solar plugin.

[t0lbert]

i have 4 6v golf cart batteries setup in series to make 12v. works great. instead of trickle chargine via 110v outlet, i thought i would test this.


do you guys just get a 100w solar panel and it plugs into that special solar plug in over the 50amp shoreline cable plugin?


does the shut off switch have to be on?

 

[Franktafl]

Do you already have a charge regulator on your “special” solar plug in?

 

[t0lbert]

zero clue on that, i bought this used private party and never asked about the solar prep. there is zero literature in the owners manual as well.

 

[persistent]

A 2016 Voltage probably does not have a solar controller. Most portable solar panels come with a solar controller or have a built in solar controller.

A solar controller is required for solar charging. Connect the output of the solar controller to the battery bank any way you can. Make sure positive and negative go the correct terminals.

Installing a 12 volt plug and socket connector can make sure proper polarity is maintained.

My 2018 Kodiak Cub has a 12 volt solar connector that goes to the battery. It is located on the passenger side near the front. Most portable solar systems do not have the same connector so it tends to be almost useless. It is easy to connect to the battery mounted on the tongue.

 

[persistent]

Trickle Charging

A 2016 Voltage probably has a WFCO converter/charger. It runs on shore power or generator power. It is likely capable of charging at between 35 and 60 amps. That is clearly not a trickle charge.

The WFCO is automatic. It will trickle charge when the battery bank is full or nearly full. It will deliver high current when batteries are discharged.

A 100 watt solar panel will probably produce 8 amps for charging when in direct sun light. That is pretty much trickle charging. The solar controller will keep from over charging the battery bank the same as the WFCO converter/charger.

The 12 volt solar socket often provided by Dutchmen trailers does not need the entry door switch (salesmen switch) to be "ON". It may require a main 12 volt disconnect switch next to the battery to be "ON" depending on how it was installed. This is easy to change if needed.

I don't have a salesmen switch in my Kodiak Cub. The connector goes directly to the battery terminals.

 

[Randy-DUTCH]

I installed an outboard motor plug between the battery and the panel. When not in use, the male-Female plugs have a cover. To adapt the panel wire, I cut up an SAE/Renogy type connector and wired the bare ends to the one side of the outboard plug. The other side of the outboard plug is wired to the battery terminals.