Where to start?

**Ynot4me2** · 10-25-2021, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by zadiemay

Does this Renogy plug into the port on the side of the RV? or do you need to hook up directly to batteries?

You can but you might have to simply change the plug on the panel. Then you'll be able to keep your solar charge controller inside the storage compartment where it's locked and safe.

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**MoonShadow_1911** · 10-25-2021, 07:54 PM

Originally Posted by Ynot4me2

You can but you might have to simply change the plug on the panel. Then you'll be able to keep your solar charge controller inside the storage compartment where it's locked and safe.

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I guess I didn't provide clear information... [emoji849] On our rig, I have a 50 watt Goal Zero solar panel that I have the Furrion Solar plug connected to. That in turn, inside the coach, is connected to the solar charge controller, which is then connected to the batteries. All connections, since this is a single panel to help the batteries topped off, are SAE or Zamp connectors so I can disconnect the dollar charge controller from the batteries and use a battery charger.

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**Brother_Bluto** · 10-27-2021, 11:17 AM

Originally Posted by PTParker

I am not going to spend $1000 dollars for a battery that I will only have a need for maybe once every 3 or 4 years! Almost all the campgrounds in our area have at least electric and water, only time we boondock is in Cades Cove in the Smokies, and that is just every few years.

You need your battery for much more than simply boon-docking. Even when plugged in the 12v system is running. On my last Reflection, I had to install a full cut-off switch at the battery, as if I left it parked for a month (with the factory shut-off engaged)... even the parasitic 12v draw would bring the batteries to zero (and then unable to hitch up). A LiFePo4 is definitely an investment up front, but a lower total cost of ownership over the long run over lead-acid. The first mod to our new Mo was to install 300ah of LiFePo4.

**Hoopy Frood** · 10-27-2021, 11:31 AM

Originally Posted by Brother_Bluto

You need your battery for much more than simply boon-docking. Even when plugged in the 12v system is running. On my last Reflection, I had to install a full cut-off switch at the battery, as if I left it parked for a month (with the factory shut-off engaged)... even the parasitic 12v draw would bring the batteries to zero (and then unable to hitch up). A LiFePo4 is definitely an investment up front, but a lower total cost of ownership over the long run over lead-acid. The first mod to our new Mo was to install 300ah of LiFePo4.

"Lower cost of ownership over the long run"? Maybe, maybe not.

I owned our last 5th wheel toyhauler for 10 years, I had to buy two new batteries, at a cost of about $260 total. No way would lithium batteries been more cost effective for me. If you don't boondock regularly, then, IMO, lithium batteries will cost you more, with little real benefit. My Walmart specials lasted, on average, a little over 4 years. I had to replace them because I would forget to turn off the battery disconnect and would end up totally discharging them. If that hadn't happened they would likely have lasted longer.

**Ynot4me2** · 10-27-2021, 02:18 PM

Originally Posted by Brother_Bluto

You need your battery for much more than simply boon-docking. Even when plugged in the 12v system is running. On my last Reflection, I had to install a full cut-off switch at the battery, as if I left it parked for a month (with the factory shut-off engaged)... even the parasitic 12v draw would bring the batteries to zero (and then unable to hitch up). A LiFePo4 is definitely an investment up front, but a lower total cost of ownership over the long run over lead-acid. The first mod to our new Mo was to install 300ah of LiFePo4.

Just a small correction/clarification. When plugged your converter will power the 12v system even if there's no battery.

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**flynaz** · 10-27-2021, 04:07 PM

A single 50 - 100 watt solar panel will keep your battery bank charged.

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**SolarPoweredRV** · 10-27-2021, 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by flynaz

A single 50 - 100 watt solar panel will keep your battery bank charged.

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This is true for storing your camper, when boondocking you will need much more Solar Wattage to recharge your batteries and cover the energy you use during the daytime.

**Fivecodys** · 10-28-2021, 04:00 PM

Ok Guys,
As the OP on this thread, I must say that I have now been dragged down into rabbit hole. First I just wanted to know where to start the process of replacing the stock battery. Thanks to you all, I have now been looking at adding solar to the rig for occasional boon-docking or dry-camping.
I've been watching all kinds of YT videos on adding solar to my 5th wheel. Thanks a lot!!!

So......My 29RS paperwork states that it is "prepped for solar". Can anybody tell me exactly what that means?

Many thanks!

**MoonShadow_1911** · 10-28-2021, 04:12 PM

Originally Posted by Fivecodys

Ok Guys,
As the OP on this thread, I must say that I have now been dragged down into rabbit hole. First I just wanted to know where to start the process of replacing the stock battery. Thanks to you all, I have now been looking at adding solar to the rig for occasional boon-docking or dry-camping.
I've been watching all kinds of YT videos on adding solar to my 5th wheel. Thanks a lot!!!

So......My 29RS paperwork states that it is "prepped for solar". Can anybody tell me exactly what that means?

Many thanks!

You are most welcome, Alice!

Prepped for solar means there is an access point on the roof and a chase from that point to the basement for the cables. There might be a 10 gauge cable run through the chase that most of us use as a pull wire.

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**Fivecodys** · 10-28-2021, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by MoonShadow_1911

You are most welcome, Alice!

Prepped for solar means there is an access point on the roof and a chase from that point to the basement for the cables. There might be a 10 gauge cable run through the chase that most of us use as a pull wire.

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There is a small rectangular plate up there that I have been noticing. I'll bet that's it.