Haha, there definitely is. I wanted to sort of test the waters and see if they were worth the hassle...and they totally are. Going to upgrade my battery bank first, then a better controller, then 2 more panels...then...then...then...lol its always something.

 

I keep toying with adding a second panel myself. (Have a single 160W just to keep the batteries up.) I really don't need it as we don't dry camp much but I want it anyway...LOL. GoPower makes an add on panel for my existing system for about $550 delivered. Hmmm....

 

Wow, that's expensive. My entire 320w kit was $369. I think the panels by themselves are just $125. This place just happens to be near Carli Suspension, so I stopped by to look and walked out with the 320w system lol.

https://www.solarblvd.com/products/1...free-shipping/

 

Different brands, different prices. My system came with the RV. Not sure if you can mix and match panel brands as far as adding one on?

 

You can mix different brands it's the volts/ amps you want to be close with and obviously the watts. Then if you want to wire them in series or parallel.

Solar can have sticker shock depending on how you want go. Just one of my CTI 160 watt panels (×8) was $385

 

This one from the link Tricon posted is identical specs to my Go Power 160 panel. My controller can handle up to 4 panels. At $125 a piece, I could max out my system for cheaper than a single Go Power add on. I wonder if there is a quality difference?

https://www.solarblvd.com/products/s...solar-panel-2/

I have this setup now.

Overlander Solar Kit (160 watts) | Go Power!

 

They are warrantied for 10 years, most panels I think are 25 years. There's no way I'm going to have this Toy hauler even 10 years lol.

They output exactly what they say, that was good enough for me

 

Good point. I may give them some consideration... Thanks for the link...

 

There is a quality difference and there a tons of people getting by with less expensive panels that are taking care of thier recharging needs for running a radio, tv and misc lights. Plus you'll still need a decent battery reservoir for long term use.

I'll probably end up pulling my setup of the rig and transfer to the next rig or cabin when the time comes. That is why I invested in the setup along with all the extras of controller, inverter and lithium batteries. There literally is no need for a power pole anymore maybe a touch up from the Honda generator in the winter. Life is good in the boonies.

 

I bought my panels from this guy. 1- 160 Watt 12 Volt Battery Charger Solar Panel Off Grid RV Boat 160 watt total Bought jumper cables and used them for the wire from panels to charge controller. used this charger as a stand alone last year. SC-2030 Solar Charger ? 30 Amps Max- 12 or 24V PWM type - Bogart Engineering then added the moniter this year TriMetric Model Descriptions - Bogart Engineering So far so good. I will be adding a 2000w inverter sometime soon so we can run stuff on the 120v side when we are camping. That seems easier than adding more 12v outlets where i would like them.

 

Finally installed the awning support poles brackets today. They needed some rework and I've been putting it off. But wifey wanted it done, as I never leave the awning out because the 21 foot sail scares me.

 

Did a little repair work a few weeks ago. The skin has always been loose and was getting worse so it was time to dig into it and see what mess I had. Cut the skin behind the awning gutter to open it up and not disturb the roof. Removed all the damaged wood. Screwed a new sheet of lauan to the studs and added one at the seam to the old lauan. Brushed as much of the old wood off the skin. Brushed and rolled on the contact cement. Stuck it back together and reassembled.

 

Water... the most powerful force in nature... and RV destruction...

 

Finally was able to add second AC. I chose to add to garage. My Torque 321 had power in the master, so I ran underground Romex through the ducting to the vent area in the garage. Hardest part was getting the old caulk off the roof w/o tearing it. the roof material on these campers are scary thin. I chose to caulk under the gasket despite not seeing that in any of the UTUBE videos due to the roof material being disfigured and the holes left from vent. Going to water test prior to real rain event just to be sure. Unit was from a freinds old pop up. It is a Coleman mach 3 and must be from the 90's, but it is actually quieter than my factory unit. Best part? It blows cold air.

 

Looks good.......
I bet that will be nice for you and your crew.......