1st TT - need suggestions to narrow down the choices!

[cruzbill]

#7, solar panels might shade your roof, but the back side of a solar panel in the summer sun gets pretty hot, that's why they are mounted 2" or so above the roof. I wouldn't count on solar panels as insulation. Trailers, no matter who builds 'em, get hot in the summer.

Mama-portable solar panels, how likely is it that they will walk off on their own (how secure is your neighborhood? Can your site be seen from any road?)

Randy, you need to explain how solar panels use heat to make electricity. Heat, from radiant energy from the sun will make any pane of glass hotter, but the heat does not make solar panels work. Please explain.

[MysticalMama]

Originally Posted by cruzbill

Mama-portable solar panels, how likely is it that they will walk off on their own (how secure is your neighborhood? Can your site be seen from any road?)

This exact point was brought up by the parts guy who wants to install roof panels! The truth is...I really have no idea where I am going to be "living." I could be safely hidden on someone's 20 acres, at RV parks or my friends spot, where I can be seen from the road. In that case, I need to see how far away from my batteries the panels can be so I could "hide" them at least from plain view.

Ugh! Decisions, decisions.

I feel like I need a truck asap and I am seriously thinking about staying in RV parks throughout the month of July - just for the unlimited power to use my AC!

Sharing 120V with my friends during the day is not going to be good for me and the puppies. Even with the AC going all day, with the outside temp at 100 and being in the full sun, my AC could only cool to 77 degrees.

I do realize that is quite good now that I have read other threads on heat and AC. The throw pillows were awesome! I also want to check my vents to see if they are flush with the duct work (I read some are not and therefore impede airflow...)

So, I will continue to research and process my inverter/solar/monitor system as well as gennies but my first priority is to find places to park in July with full 30 A power and 2ndly, to buy my truck!

I am going to use Carmax and Autonation to make things simple.

Long day!

[odinjunior]

Well that was a long read for all in one sitting. I'm glad I did though as I had not thought of having an expert come out to look at a prospective purchase...

MM I hope that you have been having a good time since your last post in July..

[MysticalMama]

Originally Posted by odinjunior

MM I hope that you have been having a good time since your last post in July..

Absolutely! My internet is spotty at best so I sometimes do not even check email some days! I am full-time living but stationary for now and I have been learning everything there is to know about my trailer and full-time RV living in general.

I am about to start a painting and remodel of my interior! I will post before and after pics

[tbos1958]

Glad it's going well. Post some pictures of your rig and property.

[LittleHouse]

Usually where we camp, solar would be useless. The trees are too big.