I have a stock 2000 Premier with the Thule box option on top so not much room on roof. When camping, I try my hardest parking the rig under trees for comfort and I don't due well with the sun. Also, I don't want to drill any holes into the house. However, I would like to introduce a 100 Watt folding solar suit case into my inventory of camping gear. Therefore, I have the following questions:
1. Any risk of damaging the stock electrical systems?
2. Any mfg. recommendations?
3. Other pitfalls I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance mike
Solar Suit Case
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HoosierB
- **Forum Contributor**
- Posts: 473
- Joined: May 21st, 2015, 7:00 pm
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Re: Solar Suit Case
Mike,
The solar suitcase option for Chinook'ers is very popular and extensively covered topic on the forum. I suggest you use the "search" tool and I'm sure all your questions/concerns will be addressed.
1. Properly wired into your existing system, it should be no problem.
2. Renogy seems to be the favorite for both fixed and portable solar systems.
3. Make sure 100W meets your extra power needs.
The solar suitcase option for Chinook'ers is very popular and extensively covered topic on the forum. I suggest you use the "search" tool and I'm sure all your questions/concerns will be addressed.
1. Properly wired into your existing system, it should be no problem.
2. Renogy seems to be the favorite for both fixed and portable solar systems.
3. Make sure 100W meets your extra power needs.
"Wanda" – '01 Chinook Concourse XL V10
Re: Solar Suit Case
Mike...I have a Zamp 200 watt solar suitcase that I carry on the back bumper, strapped up against the back storage area (2004 Premier). It came with a "smart" 5-stage charger with wires that you can alligator clip right to the house battery(s), or, as I did, install a plug and wire it directly to the house battery so that all I have to do is open it up, and plug it in. I mounted the plug in the covered "utility hatch (water fill, shore power cord). Since it is wired directly to the battery, it has nothing to do with the house system. Just can't charge batteries using both at same time. I use it all the time, and wouldn't leave home without it.
I use it to keep batteries topped off when boon-docking, and the 200 watts is sufficient for our needs--all 12 volt stuff...no micro, no tv, and we don't use the AC. We also have two electric assist bikes (Copenhagen Wheels) that I can charge via a 1000 watt pure sine inverter that I also have wired directly to the batteries...my Zamp suitcase can't stay even with the draw on the charges for the bikes...But I can charge one at a time, and then bring batteries up to charge again with several hours of sun. Not the most efficient way to go, which is why I also a carry a 1000watt pure sine Honda Inverter portable generator--very quiet on the Eco mode...nothing like the honking big and loud on-board generator we all have (I got rid of that and now use the space for much needed additional storage...definitely a worthwhile modification.
The "suitcase" cover is very good, so no damage worries. Mounting was accomplished by installing marine-type u-shaped shackles in the door and above the back storage area. You can easily access that area to properly mount the shackles.
The 200 amp suitcase that I have measures about 3 feet by 4 1/2 feet (guessing here). It was the largest suitcase I could get at the time...they now make a 240, I think. Dimensions are pretty much the same as mine. Final comment--100 watts seems kinda puny...I'd go bigger.
David
I use it to keep batteries topped off when boon-docking, and the 200 watts is sufficient for our needs--all 12 volt stuff...no micro, no tv, and we don't use the AC. We also have two electric assist bikes (Copenhagen Wheels) that I can charge via a 1000 watt pure sine inverter that I also have wired directly to the batteries...my Zamp suitcase can't stay even with the draw on the charges for the bikes...But I can charge one at a time, and then bring batteries up to charge again with several hours of sun. Not the most efficient way to go, which is why I also a carry a 1000watt pure sine Honda Inverter portable generator--very quiet on the Eco mode...nothing like the honking big and loud on-board generator we all have (I got rid of that and now use the space for much needed additional storage...definitely a worthwhile modification.
The "suitcase" cover is very good, so no damage worries. Mounting was accomplished by installing marine-type u-shaped shackles in the door and above the back storage area. You can easily access that area to properly mount the shackles.
The 200 amp suitcase that I have measures about 3 feet by 4 1/2 feet (guessing here). It was the largest suitcase I could get at the time...they now make a 240, I think. Dimensions are pretty much the same as mine. Final comment--100 watts seems kinda puny...I'd go bigger.
David
Re: Solar Suit Case
As an addendum to this thread on solar suitcases, I forgot to mention that I also travel with a NOCO Genius 15000 "smart" charger that I can use to charge the house batteries either with the Honda 1000watt pure sine Inverter generator that I carry or by plugging it into shore power (which we hardly ever do). This, combined with the Zamp Solar Suitcase and our 1000watt pure sine inverter, allows us to boon-dock for weeks at a time by providing a smart charging system (with 120v outlets) that is not at all dependent on the Chinook's outdated converter/charging system. I decided to go this route because the solar I used is already detached and had its own smart charger.
When home and not traveling, this way I can also keep the batteries in good shape by using the NOCO Genius charger (attached to the batteries with heavy duty jumper cables that come with it).
The only pitfall/caution I have to offer is to know that the Zamp connector that I use is intended for use with Zamp equipment. You can use it to plug in other mfg--BUT, I believe you have to reverse the wires going into it.
David
When home and not traveling, this way I can also keep the batteries in good shape by using the NOCO Genius charger (attached to the batteries with heavy duty jumper cables that come with it).
The only pitfall/caution I have to offer is to know that the Zamp connector that I use is intended for use with Zamp equipment. You can use it to plug in other mfg--BUT, I believe you have to reverse the wires going into it.
David