thanks again for all the responses...I'm so happy I asked! However now I have some decisions(good ones) to make
some follow up questions . it has to be said that I'm new to this and I'm very much a layman when it comes to all things mechanical, electrical, etc. I'm eager to learn though. Ask me to fix your wifi and I would have no problem
lots to learn about solar. on it
1) solar in the pacific northwest....cloudy, generally cool weather is par for the course. I will opt to have all the prewiring done for solar, as I would save a fair amount of money and try to install a roof panel/controller myself(save that for another topic)...When I am not camping the truck/camper will be living on the city street and may have no access to shore power. Will the solar panel always keep trickle charging the batteries, keeping them charged so when I do go camping its not a concern? assuming no shade, but cloudy
< my 2¢ worth... pretty much, yes. in particular if you don't have anything on in the camper. that is, the master switch off. assuming the batteries are fully charged when you park, solar would/should keep a float charge on them.>
2) If I went with a 2 way fridge, say the isotherm 130L...is the dual battery a requirement if you are camping for even just a couple days(weekends)? assuming no shore power and minimal sun. Also assuming I'm occasionally running the furnace, using the lights and charging phones.
<there are a bunch of variables here, but I would highly recommend going with two batteries. depending on how often the refer is opened, how hot it is outside, and how much other power is used, you might get by for a couple of days, especially if you have put solar on the camper. talk to FWC or ATC about what battery options they can offer.>
3) how level does a 3 way fridge need to be? do minor angles prevent it from working? seems like thats the dealbreaker for me.
<obviously, the more level the better, but it does not have to be perfect. we have two absorption refers (one in a hardside and the other in a travel trailer), and if they are say within half a bubble in the spirit level, they do fine.>
thanks WTW! more to come in sure