Should We Or Shouldn't We?

[GeebeeJaybee]

So I know this has probably been discussed a million times but we are very new so take pity.........

We pick up our new (to us) MH next weekend. The garage is fitting an awning, decent twin reversing camera, large gas bottle and a second leisure battery for us.

We will be off to France in July for 10 days to travel round and catch a couple of the tour stages (Pyrenees). We will be staying in aires most nights except when up a mountain waiting for the race to pass.

We have never owned before and have had conflicting advice as to the merits of a solar panel. The garage said if you are never going more than 2 days without a decent drive or hookup it isn't needed, others have said it will be essential. Other use will be mainly weekends in this country - usually with EHU.

So, with just the 2 of us, for 10 days moving almost every day, with 2 leisure batteries running the usual plus 12V 12 etc would you recommend a solar panel?

Jen

 

[flatpackchicken]

No,,, as your engine will usually put back In what you take out each day,, and having 2 battery's then if you only use lights and water pump and tv etc then you should be fine.
Regards Garry Flatpackchicken

 

[Red Dragon]

Hi GeebeeJaybee welcome to Fun,in answer to your question a solar panel is very handy to have with your set-up but not vital.
If you can survive a few days off-grid then no worries,but if you had one then you wouldn't always be thinking would my batteries last so maybe put it on your "to do list"

 

[TheBig1]

change the standard light bulbs (yes I know they are not bulbs) in the van for LED and the batteries will last even longer

 

[GeebeeJaybee]

Actually we were already thinking that the halogen lights would be better changed for LED. Are these readily available?
We haven't picked the van up yet so dont know what type they are.

Jen

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[jockaneezer]

You should manage fine, have a few shakedown trips before you go and that'll calm any heebiegeebies, GeebeeJaybee ( sorry, couldn't resist ) then decide if you need solar.
Carry a few litres of water and a torch, that should cover most eventualities if you do run out of leisure battery power.

 

[TheBig1]

Actually we were already thinking that the halogen lights would be better changed for LED. Are these readily available?
We haven't picked the van up yet so dont know what type they are.

Jen

led replacements are very readily available from numerous sources. prices from about 99p each for cheapies on eBay. through to £10 each for pretty much the same thing from specialist suppliers. I use the 99p ones and have had a small number fail after a few months but given the price difference still a saving and I carry a few spares

 

[Judge Mental]

I would have a punt on cheap ebay LEDS...mine fine fitted 3 months ago....

see how you get on this summer.. I always have twin batteries and have manged fine but we mainly stay on sites.. at least with these new thin flexy light weigh panels payload not such an issue if you decide to fit.

 

[Wildman]

I love solar, but do you need it, maybe/maybe not why not try without and see how you get on. Take your van to the weighbridge fully loaded for France and see what payload you have left before deciding

 

[mitzimad]

if you have the solar it can negate the need for ever having hookups,set up right it will keep the batteries in good condition running batteries down to flat will kill them long term
keeps batteries topped up in winter if your not using the van
definitely change any flourescent fittings for led's we had two above the beds killed a battery in no time

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[ojibway]

Thought about it but never bothered in 9 years on motorhoming.
We do three or four days without moving. We have all LEDs but also a compressor fridge that only runs on battery.