Maximize Solar Power on a Small RV - [Connect DC to DC Charger to Trailer Batteries] 

In this video we discuss:
1. How to use a battery switch to isolate solar panel arrays of different wattages so that they can both connect to the same charge controller.
2. How to connect a Renogy DC to DC Charger with MPPT from the towing vehicle to the trailer battery bank using a detachable connection.
3. How we use a battery switch to control where we send our DC to DC charge from our towing vehicle, to either a 50Ah LFP battery that runs our ICECO Fridge/Freezer, or our trailer battery bank.
The biggest reason that you might want to use a portable solar panel in addition to your rooftop solar panels is so that you can keep your RV in the shade during the summer months. The portable panel on an extension cord can reach out into the sunshine while the rig remains under the tree canopy.
Since we have 200W on the roof, we could not plug our 400W Lightweight Portable panel into the same charge controller at the same time. The differing wattages will negate the efficiency of the larger panel, so we installed a switch to isolate which solar array is charging our system.
See our review of the Renogy 400W Lightweight Portable Panel - • Renogy 400W Lightweigh...
The second switch is used to control which battery is being charged by our 30A Dual input DC to DC charger. We can charge our 50Ah LFP battery which runs our 12V ICECO Fridge /Freezer, or our 200Ah LFP battery bank in our trailer. This is especially helpful during the colder months when the fridge doesn't need to run that often, and the solar gain is low. While driving we can increase our battery state of charge by 20% for each hour driving.
Products Highlighted:
1. 400W Lightweight Portable Solar Suitcase - renogy.sjv.io/...
2. 30A Dual Input DC to DC Battery Charger - renogy.sjv.io/...
3. VL45 - Single Zone Fridge Freezer (For 12% off ICECO Cooler / Freezer, use our AFFILIATE LINK [icecofreezer.co...] and PROMO CODE [CANLIFE] at checkout!)
4. Extension Cables (single) - renogy.sjv.io/...
5. Battery Switch (1, 2, Off) 12-48V 200 - 600A
6. 15A In-line fuse switch
If we've helped you find something here, please be sure to purchase your Renogy gear through our affiliate link, renogy.sjv.io/L... and use promo code "CANLIFE" to receive an additional 10% off your Renogy order. This gives us a small commission and helps us keep our content free to all!
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Disclaimer: Most of the videos we make include affiliate links and paid sponsorship, this helps keeps our information free and us on the road (11 years and counting!).
This video is intended to help users plan, organize, calculate, and install a personal DIY solar powered electrical system. We, Shari & Hutch (Freedom in a Can, LLC), are neither professional electricians nor solar installers; we are educators who have learned to install our own system and to empower others to do the same. If you have questions, reach out in the comments section and we'll get back to you.
If you need further assistance beyond our advice, consult a solar professional or certified electrician. Electricity is dangerous, so do your homework, take it one step at a time, and good luck!