DIY Complete 12V RV Solar for Cheap - $250

A Solar stem for maintaining batteries in my Airstream without putting any holes in the skin. It could be applied to any travel trailer with standard two 12V or single 12V system.
This is how to build the RV Solar System that most of us need. One that mostly provides battery maintenance against discharge while not in use and adaptable to increased charge when boondocking.

[@TxRiverElf]

Maybe attach those two little panels to a backing that you attach to that propane cover, The side facing the trailer can be 'latched' and the opposite side hinged... so you can tilt to better capture the sunlight.

[@ShawnPatterson402]

excellent video. I agree completely, we see all these amazing systems that cost $$$$. Not necessary for everyone. We boondock sometimes 3 or 4 days at a time (as water tanks permit), but we hand grind our coffee, and percolate it on the trailer stovetop, or on our Coleman stove outside. Hair dries naturally, and we have a 2 way fridge so propane can handle that so how much energy is really needed? Thus I have 200 amp hours of battery on board, and have 2 x 100amp portable solar panels that can keep the batteries topped up(usually only use 1 of them). Have thought about putting panels on the roof, but we often are parked in shade, so happy to have 2 portable solar panels that I can move as needed to find the sun. Also carry a Jackery 500 that handles the charging needs of computer or iphone or whatever. Good to go with that. Simple, not that expensive and fun.... As always, safe travels....

[@kedrevs4037]

Thanks for adding the great post. On my last trip talked to some newer Airstream owners. No propane on fridge. Just shore power or battery. Now if you want to boondock, I guess you need a mega system.

[@bryaninnc5511]

Thanks for the video. I would definitely consider doing this if I were looking to add solar to a tailer that didn't already have roof top panels.

[@kedrevs4037]

Appreciate it. Wish the Airstream came with one and I have seen plenty of installs, that make me confident that I could put a rooftop system in. Just want to keep things as simple as possible.

[@jzazn]

I love your video!! Just got a Bigfoot 17.5 maybe Airstream next but we like fall/winter/spring camping alot less people. The coldest we camp was at Capital Reef National Park in January at 0 degrees I wandered how Airstream handle the cold?

[@kedrevs4037]

Haha, my coldest was 6 degrees F down at Big Bend NP during the February 2021 Texas Snowpocalypse. That was in a Lance 2375. Also 4 seasons, but not quite a Bigfoot. Heading to Capitol Reef in October, but it better not be 0. Only one trip in Airstream so far, but we are enjoying it.

[@FennixGamingYT]

Could I just add something like this to an old 70s Dodge Chinook instead of rewiring everything? Would it be able to support the whole system?

[@kedrevs4037]

Got me on that one

[@DSchig]

Hmmm... If you are an occasional camper like me, you could save $240 by just installing a $10 battery disconnect switch. When you are not camping, flick the switch to the off position. Your batteries will hold charge for many weeks, until the next time you go camping. If you need to store your camper for 5 months of winter, then bring your battery inside your garage, basement or utility room where its warm. $240 saved.

[@kedrevs4037]

I have installed a battery disconnect switch and its disconnected when in storage.

[@ericswild]

Any issues with sparks around the propane tanks?

[@tomchekotevski9105]

Installing power inside a box with gas cylinders WoW . M8tey not really a good idea, but hey, if you don't have any problems, then please feel free to do so. This may not be an issue, however I would not have done it myself.

[@kedrevs4037]

Umm to 1.5W solar panels, with nothing expose to spark. Think I'm ok

[@tomchekotevski9105]

@@kedrevs4037 Hope all goes well m8.