Free Car Tips

One of the main attractions of RVs (Recreational Vehicles) is the flexibility they give you.  In theory you can go anywhere the mood takes you, but often you are limited to where to park for the night because you need somewhere to recharge your batteries.  Even if you only use your on-board appliances a little, your batteries will need recharging from time to time – usually more often than is convenient! And be warned, regularly draining a battery will shorten its life dramatically. But there is an alternative that will give you true flexibility to go where you want, and it can be made easily and for very little money.

Most RVs have on-board generators, but these tend to be noisy and also to eat up the gas.  Nowadays it is quite common to fit a solar panel or two which will provide most if not all the power you need without hammering your battery, and these panels are very easy to make at home, even for the total novice.  If you have a generator you can keep it as a backup – much less harmful for the ears and pocket. Keep your generator for powering the lights at your next outdoor party!

Solar panels for RVs can be easily stored if foldable, and they tend to be quite lightweight so are easily moveable. A single 8 square foot solar panel will generate about 75 to 100 watts, which is about equal to a pair of golf cart batteries.  This would probably be enough for the average mid-size RV but it would depend, of course, on your own power needs. Most RVs use no more than 400 watts.  The best advice is to start with one or two solar panels, and add more as and when you feel they are necessary. We have some more information about this here.

There are some additional things you will need if you will be driving regularly in hot climates.  You will need a solar-powered battery charger with battery temperature compensation to reduce the danger of damaging your batteries.  Also, solar panels on the roof of an RV can get very hot, which can affect their efficiency and can lead to voltage drops. Ensure that your solar panels have a rating of at least 17 volts to overcome this potential problem.  Just keep these thoughts in mind when planning your RV’s solar panel system.

There is a good range of RV solar panel kits on the market but these tend to be very pricey.  We thoroughly recommend the make-it-yourself route. It is easy and fun and well within the competence of every oxygen-breathing adult, even the ham-fisted ones!  And you will save a packet compared with the bought variety.  It is very sensible, however, to get professional advice and guidance as you plan and build your solar panel, otherwise you could end up with a system that does not work properly or even at all.  Don’t worry, professional advice and step-by-step instructions are readily available if you know the right source, and only cost a few bucks.  We know this will be a good investment.

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