BajaNomad - solar powered pop up trailer

solar powered pop up trailer

woody with a view - 7-30-2010 at 05:26 PM

first off, all i know about electricity is that it is invisible-and it hurts. :?:

i'm going to need to power a pop up trailer and was wondering if there is a simple (cheap is good!) method to power lights and maybe a small ipod stereo and of course, a blender. i'll have my 3 cubic foot fridge/freezer (in addition to the small unit in the pop up) that can run on electric or propane.

anyone have a simple explanation to wire the panel(s) to the pop up?

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by woody with a view]

noproblemo2 - 7-30-2010 at 05:31 PM

You could put solar panels/panel in the top part of it, we have solar on our RV for back-up and works well..

Bob and Susan - 7-30-2010 at 05:36 PM

woody...solar power is only battery power

the solar panels charge the batteries

then the inverter converts it to house current

house current powers the fridg and blender

you need to make a list of appliances you plan to use

ex:
ipod = 20w
fridg = 80w
coffe maker = 1000w

then you can se how many batteries you really need
and the size of the solar panel to charge the batteries

woody with a view - 7-30-2010 at 05:48 PM

i know the panel charges the (car, or another battery in the pop up?) battery for night use. the inverter changes dc to ac. when i add up my total expected watts that i'll need to draw, i need to get an inverter to handle ( + 50%?) amount of current needed?

plug into the inverter and drain my battery all night long, or until the sun comes out? is it a simple wiring set up like:

panel has two wires-which go to battery-which go to inverter?

woody with a view - 7-30-2010 at 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by noproblemo2
You could put solar panels/panel in the top part of it, we have solar on our RV for back-up and works well..

i'm assuming i'll disconnect the panel and stow it on a bed whilst traveling. then just set it on the ground at an optimal angle to catch the sun.

Diver - 7-30-2010 at 06:06 PM

I wouldn't use the car battery for camp power; if it dies, the truck won't start.
You can put a 12V deep cell under the hood or in the camper.
If you put it in the truck;
1. the camper will have to be plugged into the truck to get power.
2. you need an isolator so the battery will charge when driving but not drain your starting battery.
3. You willl have a spare battery to start the truck if the other one fails.

The easiest way I have found to connect a solar panel to a battery is to hot-glue a small charge controller to the back of the panel. The wires from the controller then go to the battery. For moveable, non-permanent use, I cut 2' off a 12ga extention cord and wire one end to the charge controller/panel and the other end to the battery. This way you can plug the 2 together and place the panel anywhere around the camp that the sun is shining.

If you use an inverter, it gets connected either to the cigarette lighter or to the battery leads - depending on your inverter leads. I normally use an inverter that is rated for at least 1.5 times the draw that you anticipate.

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by Diver]

woody with a view - 7-30-2010 at 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishabductor
Or secure the PV panels down good and charge while you drive. Lots of people mount them permanately down. Lots of boaters do too.

if you knew where we were planning to go..... won't the bad roads increase the chances of a cracked panel due to vibration?

Diver - 7-30-2010 at 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishabductor
Or secure the PV panels down good and charge while you drive. Lots of people mount them permanately down. Lots of boaters do too.

With my extention cord method, we have often tied the 85 watt panel on top of the windsurf bags on the roof. But normally we get enough charge from the alternator when we drive. I really like the flexibility to camp in the shade and put the panel in the sun !

Diver - 7-30-2010 at 06:17 PM

Also, when it's sunny, our 85 watt panel and 1 group 27 deep cell will run our lights, water pump, occasional heater fan, range hood, stereo and 12V DVD for the few hours each day we use them and we never run low unless it's cloudy.

We run our blender off a 5 Hp rototiller motor !! :lol:

Nah, off the main truck battery with an inverter for a few minutes at a time.
Don't like them too blended !

woody with a view - 7-30-2010 at 06:23 PM

Quote:

Nah, off the main truck battery with an inverter for a few minutes at a time.

which is how we do it now. but with the new digs it's gonna need something mo' betta!

