The info you gave about the solar was perfect! Im not a dumb person but i do fell stupid sometimes. Its hard to start camping when you have no experience. You did a perfect job explaining this! Thanks
I will soon be a T@G owner, and I've been watching your channel for information. I really love your videos because they are informative and clearly presented. You definitely have a gift for this!
Thanks Jenn We have a 2020 Boondock and I’m very thankful for the solar panel on the roof. We just purchased one battle born lithium and we also bought a 100 w Renogy suitcase. We pretty much always Boondock. The solar worked well last summer but we just wanted lithium for more reliability- we’ll see how it goes this summer :) really enjoy your informative videos Jenn
We also use a cable lock to secure our Zamp panels when we leave the trailer in the shade and put the panels in the sun. We are fortunate to have a lot of sun in California and one paired panel is all we've ever needed for our (2) 6v glass mesh batteries. The panels can be moved to follow the sun a lot easier then moving the trailer A good case to put the panels in is also important to protect them in your TV.
Thanks Jenn, it was great getting the tech advice from a woman! You rock. We’re buying a 2016 T@b 320 s tmr! Would you know if Nucamp sells the flat flexible panel I see on your T@b as an upgrade?
Very good explanation of the basics of solar, with a lot of things people need to know. A few minor critiques: - On your factors effecting solar efficiency, number 2 "Time of Year - Closer to the sun". Technically the Earth's orbit while elliptical, the distance to the sun doesn't change enough to make much difference. The main issue for time of year is the Earth's 23 degree tilt, which gives our Northern hemisphere longer days, and the sun is closer to vertical at noon, I believe its 65 degrees in mid summer in the Detroit area for instance. The longer days mean you can keep your panels in sun longer. - For someone with a 75 or 100 Ah battery, using a 100 watt panel as you suggested is just about perfect. For those situations I would go with one of the panels with a built in controller for simplicity, those are generally PWM controllers, but they work fine in this use case and are less expensive. The only drawback, extending the cables could be a problem since voltage drop over long distances might impact charging performance. As I said, very good presentation.
Thanks, Bob. I chose to leave all of that put so that I didn't overwhelm beginners. There is an opportunity for a video that goes more in depth, for sure.
I love your RV, looks great! You mentioned the cells are wired in series, which is good for shading. It would be better if they are wired in parallel for shading, or did you meant to say that? Great tips about the ports.
Great video as usual. My 2021 has a port already installed in the side tank and I have lithium already and a Victron installed. I’m guessing for me it’s just a matter of getting a panel I like and just plugging in?
Hi Jeanne, I cannot replay with a photo. Please DM me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or through the contact page on my website so that I can respond. Thanks!
Thanks for the video, great info for newbies like myself. Do you have recommendations for a 50w to 100w solar panel that I could use with a small portable power source that already comes with the connection cables?
I don't recommend mounting hard panels to a T@b, personally. People have done it, but if you leave them as portable you can camp in shade and place the panels in the sun.
I've got the same 320 with the roof solar. How do I hook up a portable panel on those occasions when the camper is in the shade so I can locate the portable panel in the sun?
Thanks for the videos Jenn! It's strange, but I can't find any info in my manuals that says how many watts in the 2021 T@b400 boondock solar panel. I thought I read it before my purchase but can't find it now. Do you know where I might find it in the literature? I'm considering a portable panel to use with my pre installed port and worry about overload on my batteries!
Hi Jenn, I've subscribed and thank you for all the info you've shared. We're taking delivery of our 2021 320 in a couple weeks and truthfully its becoming pretty daunting trying to learn about the solar and tech stuff on the new T@bs. Can you point us to T@b specific solar tutorial, the owners manuel is deficient. We're thinking maybe we should have stayed with our 2007 Orange Crush.
The Earth is actually farther from the Sun in the summer. It's the Earth's tilt that puts the Sun higher in the sky in the summer (northern hemisphere) and lower in the winter. Summer days are longer because of the axial tilt (in the north) delivering more hours of sunlight. There is about a 7% difference in sunlight on the Earth overall when comparing aphelion (greatest distance to the Sun) and perihelion (closest to the Sun). That's a small effect compared to the axial impact of the seasons.
Jenn, I would like to invite you to Vermont, NH, and Maine. I am a widowed retired chick and have been watching your videos for about a year. I recently bought a camper van (not a T@b) but I would still love to camp with you. I think there are things you can teach me about camping. Please let me know if you are up for this. Contact me on this site. Thanks!
Thanks for the great info as usual! My new T@G has solar and I am very excited to use it this summer!
Glad it was helpful!
You are a treasure! I love how you keep it simple and easily understood
Thank you!
The info you gave about the solar was perfect! Im not a dumb person but i do fell stupid sometimes. Its hard to start camping when you have no experience. You did a perfect job explaining this! Thanks
Thanks, Vicky. We all started at the beginning sometime.
I will soon be a T@G owner, and I've been watching your channel for information. I really love your videos because they are informative and clearly presented. You definitely have a gift for this!
Love your videos Thank you Jenn
Really helpful video! You make a tricky topic understandable!
Thanks Jenn! Going to read your blog too. :)
Thanks, Wendy!
Great video Jenn!..we ordered the solar option for our 320 and this really helped..thank you!..have a great weekend!
Thanks, Brent! You, too!
Thanks Jenn
We have a 2020 Boondock and I’m very thankful for the solar panel on the roof. We just purchased one battle born lithium and we also bought a 100 w Renogy suitcase. We pretty much always Boondock.
The solar worked well last summer but we just wanted lithium for more reliability- we’ll see how it goes this summer :) really enjoy your informative videos Jenn
Cool! Thanks for stopping by!
