Solar for Reflection 297rsts; install for possibility of bug out

[jabhoyt]

We want to maximize our trailer in case some day we would need to bug out for survivalist reasons. Aware we might not be able to get the trailer moving due to truck operational issues but planning anyway. Does anyone know how many solar panels you can install on the 297rsts? I assume we need two lithium batteries, but only know they should have feature so they do not freeze up etc.
Install in the trailer seems to be an active topic. Do you install inside the trailer, or in the end cap, or outside. I don't know how pre-prepared the 297rsts regarding electric set up. I hope I am not paying for them to install all the cables etc. to run the panels. I hope it is just regarding the battery hookups and wires to the panels. If I put them in the end cap, I assume there is a lot more wiring involved. At $175 an hour at the dealer, I don't know if I am better taking the trailer somewhere else.
I appreciate any input you all can provide. I will provide tag info. whenever the dealer looks under the trailer(not anytime soon I would assume) I live one and a half hours from the dealer.

 

[Soundsailor]

We want to maximize our trailer in case some day we would need to bug out for survivalist reasons. Aware we might not be able to get the trailer moving due to truck operational issues but planning anyway. Does anyone know how many solar panels you can install on the 297rsts? I assume we need two lithium batteries, but only know they should have feature so they do not freeze up etc.
Install in the trailer seems to be an active topic. Do you install inside the trailer, or in the end cap, or outside. I don't know how pre-prepared the 297rsts regarding electric set up. I hope I am not paying for them to install all the cables etc. to run the panels. I hope it is just regarding the battery hookups and wires to the panels. If I put them in the end cap, I assume there is a lot more wiring involved. At $175 an hour at the dealer, I don't know if I am better taking the trailer somewhere else.
I appreciate any input you all can provide. I will provide tag info. whenever the dealer looks under the trailer(not anytime soon I would assume) I live one and a half hours from the dealer.

There are a lot of questions in your post. Perhaps it would be best to start with what you'd like to end up with. So I'm gathering you'd like a system that could support you living full-time in the coach. You could start by building an energy budget. What sort of uses are you planning? Do you have a 12-volt frig for example, how much does it draw each day? Do you need an inverter to support AC uses such as the TV and microwave? Once you have some idea of how much you need, then you can start looking at how to supply that.

(Moved thread to Solar)

 

[kb0zke]

As Stephen said, start with an energy budget to figure out what you need and want. Then round up. How much is up to you, but you can't have too much power available. I'm putting our new system all in that front pass-through bay. I'm going with two 24 V 200 AH Redodo batteries, a Victron MultiPlus II, and assorted other Victron pieces and parts to make it all work. I got a deal on some Hyundai 385 W solar panels, so that's what will go on the roof. I think I have room for a third battery, and I may order it before I get going on all of the rest of the stuff.

I'm taking out all of the very thin stuff that is wrapped in dark material and replacing it with 3/8" plywood painted white. Part of the reason is that I wanted something solid to attach stuff to and part of the reason is that I wanted it to be lighter in there.