We still love our compressor refrigerator, but you can’t rely solely on solar to keep your batteries charged. You’ll need a quality backup like a genny or a dedicated alternator charging circuit during periods when the skies are overcast.
Thanks Mike. This little Winnebago has a solenoid that allows the 180 amp chassis alternator to feed the batteries when the motor is running. I occurred to me that truck campers wouldn’t come this way, so I’m hoping this meets the criteria you were thinking about. Also, I carry a Honda 2000 that feeds into a Parallax 40amp charger/converter that’s 3 staged. Neither of these sources achieve more than 14.4 volts, so I’m counting on my MPPT controller and 300 watt high voltage panel to polish off the batteries at higher voltages.
I’m actually 75% decided to buy a ground deployed “suitcase” 120 watt solar array that comes with a little PWM 10am controller, so 420 total panel watts. This might be good for 4-5 amps in decent sun. Because all my solar wattage is in one 300 watt residential panel, I figured this little 120 watt array might be a good backup also, in case of damage to the single 300 watt panel. It’s a ACOPOWER 120W Portable Solar Panel, 12V Foldable Solar Charger with 10A Charge Controller in Suitcase. I’ve never used a “suitcase” thing, but this gets good reviews: https://www.amazon.com/ACOPOWER-Portable-Foldable-Controller-Suitcase/dp/B074ZR3RNP
I’m nervous about a 60 AH daily draw for the CRX 110, but I’m willing to give it a try. I bought one last Sunday.