Bob and Susan - 7-30-2010 at 06:46 PM

just get a honda eu2000

solar is just too expensive still for what you want to do

this generator is sooo quiet you'll love it
spend your money$$$ on food and drinks

mojo_norte - 7-30-2010 at 06:52 PM

I've found a good condition fully charged deep cell battery will run the basics - lights + pump + stereo + furnace fan for 3-4 + ? on the road travel days. When I get where I am going or even a place I'm spending half a day I put out my 50 watt solar panel out in the sun. I used to have a setup with an isolator from my truck battery which is nice but the isolator went south and I never revisited it.

mojo_norte - 7-30-2010 at 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
y3 cubic foot fridge/freezer (in addition to the small unit in the pop up) that can run on electric or propane.

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by woody with a view]

Any refrigeration units will drain your batteries in a hurry !

Terry28 - 7-30-2010 at 07:27 PM

vote # 2 for the honda generator......well worth the $$

BFS - 7-30-2010 at 07:36 PM

I know exactly where you are going brother.
Propane for the fridge, forget about electric/solar/battery on that. Propane lasts and makes ice!!
One solar panel bolted down is fine and can hang on any road down here.
With a good dedicated battery (not going to your engine) you can do lights, 12v fans, ipod w/speakers. Not sure about that blender as Ive converted to "rocks" but they do make hand cranked ones. Forget the generator!!
And by the way its head high, on the rise, sheet glass and drainiiiing....

bfs

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by BFS]

mojo_norte - 7-30-2010 at 07:38 PM

I think a generator is overkill for the needs of a popup - main power draw is the fridge and he's got a propane fridge. A 50 Watt $250 solar panel will run ipod laptops lights blender pump. Generator's fine but cost + space taken up + fuel ? A bit messier than a solar panel.

rts551 - 7-30-2010 at 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
y3 cubic foot fridge/freezer (in addition to the small unit in the pop up) that can run on electric or propane.

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by woody with a view]

Any refrigeration units will drain your batteries in a hurry !

Propane works better anyway

woody with a view - 7-30-2010 at 07:42 PM

any sources for parts?

mojo_norte - 7-30-2010 at 07:56 PM

Electrical parts bits.
http://www.parts-express.com/home.cfm

RV Batteries - Walmart - Costco?

Harbor freight had a 45 watt solar panel on sale recently for $150

I have a Kyocera panel that bought 15 years ago - they last forever!

woody with a view - 7-30-2010 at 07:57 PM

being as i'm a dolt, isn't 45 watts less than a dim light bulb?

Russ - 7-30-2010 at 08:01 PM

I really hate generators! "but" for a small set up like your thinking you might be better off with a Honda. The 1000 may be big enough for every thing you plan to use and if you had one deep cell battery and a small inverter that use a cigarette type plug you could have quiet time when you or you're neighbors wanted. You could charge the battery directly from the generator. Just keep an eye on the battery with a multi meter. you can google solar systems and find something small. Here's what i found my first try... http://www.harborfreight.com/45-watt-solar-panel-kit-90599.h...
Good luck!
Just found this place. The are a really reputable company and there is a lot of info on there site. http://www.solar-electric.com/

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by Russ]

mojo_norte - 7-30-2010 at 08:08 PM

My 50 watt panel hooked up to 1 RV battery runs 12V light (3 hours) . galley pump. XM + Stereo . Laptop - occasionally. recharging drills camera batteries etc . baja sun conditions indefinitely.

mojo_norte - 7-30-2010 at 08:30 PM

honda eu2000 $1K - ouch

Udo - 7-30-2010 at 08:42 PM

Two 100 watt solar panels: $1K ouch!
One inverter, 2000 watt: $2-300.
One AGM deep cycle battery: $250.00
One DIY wiring job that includes parts: $40.00

mojo_norte - 7-30-2010 at 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Udo
Two 100 watt solar panels: $1K ouch!
One inverter, 2000 watt: $2-300.
One AGM deep cycle battery: $250.00
One DIY wiring job that includes parts: $40.00

200 watts - overkill !

