RV Solar Systems - Who Needs Them?

[@richardsimms251]

Great

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So glad you enjoyed it Richard. Thanks for watching!

[@marilynscripture6085]

Dwane, I really love watching your channel. In a couple of years I want to retire and travel, and hopefully relocate. All your videos prepare me for the purchase of a RV or cargo van conversion. Thank You!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's awesome Marilyn! I wish you all the success in the world and the very best fun adventures when you begin RVing in earnest!

[@kevinswinyer3176]

The kind of Solar Power System I am planning on using will be Portable Solar Panels that can be folded up, and stored inside the Coach when not being used. Everything I am planning on installing will be installed in a medium size box that will be mounted on a rear hitch rack on the back of the Coach. That way, should I decide to upgrade to a newer, larger Coach in the future, all I need to do, is swap the equipment from the old coach to the new coach.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your thought process on the solar equipment you plan to buy.

[@Dave-zl2ky]

I was doing an antique show and a class A pulled in their spot. The promoter ran over to find out when they would turn off their gas generator. They had not even turned it on yet and the show did not start until the following day. For me, a portable solar generator and some panels would be great.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I would say that promoter's response is an unusual occurrence in general, but thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[@mikewebster2984]

Great perspective thank you

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you enjoyed it Mike. Thanks for watching!

[@mariehart4294]

Without a doubt this is the best KZbin channel about RV’s! Thank you Duane, your videos are extremely valuable!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Wow, thanks for your positive feedback. Comments like yours make all the effort put into my videos very worth it. All the best to you Marie!

[@louisetrujillo5192]

I have heard there are quiet generators and more efficient ones...is that really a correct statement in your opinion?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Louise. I made a video about quieter inverter generators that may be helpful for you. You can watch it here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWXEkoSFm56lp7s I hope that helps.

[@nannermakuk]

Thank you for the well explained, unbiased explanation of solar power.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it was helpful Nancy. Thanks for watching and leaving a nice comment too!

[@petersmith8765]

Batteries will not run an air conditioner..batteries are for televisions fans computers and lights..😊

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Peter. I know what you mean by this comment. But of course, some RVers just have to try to push the limits and these days larger and larger RV solar systems are being installed that actually do allow running an A/C at least for a few hours. As you say, it's not the best solution though. Thanks for contributing to the discussion!

[@irabobbipickard6306]

Once again very informative. Thanks again

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for watching Ira. All the best to you and Bobbi.

[@euniceeclipse1]

it's great to have videos out there which allow us to make choices without the hype :) Thank you for the great video! taking into consideration the length of rv ownership is a great point :)

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

My pleasure Eunice. I'm glad that the video was helpful for you. Thanks for watching and sending such a nice comment!

[@timmurr1672]

Thanks great information.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks Tim. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :-)

[@peterdeppeoriginal1221]

I have to say thank you for this review. I was so into solar and don't say it isn't for me. But sure put way more thoughts into it. Much appreciated. Great content. Happy new year

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad it was helpful Peter. Solar power is a great thing, but it has it's drawbacks too. It fits some campers like a glove and it doesn't fit others at all. Thanks for watching!

[@OverTheHillRV]

Very good points on both pros and cons of a solar system. The video has me re-examining my plans to expand my system.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad that the video was helpful and thought provoking. That's the result I was hoping for.

[@larryjanson4011]

grid power is very noisy. workers at the power station must have special ear protection on. it just appears quiet as the power plant is hundreds of miles away. and at sub stations one can hear the buzz of the power going through the system.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing that with us Larry.

[@ChristianTravelers]

We have a small 25'5" motorhome. We would be considered in the frugal range at night. What about a 300w folding solar panel (like Dokio) with a solar generator? When the sun is MIA for awhile, we can always use our 2800 Onan generator to top off our two golf cart house batteries as a backup plan.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

The combination of solar panel with solar generator is a great idea for smaller rigs. Lots of RVers are going that way now, especially those who like to boondock a lot. And having a generator as a backup is a fine plan. Sounds like you have it all figured out HT!

[@dsm5862]

Even though I use very little power in RV while off grid, I can keep the batteries topped of with our generator. We only run it for 30-40 minutes and the generator needs to be run or it will not last! Thanks for the pros/cons!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad that you shared that 11e. I have another video coming out this week on the use of generators to provide RV power and I appreciate hearing from your experience. Please comment again on the new video if you can.

[@jeffsten1]

Thank you this helped my decision to get solar.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's great Jeff. I'm glad the video helped.

[@brianbiggar144]

You can probably get by with less solar if you have LFP batteries since they will charge much faster than AGM.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's a good point Brian, and lithium batteries offer a lot of advantages for RVers using solar to power their rig.

[@mrtestshoot]

Don't think so. LFP allows you to hold more useable energy but don't charge faster.

[@agent8699]

@@mrtestshoot But they do. If you charge AGMS from 50% and LFPs from 50% the LFP will finish charging in roughly half the time. That's because LFP will stay in bulk charging mode(the fast portion of the whole charging cycle) until the battery is full whereas AGMs go into absorption mode (for the final topping off) which is much slower. Has to do with the way LA batteries take up power.

[@agent8699]

But less solar is like using a garden hose to put out a fire when something larger is appropriate. A good rule of thumb is 2 watts solar for every AH of LFP battery.

[@LifeonOURtime]

A lot of great food for thought Duane. I didn’t realize how demanding AC is, even for the cadillac systems.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, it simply takes more panels than most people can install and more batteries than is practical to make it work for any meaningful period of time. Solar power is great for lots of things, but AC is not one of them.

[@askmslynnllc5363]

We are getting ready to move from the pop up stage to hybrid stage of camping. I will be converting the frig from propane/electric to 12 volt (I live in Indiana so we have many of this sort of thing available). I am thinking on adding additional lithium batteries to run the frig while traveling and possibly two c-pap machines and frig for one overnight while between stops. Do you have anything on batteries?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Lynn. I haven't made a video guide on batteries yet, but stay tuned. It will probably be coming soon. Of course, lithium batteries are a great choice. The price is still a little high at this point but hopefully it will drop more as the technology becomes more accepted and widespread. All the best to you on your RV travel plans.

[@mrtestshoot]

Best to DIY a battery bank for a 4th the cost. 560a cost me $1200. Equivalent batteries would have been over $5000.

[@bobcole3852]

Nobody, any time, anywhere wants to hear a generator.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

LOL .... thanks for that perspective Bob. :-)