Palomini 186 RBS Solar System

[PJWMSON]

Hello, I posted yesterday under general comments after my first summer with a 2021 Palomini 186RBS.
My wife and I sold our 2005 17’ Trail Lite trailer after about 12 years of great camping mostly in BC.
We purchased from a local reputable dealer who was very good to deal with, however as with any business there is always room for improvement.
We are now retired after a great career in Plumbing and Heating. I also have had strong background with electronic controls related to heating and boilers.
My only regret is the 12Vdc fridge. We grilled the salesman and as he said most units built now are going this way, and you should have no problems with power.
If you plan to dry camp, (my unit is sold as an ‘Off Road’) the bottom line is you need to carry a generator. I carry a Honda 1000 and it is more than adequate for charging my system, but not running any appliances.
12 volt fridges ‘eat batteries’ as was stated by a local battery rep. The dealer stated that the manufacturer put a single 200 watt solar panel on the unit to power the fridge. They also provide the unit with a single 12 volt (100ah?) battery. This would only give you about 24 hours worth of power if you got some sun on your panel! We added twin 6 volt batteries wired in series (to get 12Vdc) for about 220 Ah’s. The fridge is rated at 4 Ah’s so you do the math. Plus the fact that if you run a ‘wet’ lead acid battery below 50% you are heading for trouble. The manufacturer is giving you the very basics of a solar electrical system, while touting the fact that it has ‘solar’ and it is ‘off Road’
I ordered a second 200 watt panel, now installed after many emails and discussions with the dealer. I requested they cover this cost for all my troubles and the salesman’s lack of knowledge from the outset. As they did not bill me it appears they came thru so kudos to them.
I am happy to try and answer questions, but I am not an electrician nor an expert on solar charging systems. On the other hand I have learned a lot over the past 6 months.
PJW