• There were many reasons for the change of the site software, the biggest was security. The age of the old software also meant no server updates for certain programs. There are many benefits to the new software, one of the biggest is the mobile functionality. Ill fix up some stuff in the coming days, we'll also try to get some of the old addons back or the data imported back into the site like the garage. To create a thread or to reply with a post is basically the same as it was in the prior software. The default style of the site is light colored, but i temporarily added a darker colored style, to change you can find a link at the bottom of the site.

HowTo: 100 watt solar on Lees-ure Lite trailer

U

UtahPete

Active member
Solar panel mounted.jpg 100 watt panel puts out 5 amps at 18v under optimal conditions. Battery can readily recharge while underway to the next campground (or boondock)

Solar panel spring latches.jpg panel is mounted with 6 spring latches, so it can be removed at campsite

Inverter-battery-vents.jpg 30AH lithium battery powers 300 watt inverter...(4) 2" vents under battery provide cool air supply and (2) 4" box fans move air over the electronic and out the side wall vent

Charge controller-fan vent.jpg 20 amp MPPT charge controller delivers regulated power from solar panel to battery...behind it is a box fan on side wall

Electronics-outside outlets.jpg 20 amp switch shuts off power to fuse block to prevent parasitic drains when not in use

Electronics grayscale.jpg overview of the electronics which fit nicely inside an aluminum 30" tool box I found on eBay. This is mounted to the trailer tongue.
 
Cost of Project

:coffee: What is your best guess on 'cost of project'.
Solar power for a trailer.
Would like to have something in my trailer.

This looks like a good setup.......:thumbup:
 
Little Blue said:
:coffee: What is your best guess on 'cost of project'. Solar power for a trailer. Would like to have something in my trailer. This looks like a good setup.......:thumbup:
Click to expand...

Hi Blue, I'll try to list the major components below;

$240 Renogy 100W solar panel kit with MPPT controller charger https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Monocrystalline-Starter-Charge-Controller/dp/B06WGW485F
$21 extension cables to allow freedom in setting up the panels for optimum solar gain https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Controller-Connector-Adaptor-Extension/dp/B00JH1PABW
$176 Ecoworthy 30 AH Lithium battery https://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Controller-Connector-Adaptor-Extension/dp/B00JH1PABW
$30 power inverter 300W https://www.amazon.com/Power-Inverter-Charger-Converter-Ports/dp/B07Z4FCJJG
$80 30" aluminum toolbox I found on eBay https://www.ebay.com/itm/30-L-Alumi...6-3445-47b5-9fa3-540d0209fa01&redirect=mobile
$20 fuse block https://www.amazon.com/PSEQT-Negative-Waterproof-Automotive-Standard/dp/B0821JSV79
$20 electrical outlet https://www.amazon.com/Journeyman-Pro-120-125-Commercial-Straight-Receptacle/dp/B081D9YBPD
$13 chassis fans https://www.amazon.com/80mm-120mm-Computer-Cooling-2-Pack/dp/B09836YGHZ
$10 cable entry gland https://www.amazon.com/Solar-Cable-...of-Project-Installation-Trailer/dp/B08DHZH8RL
$10 2" vents for the floor of toolbox https://www.amazon.com/FOCCTS-Circular-Stainless-Bathroom-Wardrobe/dp/B07BV8RPHL
$11 for vent at one end of toolbox https://www.amazon.com/SDTC-Tech-Stainless-External-Extractor/dp/B08L9HHB55

Miscellaneous wire, connectors and aluminum pieces I mostly had on hand.

You can save money by going with a standard 12v agm battery and less expensive PWM controller rather than the MPPT one. I was trying to minimize tongue weight and maximize the storage potential with the Lithium battery.

You can go even cheaper with a standard lead-acid battery, but then you have no choice but to install it upright.
 
Last edited:
Looks like a great set up Pete. We bought a used Lee-sure Lite this year and sold our Aspen as I have always wanted a Lee-sure lite. I purchased a Lion Energy solar generator and kit for my wife's CPAP, but since she has to run the humidifier it only last about 6 hours before running out. She bought extra batteries for the CPAP but has to get up and change them in the middle of the night. I like the way you have mounted the solar panel to you rack. We are planning on riding to Alaska next summer and since she pulls a cargo trailer and I pull the Lee-sure I have been thinking about building a cargo-solar-kitchen-grub box trailer as she will not let me modify or install a rack on her trailer she now has. I may try to pick your brain when I start to build the DIY solar pack as I haven't been able to wrap my brain around that aspect of the project. We bought new 2021 RTLs this year in anticipation of the trip next summer. and have been using the Lee-sure lite. I built a rack for the back to help with the tongue weight and am planning on building a shock loaded tongue to offset the jarring of the axle mounted hitch.

IMG_1962.jpg
 
Last edited by a moderator:
EasySuper, tongue weight and battery power were the two main considerations for me. I was able to keep my tongue weight under 60# with this setup and still run a full 10 hours or more of the CPAP with humidifier before needing to recharge the battery. The recharge only takes about an hour with good sunlight. My panel puts out 8 amps or so.

Contact me by email if you'd like to discuss it more in depth.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top