I purchased a dealer demo Hawk (shell). I'm new to truck camping and solar systems. I have an 08 GMC 2500HD, gas engine.
I'll take the Hawk to the factory to add some options and I'm considering having them install the factory solar system - is their's a good system, and large enough for my needs?
I have the stove/furnace option, a fantastic fan, will have a top loading refrigerator, and will use my laptop computer for remote working (I have a 12v converter for the computer), and I'll use a 12v CPAP machine.
I will use the camper during winter months, and have read I need larger sized solar panel(s) for winter use than I would during the summer.
I'll mostly use the camper in the Pacific Northwest, should I also install a DC-DC charger like the CTEK D250S as a backup to solar for the cloudy Oregon and Washington State area? From what I've read, a stock truck alternator doesn't do a good job of charging the (dual) camper batteries.
Is the factory solar (160w?) system good enough for my needs, or are there better options?
Thanks for your help.
I'll take the Hawk to the factory to add some options and I'm considering having them install the factory solar system - is their's a good system, and large enough for my needs?
I have the stove/furnace option, a fantastic fan, will have a top loading refrigerator, and will use my laptop computer for remote working (I have a 12v converter for the computer), and I'll use a 12v CPAP machine.
I will use the camper during winter months, and have read I need larger sized solar panel(s) for winter use than I would during the summer.
I'll mostly use the camper in the Pacific Northwest, should I also install a DC-DC charger like the CTEK D250S as a backup to solar for the cloudy Oregon and Washington State area? From what I've read, a stock truck alternator doesn't do a good job of charging the (dual) camper batteries.
Is the factory solar (160w?) system good enough for my needs, or are there better options?
Thanks for your help.