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Old 11-20-2018, 08:12 AM   #1
navybanker
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Solar to keep batteries charged

Supposedly, our 2017 3611 (not legacy) has "part" of solar system standard. What would be the cost of panel and additional items to just keep two 12 volt batteries charged. Not wanting to use any other devices just keep the batteries charged in outside storage. Educate me, Thanks
 
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Old 11-20-2018, 08:20 AM   #2
dke1955
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Supposedly, our 2017 3611 (not legacy) has "part" of solar system standard. What would be the cost of panel and additional items to just keep two 12 volt batteries charged. Not wanting to use any other devices just keep the batteries charged in outside storage. Educate me, Thanks
One of the members posted this https://www.futuresalesrv.com/jaboni/which shows vendor Keystone uses for their solar system install. I believe 265 watt is what you receive if you purchase this option. As far as battery charging there are others on this forum far more qualified to answer that question than me...
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Old 11-20-2018, 10:44 AM   #3
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I just bought a 100 watts solar with controller, have not hooked it up as yet. I think that it will keep the two batteries charged in my trailer. Batts will not be dead to start.
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Old 11-20-2018, 11:08 AM   #4
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If all you are looking to do is keep the batteries charged while in outdoor storage you should only need minimal charging capabilities assuming your talking about 2 oem 12v batteries. That being said I would just remove the batteries rather than spend the money on a charger, panel and labor.
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Old 11-20-2018, 02:15 PM   #5
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Why not just get a solar battery charger. Mount it somewhere near or on your camper hook it up done. Tractor Supply had them last year can’t remember the price but they were not expensive.
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Old 11-20-2018, 02:19 PM   #6
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Agree with Lynwood - no need for a permanent install is you just want to keep the batteries topped off in storage. Would go with a 50 watt portable charger.
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Old 11-20-2018, 10:29 PM   #7
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More importantly make sure you have a battery disconnect switch that cuts off ALL power.
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Old 11-21-2018, 07:26 AM   #8
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One of the hardest things to remove or replace is the batteries at my age. Stooping over and lifting out is difficult. Have two group 27's. It's easier to load my small generator in the pass thru storage. Was just wondering what the cost range would be and what benefits and usage the 265 watt panel would allow besides maintaining the batteries. These portable solar units could grow legs in public storage!
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Old 11-21-2018, 08:00 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by navybanker View Post
Supposedly, our 2017 3611 (not legacy) has "part" of solar system standard. What would be the cost of panel and additional items to just keep two 12 volt batteries charged. Not wanting to use any other devices just keep the batteries charged in outside storage. Educate me, Thanks
My trailer came with the Solar package from Keystone with the 265 Watt Panel and the 2K inverter, it's a good start, so I am going to add another 265 panel but I did replace the one 12 volt battery with 3 100ah Lithium 12 volt batteries.
Like I said the solar package is just a start, long story on the troubles I ran into when Keystone did a half ass installation job for example no remote start button for the inverter i guess they expect people to go outside to turn on the inverter when needed and the monitor is lacking so I added a Vitron bluetooth monitor so I can see everything going on with my batteries with a computer/cell phone/Pad... The people that supply the system to Keystone was a great help and helped me through some of the problems here is a pic of some of the stuff I added and I am still working on adding stuff.. a plus for the lithium batteries are you can use all 300ah and not worry about the 50% stuff
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Old 11-21-2018, 03:14 PM   #10
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Navybanker- that's why I bought my solar charger. I am stored at a private campground so I do not think that it will be stolen. Batteries are heavy as well as the acid can get on you.
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