Welcome to the SOI new Solar Forum.
Solar installations are becoming more and more prevalent on modern molded fiberglass travel trailers, so at Scamp Owners International we are getting ready to launch an entire solar resource section to walk you through step-by-step the considerations for moving your trailer to a solar equipped unit. The first step will be this forum which will be dedicated to installing solar and sharing information about what you need and how to do it.
The first two sections of our new dedicated solar resource section are published.
http://www.scampowners.com/solar-scamp-trailers
Stay tuned for more that is coming.
I was just getting ready to order portable solar panels with the cables and charger for $300. Renogy The salesperson told me to make sure I have a deep cycle battery. Does anyone know if the 2016 16 foot Scamp come with that type of battery?
Mary
Mary Fletcher
Yes, a marine deep cycle starting battery. Would not my first choice, but that's what mine had. I switched to double batteries for more capacity, but the stock Scamp battery will be fine.
Well I finally put the solar on the Roof. My old 3 way fridge was only working on Ac so I decided to have The Factory put in the Dometic Ac/Dc Crx 65 in. That made me think that I need to change up things as far as DC goes and the battery/Solar. I ordered a Renogy 175 watt panel and a Li-time 100amp lithium battery. After figuring out where to put the holes in the roof, it was a pretty easy install and up to the factory for my new fridge. Everything has been in place for the last three weeks and I'm loving it. First of all the battery hasn't gone below full ever, because the solar panel is constantly charging or I'm attached to the truck or it's also thrown juice via A/c connection . Oh yes, and it's wonderful having a freezer finally.
Joy A. & Olive
2001 13 Scamp "Puff"
Full-timer
2019 1500 Ram Longhorn
SOI #168
So for those that don't and didn't know I already had been using solar so the Solar Controller was in place as well as the lines to the battery. My original setup had an outlet on the outside of the Scamp going to the controller. I decided to hardwire the new panel directly to the constroller which simply meant disconnecting the outlet connection.
I took the new wire down through the kitchen overhead cabinet, then out and along side the window frame, then down into the electric compartment, connecting to the controller.
My original panel had too little 55watts. Going to give it away. I would have liked a 200w panel put that was too big because I have both a fantastic fan (front) and an exit vent (rear).
Joy A. & Olive
2001 13 Scamp "Puff"
Full-timer
2019 1500 Ram Longhorn
SOI #168