Battery Tender solar panel charges up dual batteries in a Ford F-350

[@tomquimby4869]

Six months later and this charger is still hard at it. Should have done this years ago. Since we've got more vehicles parked during COVID, I'm alternating another Battery Tender panel between vehicles on a weekly basis to keep the batteries topped off. It's working great. Panel life is my only concern now. I've read that panels last between 10 to 15 years. But by then I'm sure the panels will have paid for themselves versus the alternative of dragging around a charger and an ultra-long extension cord from the shop.

[@nunayobusiness3384]

Something to think about is as far as the wire goes, slack will cause the cord to move a lot in winds which might stress the very place your concerned about. Just my 2

[@tomquimby4869]

Good point. So far, it hasn't been an issue. We'll have to see how it goes longterm. The truck is now parked just under the panel which has taken a lot of slack out of the run.

[@antster7]

Nice touch on using the magnet

[@hardworkingtrucks]

Thanks! Kept me from having to penetrate the roof. After several storms, the panel's still safely secured.

[@michaelwalling8281]

The magnets are a great idea. I am wondering how you avoided reverse polarity with that "landscape wire" and those flat wire connectors. With red and black conductors it's easier to get it right but It appears the landscape wire had two identical conductors.

[@hardworkingtrucks]

Great question. One wire is ribbed to help denote polarity.

[@jamesvaldez4093]

Nice setup!! Would be cool if you could add a link to the products you used.

[@tomquimby4869]

Done! Click 'More' on the description above.

[@civildk9077]

hahaha.. YOU trying to open the childproof packaging while holding a camera.. lol

[@Honkahonky]

8:52. Times has changed, now wood is really expensive

[@keithrussell3239]

I live with in a condo . No electricity available. Not that I don’t trust people but I will have to lock it inside the vehicle. What are the dimensions of the solar panel ,will it lay across the dash of a 2011 Ram?

[@hardworkingtrucks]

Understand your dilemma. I was able to fit it across the dash of my full-size pickup no problem. The only caveat would be sun exposure. South facing is preferred. If you really want to get precise, you can research the best angle to set the panel through various websites like GreenCoast greencoast.org/solar-panel-angle-by-zip-code/.

[@yayagazab4449]

How water proof is that solar panel?

[@hardworkingtrucks]

It's coming up on two years since I installed it and there's been zero problems.

[@hankimus10]

Do you want to sell that truck?

[@tomquimby4869]

No, and appreciate your asking. CR (conference room) has been in the family since the day it was driven off new from the dealer's lot. That 7.3-liter IH diesel (first year of the Powerstroke) has got a lot of life to give. Sherrod trim. Seats are so comfortable they rival today's heated/cooled/massaging features.

[@Tommygunglock45]

Lol I was wondering same thing

[@copper426]

Where can I get one from.

[@hardworkingtrucks]

A more powerful 35-watt version has since replaced it (check out Battery Tender's website), but as of today you can still buy the 15-watt version that I tested through Amazon.

[@keithrussell3239]

Where can you purchase it ?

[@hardworkingtrucks]

A more powerful 35-watt version has since replaced it (check out Battery Tender's website), but you can still buy the 15-watt version that I tested through Amazon.

[@charlesspidell1447]

Obd only does 5 watt

[@jimmycline4778]

I’m wanting to charge my bass boat with solar panel to inverter to built in battery charger on boat! Using extension cord from boat to inverter! Will this work? Solar panel to inverter to built in battery charger on boat that’s hooked up to 3 battery’s! Please help! Thank you!