Solar Trickle Charger

[teofff]

This winter, all of our batteries (house and starting) died while the motorhome was in storage. I have covered outdoor storage (carport type), and we live in the mountains or Arizona, where it is regularly below freezing over night...my question is does the solar trickle charger I have not work because it has a roof over it, even though it is basically outside otherwise...does it have to be in direct sunlight to work??

[two2go]

The solar panel needs direct sunlight to generate maximum power. The small panel typically put on by coach makers is next to worthless in my opinion. They are usually 5 to 10 watts which is barely adequate for the self-discharge rate of a bank of batteries. If you don't have maximum output, there is no chance of batteries getting charged.
First of all, be sure the panel is even working. Mine wasn't. Check the voltage at the distribution panel (there should be a breaker or fuse for the panel). In my case, I put a 50 watt panel and a controller on my coach. It is not enough for full-timer service, but is more than adequate for keeping the batteries charged and getting them recharged.

[tom49]

Teofff
If that is the panel Monaco put on the Dynasty's as an option from the factory, yep it sure does need direct sunlight to produce enough power to keep the batteries charged.

[teofff]

It is the factory model...guess I'll have to figure out something for next winter!!!!