On Oct 3, 7:52*am, wrote:
On Fri, 3 Oct 2008 07:27:44 -0700 (PDT), wrote:
On Oct 3, 3:59*am, wrote:

Anybody hooked up one of those 12 volt solar trickle chargers? *. . .
for an RV, camper, cabin 12 volt set up? *Recommends?
I just pulled the biggest, heaviest deep cycle Ive ever seen out of a
used camper. Branded "Alaskan Gold," Whats the skinny on these big
boys?
Dave

As to the solar, yep. *Have several and am pleased with them thus far. I
got several on a "closeout" deal at West Marine (in-store) when they
went from rigid to folding/rollable (I think I paid about $30.00 on
average two sizes, something like 75% off), so given the price, they
were a no-brainer. *I also have several large panel set-ups, but unless
you really want something like that, I'd say stick with the smaller,
pre-packaged units.

As to the deep cycles, don't drain them completely, keep a float charge
on them, check the fluid level, and don't use them for starting
batteries. *Some marine apps use 8v batteries in 24v systems, and maybe
RVs do, too, but ???. *Some of the large batteries with the terminals on
the end are 8v, some 12v, so check what you have.

TC,
R

Thanx for info. West Marine is new to me but it looks like they've got
stores all over this area, so Im going over there in a day or two.. Do
you have any of the smaller units hooked up to deep cycles permantly?
Im planning to put something in that will keep me in light,
water(pumped) and maybe a little heat, with LNG mostly powering the
cookstove, heater and refridg, of a stationary camper. Lots of sun in
SW Washington. Ive got lots of industrial grade power for pumps etc.,
but no easy 120. I want a set up that will support me for 1-2 weeks at
a time between plug in battery recharges. Suggestions?

How big are your biggest arrays? What do they yield?

Dave