Solar RV / Tailgating?

[fbomb]

I read the other post recently on solar panels for home use, but I'm interested in building a solar set up for tailgating, camping, roadtrips, etc.

The vehicle that it will be mounted on is up for debate, but let's assume a small RV for the time being.

I HATE having to listen to everyone's generators in the parking lot after a game - especially in September when it's over 100 and I'm sunburned and drunk... it sucks. I'd just like enough juice to run a few lightbulbs, a radio and a smallish? TV....

Any of you tailgate kings / solar geniuses ever seen a set up like this?

thanks!

 

[LITNIN HORN]

A solar setup at your tailgate might look impressive, but it would be totally unnecessary.

You can accomplish what you want to do with two pair of Marine batteries and two inverters. This setup keeps our TV and satellite running for at least twelve hours.

For camping and road trips solar might be a nice addition.

Go here for lots of info:

The Link

 

[scottsins]

I doubt I could run a jager machine with it, so I stick to gas power.

 

[brntorng]

Definitely a couple of deep cycle batteries and a DC to AC inverter is all you need and they're perfectly quiet. You might want to consider stepping up to a "true sine wave" inverter depending on what you're powering. If you know what you plan to run you can calculate how many batteries and how large of an inverter you need. Consider a 24V DC to AC inverter if you need to power quite a few things simultaneously. And avoid incandescent lights--go fluorescent. Most of these may need a "true sine wave" inverter, but they would dramatically reduce the number of batteries you need. You can find some excellent prices for them on ebay.

 

[Luke Duke]

Marine batteries and an inverter. Or just get a Honda or Yamaha generator.

 

[fbomb]

OK - So the RV / trailer will be used mainly at tailgates for 12 hours or so and the battery idea sounds good to me after some research.

I know details are based on power needs, but here's a rough cut - on what we'll use -
TV - 300w est.
Sat. - 50w est.
radio - 15w est.
CFL lights - 75w est.

crock pot - 100W est.
other stuff - 500w est.

I'm thinking 2 12v marine deep cycle batteries and a 500w pure sine wave inverter (for the first 4 items) and a 1000w mod sine wave inverter for the rest / other.

I'm assuming about $300 for batteries, $300 for the first inverter, $150 for the second, $100 for various wiring parts and $100 for a charger to recharge it all at the end of the weekend.

I'm assuming I can calculate how long that would all take to discharge but that would require math and I'm too tired now.

Any comments on this setup? Anyone have any pictures of their setup or a link to build something like this out?

thanks!

 

[Luke Duke]

You can buy a 2kW Honda generator for less than that. That would DEFINITELY be the way to go. There is no debate or decision here. A Honda EU2000i would do everything that you need it to and more.

One of these places will most likely be the cheapest. You will have to call about prices since Honda doesn't let a retailer advertise a less than retail price.

Hayes Equipment
Wise Sales
Mayberrys

 

[GHoward]

In reply to:

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[Ignatius]

What Luke Duke said; we've used a 2000i for three years and it freakin' rocks...I have seen people trying to make a phone call step away from the noise of the tailgate and stand literally right next to the generator to make the call...

 

[brntorng]

Yes, they're quiet for a generator, but very noisy compared to batteries and inverters. I, like many, don't like listening to generators when there are quiet alternatives. A tail-gating situation isn't so bad since there's already plenty of noise, but campgrounds should outlaw them.

 

[brntorng]

With that power requirement you'll probably need to go with a generator or a large bank of batteries. A typical deep cycle marine battery through an inverter will provide about 300W for 3 hours. For everything on your list for 12 hours, you're talking about a dozen batteries.

Just curious, has anyone tried just leaving the RV idling with an inverter off the battery/alternator? That might be good for 900W or more, depending on the alternator.

 

[Luke Duke]

Why would you use an engine to run an inverter when you can just run an engine? That's like heating up ice cubes in the microwave instead of just getting the water from the tap.