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solar panel charger
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41 Posts
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April 26, 2012 - 9:23 pm
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Has anyone used a solar panel trickle charger to keep your camper battery charged?  At one time, Volkswagen's came with them them free with new cars.  They were plugs in to keep the batteries charged while transporting them on ships.

[img width=640 height=480]http://newbeetle.org/forums/attachments/parts-accessories/77779d1291789188-fs-vw-solar-panels-dscn0637.jpg[/img]

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April 27, 2012 - 1:16 pm
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I couldn't sleep last night and was cruising Amazon for solar powered cellphone chargers.  I came across quite a few different models and ideas.  It seems I saw something similar to that as well.

I've got to get something for my backpacking trip(s) this summer to keep the phone juiced up.

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April 27, 2012 - 2:01 pm
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There are several models available. I guess it depends on what size battery you're charging. I've read mixed reviews on them. It seems they are good for keeping the battery topped off if you have sunny weather. I suppose it all depends on your daily battery usage and how long you plan to be out.

Here are a few of the models I've found:
http://www.autogeek.net/5-watt.....arger.html
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_1.....ockType=G1
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cole.....gMethod=rr

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Eastern Pennsylvania
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April 27, 2012 - 3:19 pm
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I know very little about them, but Harbor Freight always carries several options.

http://www.harborfreight.com/1.....68750.html
http://www.harborfreight.com/1.....95000.html

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May 20, 2012 - 9:52 pm
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Would these chargers do anyting for the battery over a weekend? Or, do they take a longer time?

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September 18, 2012 - 10:20 pm
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[quote author=kitphantom link=topic=1589.msg13694#msg13694 date=1337572971]
We'll be trying our Goal Zero system for the first time next week, though it is not really a trickle charger (at home we just use a battery charger once a month in the off season). We bought 2 - 15 watt panels, which we think will keep it topped off when we dry camp, for LED ceiling lights and furnace.
They make a bunch of smaller panels for things like backpacking, too. We got a large storage battery (chargeable by the panels, car or 110v outlet); not the one we'd planned to buy, but the REI scratch & dent sale had one we couldn't pass up. We can use that to charge my Kindle, or cell phone (though we usually do that as we drive on trips, when needed), as well as to power an LED lantern  or small light bar anywhere in the campsite.

KIT! nice to see you here! now to the topic, Tractor Supply Co has several different options also. as already said, the effectiveness is going to be based on your battery use, the type charger and the number of panels you get

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