Add 200W to 2024 2205S

[spyguy]

We would like to modify our 2024 2205S to allow us to boondock for 3 days. We have the standard 200W Solar panel with a 1800W inverter, GoPower 30Amp PWS controller. Also the 12volt fridge and 15K BTU A/C. Suggestions welcome.

[bikendan]

Moved thread from the Appliances and Electronics sub-forum to the Electrical, Charging Systems and Solar sub-forum since the OP's questions are specific to that sub-forum.

[spyguy]

Originally Posted by spyguy

We would like to modify our 2024 2205S to allow us to boondock for 3 days. We have the standard 200W Solar panel with a 1800W inverter, GoPower 30Amp PWS controller. Also the 12volt fridge and 15K BTU A/C. Suggestions welcome.

I failed to note that we also only have the single 12V wet lead acid that came with the Unit.

[MrPukaShell]

I have a 2608 with three pannels and a 228 amp LIPO and can stay out for multipal days with no issues

[Aussieguy]

How often do you want to go boondocking and go you have any generators or solar suitcase ?

The battery and fridge combo you have will only last overnight, if you have cloudy weather then you'll need a generator

you can hire one for a single weekend trip... check your local homedepot.
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IF you want to go camping often... 3 days no hookup
much will depend on when and where you camp... hot desert or shady forest

an good average system.... will start with ....
200ah battery Lifepo4
inverter .... you already got
400w solar panels .... can be combo of roof and ground mount

Take small generator with you in case it rains for the weekend

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If you want to use air conditioner... the system will have to be much bigger
A generator 2500-4000w is probably your best bet.
smaller generator may require a softstart / hardstart

[spyguy]

Thank you Aussieguy. Yes we have a generator of suitable size. Most of the places we will visit here in NM we will be lucky to find much shade. If I understand you correctly if I add a 200W solar panel to the 200W we have now and a 200ah battery such as the Lifepo4 we should be okay (depending on sun). Supplement with generator for A/C and shade.

[Aussieguy]

adding more solar to the roof would be a good investment
no setting up.
your solar controller should handle another panel






generator for air conditioner usage

[spyguy]

Okay thanks again I am a noob to the whole solar deal. Thoughts on this battery? https://www.renogy.com/12v-24v-48v-2...ry-back-order/

[spyguy]

Thank you again, I am a total noob to the whole solar system. Would a Renogy 12.8V 200Ah Core Series Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery work? Would you suggest installing in the front pass through or in the tongue box?

[chriscowles]

Consider 2 x 100Ah batteries in parallel target than 1 x 200 Ah batteries, the reason being that the BMS (battery management system?) that controls charging and discharging may limit the current discharge rate.

In my case with 2 SOK 100Ah batteries, a single battery's limit would not satisfy the current demand of my Renogy 2KW inverter when operating some high-demand appliances (microwave, coffee maker), where the 2 batteries connected in parallel can. That's a limit of the BMS in the battery. Perhaps the battery you're considering doesn't have that limit.

Also, in the unlikely event that a battery should fail, you can disconnect it and and operate on the other until you get it fixed.

[chriscowles]

Originally Posted by spyguy

Thank you again, I am a total noob to the whole solar system. Would a Renogy 12.8V 200Ah Core Series Deep Cycle Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery work? Would you suggest installing in the front pass through or in the tongue box?

An advantage of LFP is that you can mount it indoors. That gets some weight off the tongue and allows you to position it/them closer to the inverter, which is usually desirable. It also reduces the risk of theft.

[spyguy]

Thank you all very much for educating me and pointing me to a good usable solution. Appreciate your time.

Steve

2024 Rockwood 2205S
Ram 1500 1,700lb CCC

[TitanMike]

Originally Posted by spyguy

Thank you Aussieguy. Yes we have a generator of suitable size. Most of the places we will visit here in NM we will be lucky to find much shade. If I understand you correctly if I add a 200W solar panel to the 200W we have now and a 200ah battery such as the Lifepo4 we should be okay (depending on sun). Supplement with generator for A/C and shade.

Rather than jumping on adding more Solar and a a pair of LiFePo4 batteries I'd consider FIRST just adding the batteries.

My TT has two 100ah LiFePo4 batteries and 240W in a portable Solar "suitcase" that is more than adequate for my needs, even running a 120v residential type refrigerator in my outside kitchen. Having plenty of sunshine is a definite benefit and can make small solar panel setups "punch above their weight" If running the A/C from a generator the solar panels will get an assist from the generator.

If generator is small and can only run A/C without other 120vac items turned on, just start the generator an hour or two before the A/C is needed and the batteries will charge enough that the converter draw isn't going to overload the generator. LiFePo4 batteries charge quickly so the extra early run time shouldn't be long, especially with the power coming from the solar panels.

IF you find this scenario doesn't work for you when and where you boondock, THEN spend the extra money on more Solar.

When I camp in the SW I find the 240W of solar to be more than adequate, often having the batteries fully charged by mid-day and if camping during the cooler months, long before I need the A/C and have to start my generator.

A tip when boondocking with a 12V refrigerator-----don't open the door more than necessary and when you do, plan what you're going to take out before opening. Opening the door and thinking about what you want is only practical when on shore power

[Giboneys]

Be carefully about the Renogy battery. Either on this forum or a FaceBook site for Rockwood some have had problems with the GoPower solar charge controller and Renogy LFPO battery.

I would also recommend you go with two 100 amp LFPO for redundancy and tow will combine the BMS total amperage draw. Take a look at Power Queen batteries, you can get two that should fit in your battery box, you can buy from them directly or from Amazon I have 4 of theirs and love them and you can't beat the price.

[Aussieguy]

you can find a ton of info here on battery reviews etc
https://diysolarforum.com/


also look at

https://www.youtube.com/@WillProwse he has a lot of reviews and breaks open a lot of popular brands to see how they are made...




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