50 Watt panel - 299

Inverter - 40

Walmart RV Battery 49

Wiring 10

I run my camper each and every winter on this setup.

Generator - Hmmmmmmmmmmmm - who wants to listen to that

woody with a view - 7-30-2010 at 08:59 PM

1 have a 400 watt inverter, so i think i'm leaning towards a panel.

mojo_norte - 7-30-2010 at 09:11 PM

You'll have to check the specs on your blender if the the 400 Watt inverter will run it. If your only 110V appliance is a blender you can get those in 12 volt and also hand crank - not sure of the performance for making Magaritas

. I have a small inverter - 400 watts. it charges the laptop camera and power drill off the 12V panel setup.

monoloco - 7-30-2010 at 09:23 PM

I ran my Engel freezer all winter on 1 Costco marine battery and 3) 55watt solar panels. If you look around you can find used panels pretty cheap, I just picked up 8 BP 75 watt panels for $600.

torch - 7-31-2010 at 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I just picked up 8 BP 75 watt panels for $600.

wow thats a great deal
cosco has a 45watt set up for under 300.00 - (3 ) 15watt panels a charge controller and a inverter. I just set it up for a nieghbor and it works good for him. The panels are on a pvc structure which would be perfect for traveling and camping.

Don't forget a small charge controller

El Camote - 7-31-2010 at 09:19 AM

I'll weigh in on the PV panel side. We power a 32 ft. motorhome with two small panels mounted on the roof, a 12 amp charge controller, two 225 amp 6V deep-cycle golf cart batteries and a 400W inverter.

Couldn't find them on line but, as someone mentioned, Costco has a great deal on solar panels. I've also bought the batteries there in the past. Bought the inverter from Costco as well, many years ago, for $25 on a recommendation from a Nomad.

The Charge controller is key if you want to leave the system hooked up all the time. It will keep the panels from overcharging the batteries. This is what we use. http://www.ecodirect.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=Xant...

When we set up to camp, I just alligator clamp the inverter to the batteries then plug the main power cord into the inverter, unplug the converter and make sure the fridge is running on propane. This powers up all the AC outlets in the moho. Just keep an eye on your power usage via a DC gauge. We even run a small, DC powered TV with this set up and charge the cell phones, laptops and portable DVD player.

I can count on one hand the number of times I've started the generator. Sure makes the neighbors happy.

[Edited on 7-31-2010 by El Camote]

larryC - 7-31-2010 at 09:32 AM

The price of panels is way down right now. These are probably bigger than what Woody wants, but for $1.68 a watt they are a great deal for some one else. I bought 6 of them and they work great.
http://sunelec.com/
190 watt panel for $320
Larry

Terry28 - 7-31-2010 at 09:32 AM

One used honda generator, about $400.....forget everything else....end of problem. They are very quiet, you use it only when needed, hours and hours of use on 1 gallon of fuel......more time for surfing....

monoloco - 7-31-2010 at 11:16 AM

IMHO it's wasteful and a pain in the burro to have to run a generator just for lights sound and other small loads, not to mention maintenance. One of the greatest things about Baja is the silence, even the quietest generators are too loud for me when camped in a remote and otherwise silent place. Solar is the way to go, and won't cost much for what you want to do. Save the generator for the occasional larger loads.

monoloco - 7-31-2010 at 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by larryC
The price of panels is way down right now. These are probably bigger than what Woody wants, but for $1.68 a watt they are a great deal for some one else. I bought 6 of them and they work great.
http://sunelec.com/
190 watt panel for $320
Larry

I saw Dupont thin film panels on the internet for $1.20 a watt. These are 67vmp panels so you would need a MPPT controller.

