Vic said:
Key bits are:
1) Where is the battery box on your Northstar?
2) Can you bring some 10g wire from the batt box to an outside wall?
3) Can you punch a hole in the outside wall and mount a weather proof plug?
4) Will you ever have solar on the roof?
5) If no, then buy/make a portable "suitcase" with a built in controller
If yes, then the controller should be as close to the batteries as possible
Ask more questions... this has been done before here!
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1) in the back near the back door, lower right in pic.
(see lower right door, below in pic)
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2 and 3) I suppose I could but I don't really want to.
4) probably not. Would rather be able to place the unit out in the sun and not be limited by where we are parked/set up.
So, thinking making or buying a portable suitcase will be the best idea, with included controller. Right now, the camper has LED lights, but most everything else runs on the propane. (Heater, fridge, water heater.)
Other than charging phones, flashlights, etc. Would like to consider a small electric space heater but not sure if that is practical. I like the idea of no propane on at night. But I guess I would need to power the fridge. Better look at some of those spread sheets and other info I saw listed in some of the stickies.
Was thinking 120 was the minimum probably. Yes? I think I could build that for not too much. I have a science teacher friend who might help. Also, I saw something about mono solar cells rather than poly. I am thinking a folding board on legs, rather than the truly flexy stuff, so hoping I can get the good cells if I build it myself.
Do you have a resource for looking into building?
Also, was thinking maybe I should find a way to put a second battery in? Or is it good enough just to keep topping off the normal 12v deep cycle battery? As you know, I am in Idaho and have good sun most of the time.