What Size Portable Solar Panel Works Best for a Vistabule Teardrop Trailer with Solar Port?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Dennis,

Great question.

For the setup you described, I would actually recommend stepping up to the etrailer Overlander Portable Solar System # e28VV. Since you already have the solar port on the trailer, this gives you a much more complete and practical camping setup than a smaller trickle charger style panel.

The # e28VV is a 100 watt portable solar system that includes the folding solar panel, digital PWM charge controller, wiring, and connectors needed to safely charge your 12 volt lead acid battery. With the LED lighting, intermittent water pump use, and running the roof exhaust fan overnight, you are using enough power that a smaller 40 watt panel may struggle to fully recharge the battery each day. The 100 watt system gives you a much better balance between portability and usable charging capacity for real camping use.

The solar controller is important because it regulates the power coming in from the solar panel to protect your battery. Solar panels can produce more voltage than your battery should safely receive, especially during peak sunlight conditions. The controller manages that incoming power and delivers the proper charging voltage to help prevent overcharging, overheating, and premature battery damage. That is especially important with lead acid batteries since consistent overcharging can shorten battery life pretty quickly.

Another nice advantage to the # e28VV is the folding portable design. Since it folds down into a compact carrying case style setup, it is much easier to store inside a small teardrop trailer like a Vistabule compared to larger rigid panels. You can also move it around camp throughout the day to keep it in direct sunlight without having to park the trailer itself in the sun.
In good sunlight, a 100 watt panel can usually recover enough power during the day to offset the overnight use from your lights, fan, and water pump. One thing I would recommend is confirming the polarity of your factory solar port before connecting any portable panel. Some RV manufacturers reverse the polarity on SAE-style solar ports, which is one of the most common reasons portable solar systems do not charge properly when first connected.

Overall, I think the # e28VV would be a really nice fit for your Vistabule and would give you enough charging capability to comfortably support your camping style without constantly worrying about battery drain.

What kind of camping trips are you planning with the Vistabule this year?

expert reply by: Kate F

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