Improvement to 3575RL Big Sky Montana

[w4nfr]

I added two 100 Watt solar panels to the roof of my rig and a Charge Controller. When traveling it charges my two batteries just fine. When at the RV site with full hookups, the AC powers up the Converter which charges the batteries. I wanted to save some money on the AC Electric Bill when we rent by the Month, so I installed a On/Off switch and indicator light to turn on and off just the Converter. When off, the Solar Panels ontop of the rig charge the batteries. When the switch is on, the Commercial AC allows the Converter to charge the batteries. Anyway, the modification saves about $10 / month on the Electric Bill and takes advantage of the Solar Panels. I find that I can go several days on the Solar Charging, before the batteries drop to 11.7 VDC. Then I switch on the converter overnight to charge them back up and start over! This is during times of heavy usage like running the furnace and a few lights etc. If one uses a Catalytic Heater where no 12 VDC Fan Motor is involved, the Batteries will last a very long time!


William & Lydia
2004 Montana Big Sky 3575RL
2003 Ford F-350XLT V-10 6.8L
B & W Companion Hitch