Here you go Blue (from the interior thread) ...
I think I have the general gist of it. I need to get my rig finished and on the road, finishing hours are getting long and I need some completion, so that tells you my immediate need. I am looking at Renogy panels and a 200 watt system. With their connectors, it allows for expansion at a later date but I think this is a good mixture of getting something installed that has enough horsepower and also available roof space, as you well know, we are challenged up there. Cost is also very good for me and I feel good about this choice. They have new panels that are 19.6” wide that will overhang our flat top sections by about half an inch, I’m fine with it. Without too much butchering, it will need to be a 100 watt and two single 50 watt panels to fit according to my measurements and drawings. This will also maintain some walking space and to me eye, future expansion of another 350 watts should I ever decide to go that far. I understand that with that much addition, significant changes would need to be made to handle the juice at that level. Again, likely why I don’t want to go that far at the moment.
Renogy also makes a “suitcase” style set of 100 watt panels complete with charge controller already attached, which could also be used to add extra power for sunny locations as per Blue’s setup, hence my previous question of can you use two charge controllers at once? One of the main benefits of thwse panels is they fit inside my beds to be stored which is very attractive to me.
Adding this on top of the panels would seem an ideal fit for me and give me plenty of charge. Will using two charge controllers (one Coach mounted and one externally mounted) create any kind of mixed messaging to the batteries or create any whacky charging issues? It also comes without a controller if that is better but does that need special wiring other than just attaching to the batteries with alligator clips?
With controller:
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-100-watt- ... w-voyager/
Without controller:
https://www.renogy.com/renogy-100-watt- ... ontroller/
Need to try and keep the cost reasonable on any of these items. I am sure I could spend tons but are not willing to do so at this point. I can do panels chargers and batteries for right $1,000 and at this stage, is okay with me and will still get a good amount of power and likely enough recharge every day to suit our needs, “I think”.
Our usage will be just like Clays: a day or two of dry camping followed by a day of hook up possibly, daily driving to your next destination using the alternator as a helper to get back to full. Hooking up for no longer than a day, using post power to top up and on we go. Possibly more than two days without hooking up. My generator can help if we get down too much.
I have a Parallax 3 stage converter that is new and will stick with that for now.
I need to replace my charge controller obviously, the Mark 15 will not do. If I can keep it where it is located, so much the better. I want to try and avoid another “major” project if possible, see getting finished comment above about getting on the road! Many have felt the Sunforce PWM controller to be a cost effective, “almost” direct fit which is attractive. I have mentioned Renogy has a flush fit Adventurer controller that is also PWM as an alternative but would welcome your feedback on that or anything else. I can possible re-locate it to the opening where the old TV used to be housed which is above the battery bank inside to get it closer. I could mount a controller there but, it’s only 6 feet closer at that point. Your expertise and knowledge should have an opinion on whether we are really gaining anything by doing that. It’s more work but I’m willing to do it if voltage drop is a lot. Alternatively, taking out one or two wires and replacing them with heavier gauges to avoid voltage drop is do-able, say, from the charge controller if it was left further from the batteries in its original location down to the batteries. I will be using Renogy wires from the panels to the charge controller and they are 10AWG unless I am mistaken.
Finally, battery choices: I’m pretty much at wet, deep cycle batteries if anything because of cost. Interstate SRM29’s batteries for the Coach, 220 amp hours or so, “reasonably” affordable
So, to summarize with questions...
New Panels: 200 watts of Renogy panels up top with expansion for over 300 watts at a later date if desired or needed
Extra Charging: 100 watt Renogy suitcase as a great alternative in shady locations to still get charging but with charge controller possible issues, to be determined
Converter: Keep the Parallax converter as its new
Charge Controller Location: Hopefully keep the charge controller where it is, use the Sunforce as it fits or replace with a better option. Moderate relocation surgery possible here OR just run some new heavier wires to help avoid voltage drop
Charge Controller Model: Cheap, solid and simple recommendation for a charge controller: either Sunforce or Renogy at this point is where I’m at.
Batteries: Interstate SRM29’s
Sorry for the Clavell length novel post, I just want closure!!