Good video to let us know it's possible I would have loved to see how you hook it up:-)
We also use a cable lock to secure our Zamp panels when we leave the trailer in the shade and put the panels in the sun. We are fortunate to have a lot of sun in California and one paired panel is all we've ever needed for our (2) 6v glass mesh batteries. The panels can be moved to follow the sun a lot easier then moving the trailer A good case to put the panels in is also important to protect them in your TV.
Thanks Jenn, it was great getting the tech advice from a woman! You rock. We’re buying a 2016 T@b 320 s tmr! Would you know if Nucamp sells the flat flexible panel I see on your T@b as an upgrade?
@@LJSBowers yes, through the service center
So helpful, thank you!
Excellent video as always.
Thabk you!
Jenn, we use 2 100 watt Renogy suitcases with a 30 amp “Wanderer” PWM Renogy controller. They charge our 150 amp AGM battery quickly.
Zamp definitely makes a great panel, too!
AGM is just a maintenance free version of a regular deep cycle battery?
Essentially, that is correct.
Thx
We have Zamp 120 watts suitcase. It has the solar controller built in. To monitor, we have the VictronConnect monitor.
The Victron BMV battery monitor is great! I have been using one for years, now.
Nice video on the basics!
Thanks for stopping by!
Very good explanation of the basics of solar, with a lot of things people need to know.
A few minor critiques:
- On your factors effecting solar efficiency, number 2 "Time of Year - Closer to the sun". Technically the Earth's orbit while elliptical, the distance to the sun doesn't change enough to make much difference. The main issue for time of year is the Earth's 23 degree tilt, which gives our Northern hemisphere longer days, and the sun is closer to vertical at noon, I believe its 65 degrees in mid summer in the Detroit area for instance. The longer days mean you can keep your panels in sun longer.
- For someone with a 75 or 100 Ah battery, using a 100 watt panel as you suggested is just about perfect. For those situations I would go with one of the panels with a built in controller for simplicity, those are generally PWM controllers, but they work fine in this use case and are less expensive. The only drawback, extending the cables could be a problem since voltage drop over long distances might impact charging performance.
As I said, very good presentation.
Thanks, Bob. I chose to leave all of that put so that I didn't overwhelm beginners. There is an opportunity for a video that goes more in depth, for sure.
Can you compare lithium batteries to using solar, pros and cons ty very informative info I love both your home away from homes! Sweet!
It might neednti do a video about that. Thanks for stopping by.
I love your RV, looks great! You mentioned the cells are wired in series, which is good for shading. It would be better if they are wired in parallel for shading, or did you meant to say that? Great tips about the ports.
Hi! Shading isn't ideal, but you will get better performance if you are in partial shading wiring them in parallel.
Great video as usual. My 2021 has a port already installed in the side tank and I have lithium already and a Victron installed. I’m guessing for me it’s just a matter of getting a panel I like and just plugging in?
Panel plus solar controller. I would recommend sticking with Victron so that you can network your Victron components together.
Hi Jenn, Could you post a picture of the entire solar hook up when you get the chance? From panels to the battery Thank you!!
Hi Jeanne, I cannot replay with a photo. Please DM me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or through the contact page on my website so that I can respond. Thanks!
Great info!! Thank you :)
Thanks for watching, Kathy!
Thanks for the video, great info for newbies like myself. Do you have recommendations for a 50w to 100w solar panel that I could use with a small portable power source that already comes with the connection cables?
Can you recommend how to mount the panels? My 2020 320 came with wiring but no solar panels so I will buy as recommended but need to attach.
Thanks
I don't recommend mounting hard panels to a T@b, personally. People have done it, but if you leave them as portable you can camp in shade and place the panels in the sun.
@@JennGroverPhotography Thanks and keep up the hard work- We love your way!!!
I've got the same 320 with the roof solar. How do I hook up a portable panel on those occasions when the camper is in the shade so I can locate the portable panel in the sun?
Thanks for the videos Jenn! It's strange, but I can't find any info in my manuals that says how many watts in the 2021 T@b400 boondock solar panel. I thought I read it before my purchase but can't find it now. Do you know where I might find it in the literature? I'm considering a portable panel to use with my pre installed port and worry about overload on my batteries!
I am pretty sure the 400 has a 162w solar panel.
Hi Jenn, I've subscribed and thank you for all the info you've shared. We're taking delivery of our 2021 320 in a couple weeks and truthfully its becoming pretty daunting trying to learn about the solar and tech stuff on the new T@bs. Can you point us to T@b specific solar tutorial, the owners manuel is deficient. We're thinking maybe we should have stayed with our 2007 Orange Crush.
Thanks Jenn! Can't wait to see videos of your T@B adventures in 2021!
Hi Linda! Are you getting a Boondock with factory installed solar?
@@JennGroverPhotography It's a 320S with the optional factory installed solar panel.
The Earth is actually farther from the Sun in the summer. It's the Earth's tilt that puts the Sun higher in the sky in the summer (northern hemisphere) and lower in the winter. Summer days are longer because of the axial tilt (in the north) delivering more hours of sunlight. There is about a 7% difference in sunlight on the Earth overall when comparing aphelion (greatest distance to the Sun) and perihelion (closest to the Sun). That's a small effect compared to the axial impact of the seasons.
At the end of the day, you get a better solar yield in the heart of summer than other times of year. 😁
Jenn, I would like to invite you to Vermont, NH, and Maine. I am a widowed retired chick and have been watching your videos for about a year. I recently bought a camper van (not a T@b) but I would still love to camp with you. I think there are things you can teach me about camping. Please let me know if you are up for this. Contact me on this site. Thanks!
Sounds good!
You use a lot of initials for basic. Some of things you mentioned needed more explanation.
Hi Kelly - thanks for the feedback. If I do a more technical video, I will be sure to explain them. I want to keep this video technical light.