I read recently your post on putting a solar system in your 1963
Globetrotter, I thought I would share another perspective on putting
in a solar system, if you happen to be handy.
We have just finished restoring a 1963 Globetrotter and have used
solar panels in our last two trailers. We boon dock most of the time,
since I attend sheepdog trials and we camp in fields near the trial.
My husband works in the solar/wind business, so he takes care of the
technical end. But since he doesn't always come with me to a trial, I
take the trailer myself and deal with the solar system.
Our needs are simple – lights, water pump, fan when needed, and 12
volt plug to recharge the computer, cell phone, radio, camera
batteries. I bought a small inverter (Maxx 175 Watt) at the computer
store for $30 to recharge the computer that doesn't have a 12-volt
plug. We installed a 12 volt plug in the trailer to accommodate the
inverter. The inverter also works in the car cigarette lighter. Our
refrigerator, heater and hot water heater do not need a battery hook
up, which can be an added drain on a battery. In the other trailers
we had one 12-volt battery and a 20 or 30-watt solar panel. We used
a voltmeter to check that the battery was charged and to make sure it
didn't over charge.
The Airstream has the same appliances as the other trailers. The
Airstream now has two 6-volt batteries and a larger solar panel (55
watt), but we still have the smaller ones we can use, too. My husband
did add a Morning Star charge controller that automatically shuts off
the solar panel so the batteries don't over charge. We are also using
different light bulbs (a mix of LED & compact fluorescent bulbs) in
the Airstream.
We do not mount the solar panel to the trailer, because then you need
to park in the sun and think about the position of the trailer. We
just run a long wire to the panel and move the panel to where we want
it. We connect the solar thru the trailer-wiring pigtail. He uses a
7 blade vehicle plug and wire the solar plus and minus to the
appropriate terminal. Since they are not mounted, I guess folks
could steal the panel if they wanted. You do have to store it
somewhere when not in use, but ours is small and we have a perfect
place in the other trailer for it. In the Airstream we plan to store
it behind the goucho against the pillows and blankets.
You can start simple (panel, wire, and a volt meter) and inexpensively
if your needs are not great. I love the freedom and quiet solar
offers. We have never run out of power even after a week of camping in
the Maine woods or in mid – September when the sun is not as strong.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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