Looking For Solar Trickle Charger For Battery On 2017 Frd F350 Dually

Updated 12/29/2025 | Published 12/09/2025

Products Featured in This Question

2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger

(119)

$42.25

Bright Way Solar Battery Charger - 7.5 Watt Solar Panel

(101)

$121.78

Question:

Howdy. So I have a 2017 F350 dully truck. Want a solar power trickle charge system to keep my batteries maintained. the truck is used primarily to tow our 5th wheel camper. We drive my wifes car most of the time and truck sits. Is there a unit the can plug into our power system from the connections inside the truck, put the solar panel in the windshield?

asked by: David W

Expert Reply:

Hey David, thanks for reaching out.

You can definitely do a simple solar maintainer setup on your F-350. The easiest option is the Performance Tool 2.5-watt solar charger # PTW2997. You just stick the panel in the windshield with the suction cups and plug it into one of your 12-volt outlets. It’s made for keeping batteries topped off, not charging a dead one, which is exactly what you need for a truck that sits.

The only thing to check is whether your interior 12-volt outlet stays live with the key off. Some Fords do, some don’t. If yours shuts off, you can still use the same panel but hook it to the batteries under the hood using the included clamps.

If you ever want a little more power, there’s also the Bright Way 7.5-watt maintainer # BRW54FR, but that one must be wired straight to the battery.

How long does the truck usually sit for at a time?

expert reply by: Jesse M

2.5-Watt Solar Battery Charger
(click to enlarge)

Jesse M.

12/29/2025

Hey David, how did things go with the solar maintainer on your F-350? Did the 12-volt outlet stay live when the key was off, or did you end up connecting the panel to the batteries instead? Your update could make it easier for others with similar trucks.