DavidE - 7-31-2010 at 11:39 AM

I'll be the odd one out and not post about panels even though I am an electrical engineer:

Truism about huge panels and trying to keep up with an ever increasing load "I once had a spouse that no matter how much I earned working 7 days a week managed to leave us in debt".

Lights are a major "expense", Take a look at REALLY thrifty lights as far as energy use is concerned:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5M-16-ft-Flexible-Bright-Whit...

Somebody may have t run this through the URL Rosetta Stone to make it useful.

They are 12 volt D.C. powered. You can use one in a house with one of those plug in voltage converters. These things are BRIGHT! Six elderly people who require reading glasses can line up side by side under a strip and read paperbacks at midnight. All for under an ampere.

They are shipped from near SAN JOSE California.

You can bet your bippee that I am going to purchase SEVERAL sets more.

monoloco - 7-31-2010 at 05:20 PM

LED lights are a good call, I found 12 volt MR16 LED's on overstock.com, they have 1.8 watt and 2.5 watt for around $6 or $7. I rigged up a jumper with a standard female plug so I could use a conventional extension cord to power them from the truck battery while camping. They are way more convenient than Coleman lanterns and just as bright.

805gregg - 7-31-2010 at 05:31 PM

Honda generator, you can run stuff, charge batteries and run your house at home when the power fails.

woody with a view - 7-31-2010 at 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
LED lights are a good call, I found 12 volt MR16 LED's on overstock.com, they have 1.8 watt and 2.5 watt for around $6 or $7. I rigged up a jumper with a standard female plug so I could use a conventional extension cord to power them from the truck battery while camping. They are way more convenient than Coleman lanterns and just as bright.

got a link?

mojo_norte - 7-31-2010 at 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
. One of the greatest things about Baja is the silence, even the quietest generators are too loud for me when camped in a remote and otherwise silent place. Solar is the way to go, and won't cost much for what you want to do. Save the generator for the occasional larger loads.

Amen!

taxcutter - 7-31-2010 at 07:41 PM

I always liked this guy and his solution.
http://www.mdpub.com/Wind_Turbine/index.html

Bob and Susan - 8-1-2010 at 05:33 AM

i a BIG silence guy too...
but the EU series honda generators are quiet

you need to listen to one or two
either a eu1000 or eu2000

these are not the home depot-harbor freight generators

they produce clean sine wave electricty with little noise
and are LIGHT
you can move them easily

one gallon of gas goes along way too

batteries are heavy and go dead all the time
batteries only last a few years too
then $$$ to replace

the harbor freight 15w solar panels are junk
you'll be wasting your money
i've looked at them several times

monoloco - 8-1-2010 at 06:38 AM

I have had a couple of those Honda Eu generators and I still wouldn't want to listen to one running next to my camp for hours on end.

[Edited on 8-1-2010 by monoloco]

Bob and Susan - 8-1-2010 at 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I have had a couple of those Honda Eu generators and I still would want to listen to one running next to my camp for hours on end.

yea that's it

mojo_norte - 8-1-2010 at 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan

batteries are heavy and go dead all the time
batteries only last a few years too
then $$$ to replace

For the camper I need a battery anyway for the occasional daytime use of the galley pump and vent fan. I can't see running a generator 24/7 for these sorts of uses. The batteries I have been buying at Costco or Walmart cost 50-60 .
and last bout 5 years.

Different strokes for different folks!

Terry28 - 8-1-2010 at 09:29 AM

One last time....a honda generator is all you need....very, very quiet. You already have a propane fridge so you would only run the generator when needed for your blender, extra lights and to charge up anything needed.
And for your purists that don't want to spoil the " vibe" how do you think yio got to this remote camping place??? Unless you hiked or rode your horse/burro....your argument ends here....

monoloco - 8-1-2010 at 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Terry28
One last time....a honda generator is all you need....very, very quiet. You already have a propane fridge so you would only run the generator when needed for your blender, extra lights and to charge up anything needed.
And for your purists that don't want to spoil the " vibe" how do you think yio got to this remote camping place??? Unless you hiked or rode your horse/burro....your argument ends here....

