Wisconsin Tacomas and bad financial advice

The redarc is auto switching so it’ll take whatever is activity giving off power. It’s also a MPPT solar controller which helps significantly with output from your solar panel.

the ratings are just max output, it doesn’t matter how small your input is.

 

Then it will charge at whatever input your solar is giving off.

This^.

 

When it's cloudy, I'm only getting partial charge, which is fine. I doubt you'd want a 30A dump constantly, I don't think your battery would appreciate it. The way I'm looking at it, when I'm parked, if I'm charging enough to approximately cover what my draw is, the difference is what I have reserve for. So far, with approx. 20% of my solar (100W) covered, I've been able to keep my battery above 12.5V easily...even after overnight drawdown with the fridge and limited usage of an inverter for 120V charging of my radio.

 

@pearing, Thank you sir for sharing your adventure, really enjoyed the pics and the write-up. Your preparation made for an epic adventure.

Glad everyone is home safe.

Edit to add: Looks like you had a great crew with you.

 

Awesome! I just wanted to be sure that it would be able to use the solar input, which it sounds like it will.

Thanks guys!

I'm also starting to wonder if I really need to bother with the solar for the fridge. Based on what @wi_taco has said, I shouldn't have any trouble running the fridge for a day or two between charges. It's rare that I go an entire day without driving at all. I might save the solar gear for the camper, and just use a charger fed from the alternator to keep the fridge battery topped off.

One thing is pretty certain; I should probably stop buying stuff until I make up my mind!


Again, I really appreciate everyone's input!

 

If you are moving every 24 hours, you don’t really need a solar panel.

You could also just get the system in place so you can plug in a portable panel if you are staying somewhere for an extended period. Plus then it’s mobile so you can better place it for optimal input and keep your vehicle parked in the shade. That’s the one downside of a mounted panel, you have to park in the sun.

 

Sounds just like what that switch does.

 

Never stop buying stuff!

 

I should have been more clear. I was looking for an actual charger that could run off of the vehicle while it's running, and also run off solar. I don't actually want to charge directly off the alternator, because the battery I got is an AGM, which tend to charge at a higher voltage than the alternator provides. Otherwise, yes, I could definitely use one of those switches to select between the alternator input and solar.

You know I won't. I'm sure the second I have a little cash laying around I'll be ordering a fridge and possibly some fog lights.

 

What about a new front bumper to mount the new fog lights on.

 

Only sorry we couldn't help you spend more money!

 

Haha! I was thinking about it when I hit the deer. But, it's not really a priority right now.

 

Well, I already bought the battery and a charger. And, the fridge is probably going to happen soon. You guys are doing fine.

 

...or the mud hole at Tigerton.

 

You had to go there….

 

Big shout out to @Camerasandcoffee for sourcing the black front bumper cover for me! Worked great Jonathan, snapped right into place. I ran the truck through the Kwik Trip car wash today and it got maybe 70% of the mud off (and revealed a lot of scratchiness), but the new piece up front is the cleanest bit on the truck right now.

I probably won't get to figuring out the mess with the rear bumper until after Wyalusing.

 

Rear bumper? Did I miss something?

 

Can confirm

To be fair, the radio isnt taking much off your battery

I met half that crew. Can confirm, rock solid individuals

I said the same thing, but with less fancy words

Now THIS is advice

 

Dean asked over the radio "was that your truck that hit? If so I have a problem." he had a problem, but only for a short second or so...