Solar for my horse trailer

[Bobbie Brown]

Does anyone on RC have any experience using solar power for their horse trailer...specifically to run the thermostat for the heater so the water lines, and water heater don't freeze.    I'm also concerned with the difference using the panels or using the those solar pads.    

Thanx in advance.

Bobbie Brown

[Laney Humphrey]

I mounted a solar panel on the roof of mine. It kept the batteries
charged and ran the lights. I didn't have heat in my LQ so I don't
know whether one could be used to run a thermostat. Laney

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[Bobbie Brown]

Laney...thanx for the info.    Have you ever had any problems with your panels being damaged by snow or hail?

Bobbie Brown

[Darcy]

KI wonder if the Solar Panel kit that Harbor Freight sells would work?  How would you mount them?  Goal Zero also has a solar powered generator.  When the time comes for mr to get another horse trailer I thought of checking into what Goal Zero would have that could work.  Keep us posted Bobbie.  This is a great thread.  Sustainable energy options!  Love it!

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[Bobbie Brown]

Ok...I will.   I have seen those solar generators...more research needs to be done.

Bobbie

[Teddy Lancaster]

I suggest you get a catalytic heater instead. They use NO power and run on propane and the Wave Heaters (I have one) do a great job and are SAFE! Most solar panels (unless you spend  a GREAT DEAL of money) are not going to keep a furnace running very long... You will need super batteries to store the power..none of these are cheap!

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Teddy Lancaster
http://runningbear.com/
Running Bear
3404 Carl Allred Rd.
Franklinville, NC 27248
1-800-533-2327
email: te...@runningbear.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Teddy Lancaster]

Most good solar panels come with a warranty. I have 4 100 watt Sunrunners since 2006. They have a 25 year warranty.  NEVER a problem with them. Get a good installer.  I recommend looking up AM Solar (west Coast) as they are the experts and can refer you to good installers..  Do NOT let Camping World do it!

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[Bobbie Brown]

Great info....I contacted Logan trailer cause that's what I have, and also Mr. Truck from RFDTV...we'll see what they also recommend, and I'll keep RC updated.   

Keep the info coming...I am looking at everything you're sending.      Thank you

Bobbie

[Teddy Lancaster]

I learned by asking others. I love what I got (but it was an investment!)  Get the best you can afford,  AM Solar sill be a great help..especially in referring you to GOOD installers!
Their products are not cheap (and yes you can get some on EBay, but the pirce is not any better). I use Lifeline AGM Batteries.  They weight a LOT and are not cheap to ship, but the company has warehouses all over the USA so you will not have to pay shipping from one end of the country to the other.  I also use the SAME batteries in my truck.  They last me at least a decade!

[Bobbie Brown]

Teddy...what is AGM batteries?    Never heard of them.    I wasn't going to go to EBay...I need reliable installation.    Has your panels been damaged by hail?  I'm concerned because of brakeage.

Bobbie 

[Teddy Lancaster]

SEE: http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/
They are sealed. No adding water, no maintenance. Ask and expert about which ones you will need.
I have 6 6 volt in series in my trailer and a Magnum 2000 Watt inverter (also not cheap).  I also use 2x12volt in my truck. (Freightliner)

The first set lasted my almost a decade, so the upfront cost is high (about $300+ per battery) but the "no maintenance makes it worthwhile.  But get a professional installer. 
Personally, I am "electrically" challenged....  AM Solar has pointed me to the right people to install them (not a LOT of them around!)

[Truman Prevatt]

Solar panels today are quite robust.  The technology is actually quite old.  The photovoltaic effect was first observed in the mid 1800's. Einstein explained it in about 1920.  In the 1950's, Bell Labs built the first solar panels for space activities.  Every watt of electricity used by every satellite or the space station is generated by arrays of solar panels.  Space is quite a nasty environment. 

AGM batteries are basically "dry cell" batteries.  They are mechanically very robust - they are used in military aircraft, tanks, etc.  They have electrical properties that are superior to those of liquid lead acid or gel batteries when used in as a "deep cycle" battery.  Deep cycle means low draws over a long period instead of high draw over a short period like starting a truck. 

Most RV places and the larger horse trailer dealers should handle solar systems that would fit the needs for horse trailers.  Teddy basically is off grid and her system has to support that.  Most people don't need that much power.  If you want a solar system find some one that with experience in installing in RV/LQ Horse trailers.  

--
"A conservative is a man with two perfectly good legs who, however, has never learned to walk forward."  Franklin Roosevelt 

[Teddy Lancaster]

Thanks Truman.  I know what I have, but not a lot about the technology!  I am very happy with my system...10 years now!
Finding the right installer is, IMO, critical.  I had one Camping World (who said they knew what to do) reallly mess me up. I had it redone by an installer recommended by AM Solar.  Glad I did. ZERO problems!  But you are very correct, my needs are greater than the "average" user...

[Bobbie Brown]

Forgot this....as I said earlier I will be talking with Logan Horse Trailers tomorrow.  

Truman...your quote from Franklin Roosevelt is so right on!    Love'd it!

Bobbie

[Truman Prevatt]

Given my experience with Camping World, I would not trust them to carry out my garbage.  I had Sundowner put a 60 watt panel on a trailer I bought in 1997.  I did have an issue with a bad diode in the controller - it was chocking off the current before the battery was fully charged so I started every night with a low battery.  Sundowner sent me a new controller, I replaced it never a problem and it was still working fine 10 years later when I sold the trailer.  Today solar panels and controllers come in kits based on how many watts you need which most large horse trailer dealer with a decent shop can install. 

The big issue with horse trailers and batteries is mechanical breakdown.  A cheap deep cycle batter is not designed to be put on a trailer and driven across a bumpy field or bumpy dirt/gravel road to for 10 miles to get to a base camp.  Under such use a cheap deep cycle will have the cells short out because of the vibration and shock.  The AGM batteries are designed to operate in such environments.  They are expensive but the will not fail prematurely.  

The one thing I would suggest is in most LQ horse trailers would be to replace the bulbs in the lighting with LED light bulbs.  You will never replace them and they draw a lot less current off your battery. 

  

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"The Republicans admire the Government of the United States so much that they would like to buy it. " President Harry Truman

[Laney Humphrey]

Bobbie, the only problem I ever had with my solar panel was when I
forgot to clean it. It had gotten covered with dirt & tree sap. A
hose-off & it was as good as new. I don't live where snow or hail are
issues altho' I went to rides where it snowed & drove thru hail, both
with no problems. If you're concerned, you could cover the panel with
cardboard or something I guess. Laney

[Bobbie Brown]

Ok guys...I got it!    AGM batteries, LED lights, and reliable installer.    I've been looking at panels kits, some very reasonable, and others super inexpensive.   I think I'll go with my needs...water, heat, cooking (by the way some of which I can do outside).    I did buy a Nuwav induction 1 burner cook top....works slick, and doesn't require a lot of energy...I've been using it for a year and 1-1/2 year now. 

Truman...with these requirements what do you suggest because not always is the most expensive is the right product.   

By the way...again I love your quotes you share.

Bobbie  

[Bobbie Brown]

Truman...I just got an email from the factory...they recommended a 150 Watt unit...I told him of my needs....so what does the "watt" mean?  

Bobbie

[Crista]

I agree with LED lights, we have a trails west LQ. For whatever reason the builders thought we needed enough lights to light a runway. We have a set of lights running down each side of the ceiling in the living area that all are connected to one light switch. Needless to say when these lights were on we had to start the generator every 2 hours. My husband replaced all these lights with LEDs and now unless we need an electrical outlet we can go several days without the generator. It's amazing the difference!

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