There is a difference between driving into a remote camp and listening to the whine of someones generator all night long. For the price of a generator you can buy a 200 watt solar panel battery and charge controller and replace the battery every couple of years for what you would spend to maintain the generator, and the solar panel has no moving parts and will work for 25+ years while you would go through several generators in that time.

mojo_norte - 8-1-2010 at 04:20 PM

Just curious - How much run time do you get with a gallon on fuel on those Honda generators?

durrelllrobert - 8-1-2010 at 07:07 PM

a solar powered pop up trailer? Al Gore must have invented it to save the fuel normally required to tow it :lol:

[Edited on 8-2-2010 by durrelllrobert]

Bob and Susan - 8-2-2010 at 05:29 AM

EU1000
1000 watts
29 lbs
8.3 hrs on 0.6 gal of gas
(that's 13.8 h4rs on 1 gallon of gas)

EU2000
2000 watts
47 lbs
9.6 hrs on 1 gal of gas

for camping needs these are fine
very quiet

then if you need extra electrical around the house later...
you got it too

Russ - 8-2-2010 at 06:20 AM

I have the 3000 and I wish it got the long of run time of the 2000 on a gal. It holds about 4.5 gallons but I only get 6 or 7 hours run time with the AC on. I want to trade it, the 3000, for a 2000. There is an aftermarket cap for the 2000 that allows an external tank and that would run the AC all night. :biggrin:

Bob and Susan - 8-2-2010 at 12:22 PM

the eu2000 may be too small for your AC...

El Camote - 8-2-2010 at 12:33 PM

Just curious, how long would a 2000 have to run to recharge a 225 amp 12v batt. from 12.2 volts to full charge?

bajalou - 8-2-2010 at 12:51 PM

Mike- I have a eu2000i that I use if I have to top off my 6 golf cart batteries. I use a 45a battery charger and never run more than a couple hours.

I've never had to use it since I got the tracker though.

rts551 - 8-2-2010 at 03:15 PM

Is your charger putting out 45 amps when powered the Honda's rated 13.3 amps?

bajalou - 8-2-2010 at 03:25 PM

13.3 amps AC - charger puts out DC amps.

Bob and Susan - 8-2-2010 at 03:44 PM

the honda 12v dc charger is only 8 amps

willyAirstream - 8-2-2010 at 04:12 PM

The Honda 2000 works best with a battery charger. I charge one 12 volt in about 2 hours with a battery charger. Using the charger on the honda takes forever. The Honda gives you great flexibility as it is so portable. 2 cents used up

bajalou - 8-2-2010 at 06:18 PM

In case I've lost you, I plug a 110V AC battery charger into the eu2000i. This charger puts out 45a at 12v DC.

lesd - 8-3-2010 at 01:36 AM

Just got back from a 10 day Baja trip with truck camper. I have two 120 watt panels on the roof. LED lights inside, as well as a 2400 watt inverter that can run my coffee maker. I also brought a Yamaha 1000 inverter generator and never used it once on the trip ! I brought it in case I needed to run the AC, but it never got unbearable hot, even on the east side of Baja.
I like the silence of solar. Unless you need to run AC, solar can work.
he cheapest panels are from Florida, senelect dot com .

edit: Yes, the yamaha 1000 can run my 7000 btu AC, the trick is to start the AC on the 2400 watt inverter and then switch it over to the genny once it has run for a few seconds off the inverter.

[Edited on 8-3-2010 by lesd]

willyAirstream - 8-3-2010 at 06:48 AM

Quote:

he cheapest panels are from Florida, senelect dot com .

is this the link? http://sunelec.com/

lesd - 8-3-2010 at 09:26 AM

Yes, that's it, sorry I misstyped.