pianotuna
Regina, SK, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 12/18/2004
View Profile
 Offline
|
Hi,
Sealed Marine is a poor choice imho.
Regards, Don
Kustom Koach Class C 28'5" 256 watts Unisolar, 875 amp hours in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 2500 MSW watt inverter.
|
smkettner
Southern California
Senior Member
Joined: 03/21/2005
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
At least get a 27 assuming it will fit.
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
675 watts solar
Send a PM if I missed something
|
briantroy
San Diego, CA, USA
New Member
Joined: 05/09/2004
View Profile
|
Would a 27 make that much of a difference? What else could I use? Two 6 volts will not fit. I might be able to squeeze a 27.
|
mena661
Southern California
Senior Member
Joined: 03/21/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
briantroy wrote:Would a 27 make that much of a difference? What else could I use? Two 6 volts will not fit. I might be able to squeeze a 27. IMO, no it won't make that much difference. Get the LED lights, that will make a difference. Check out this thread for suggestions, My LEDs. The small solar system will at least keep your battery charged between trips and will contribute SOME charging while you're camping (not much on the overcast/foggy days on the beach). You really need solar PLUS more battery capacity to make a real difference. And a deep cycle battery would be the best but there aren't really any in group 24/27 size.
EDIT: HERE is a battery I would recommend for deep cycle use that is not a 6V. Can you make this fit? AND I would still get the small solar system with this.
2009 Newmar Canyon Star 3205, Ford F53 V10
Trojan L16 6V's 740 Amp-hours
|
smkettner
Southern California
Senior Member
Joined: 03/21/2005
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
24 vs 27 is 85 Ah vs 115Ah so 35% more capacity.
For me LED lights had the effect of doubling the battery size. And they stay bright as the voltage drops off. So yes LEDs will also help. You don't have to do them all, just the two most used will make a big difference.
|
|
|
mena661
Southern California
Senior Member
Joined: 03/21/2009
View Profile
Offline
|
smkettner wrote:24 vs 27 is 85 Ah vs 115Ah so 35% more capacity.
For me LED lights had the effect of doubling the battery size. And they stay bright as the voltage drops off. So yes LEDs will also help. You don't have to do them all, just the two most used will make a big difference. If he's partying all night, more than likely there are more than two lights on.
|
briantroy
San Diego, CA, USA
New Member
Joined: 05/09/2004
View Profile
|
The light I currently use is a 2 bulb fluorescent hand held light like the kind a mechanic hangs on the hood while working. I use this on an extension cord to light the campground.
|
Canadian Rainbirds
Vancouver Island (Winter: Mainland Mexico)
Senior Member
Joined: 02/06/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
Don't get too small a solar panel, you may not get the battery fully charged and end up still replacing your new battery every three years. The rule of thumb is 50 to 160 watts of solar power per 100 AH of battery. Your group 24 will likely be 75 or 80 AH so you should have at least 40 watts of solar panel. One of those tiny 15 watt panels are next to useless.
On edit: I hadn't read Pianotuna's posts before I posted my comments so:
You can take what Pianotuna says to the bank. He has a lot of real life RV solar experience. I guessed 40 watts he says 30 so go with that. Although if the price is right bigger is always better in my mind. 
* This post was
edited 03/11/12 01:31pm by Canadian Rainbirds *
|
rvrepairnut
bc
Senior Member
Joined: 11/11/2011
View Profile
Offline
|
I fail to see why its a big deal to simply install a new battery every 3 years?
|
wildmanbaker
Kennewick, Washington
Senior Member
Joined: 02/24/2005
View Profile
Offline
|
15 watt panel will charge a battery, but very slowly. Optima battery would be the one for you to get in your use. Completely sealed, very tough, can even be installed inside you party van. Their deep cycle battery should work for you, and a 15 watt or bigger solar panel may cure your problems. You should get a charge controller, even with a small 15 watt panel, as it will cook a battery in time. The only problem with Optima batteries, is, they are expensive, and don't have the same power as 2 - 6 volt deep cycle, but there is no upkeep.
Wildman
|
|
|
