Hi,
I have a 13' Scamp and I recently purchased a Renogy 50w panel with charge controller. Does anyone have any suggestions on where to mount the charge controller? I am thinking about permanently mounting the controller somewhere and connecting it to the battery. Then I plan to connect the solar panel to the controller only when I'm camping. I'm open to any other suggestions, particularly if you have a strategy that works.
Thanks,
Marty
Hey Marty,
How ya doin? Is that a portable panel or a flat panel you are converting to use as a portable panel?
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Hi Greg,
I am doing well and hope you are enjoying in the cool country. I think the answer to your question is a flat panel that I want to use as a portable. I'll attach a photo if that will help.
Best,
Marty
Martin Prunty
Marty,
Reason I asked was portables have the charge controller built into the back of the panel.
When I had my portables I used these solar connectors and had one permanently wired to the battery posts and tucked it into the battery case when not being used. Then I had my charge controller wired with one of these on each end and a 25' extension cord which connect to the charge controller and the panel. Didn't want to mount the charge controller, just rolled the wire up around it and stored it away when not using. When needed just get the wire roll out and plug in the panel and the battery end and you're set.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Greg - Thanks so much. I think you have been able to refine my fuzzy thinking. Happy 4th.
Martin Prunty
I mounted our controller above the front closet. Seemed like a good spot for collecting power from the rooftop panel and sending it to the tongue mounted battery on our Scamp.
John/Dave and Marilyn Haggerty
2005 Scamp 16 standard side dinette
04 Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4.7
17 Dodge Durango 3.6
19 Ford Ranger Supercrew Ecoboost
Is there any need to disconnect the built in controller/charger from the battery circuit while charging the battery using the solar controller. I could see an issue if plugged into shore power at the same time. If boondocking it doesn’t seem to matter. Right?
Mike, I leave mine connected all the time. Either one will cut off when the battery reaches their respective cutoff voltage. I have the rooftop panel running all the time, so the solar controller will stop the flow of voltage once the battery is full. If I'm also plugged into electric then the camper converter also knows when to shut off the voltage.
John/Dave and Marilyn Haggerty
2005 Scamp 16 standard side dinette
04 Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4.7
17 Dodge Durango 3.6
19 Ford Ranger Supercrew Ecoboost
scamping in lake oconee sc
looking for any tips