah you have with 2 6v golf cart batteries at about 120 lbs, can be had with a single 12v LiPO at about 55-60 lbs. Just sayin'... Lyle
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