Needed: Solar Charger for Deep Cell Battery

tg in VA · Jan 5, 2012

A couple of years ago I bought a new Kaufman dump
trailer to handle the manure at my horse farm. The trailer has an electrically powered hydraulic dump and uses a deep cell battery for power. As I occassionaly use the trailer with my pickup truck, I have maintained the electric power feature rather than by pass it and just use the tractor hydraulic remotes.

Anyway, the only hangup is that I have to charge the battery every few days.

The other day I saw some automotive show on TV where the guy was fixing up a trailer to haul cars. He installed a couple of aluminum boxes, an electric winch and a deep cell battery to power the winch. He then added a solar powered trickle charger to maintain the battery. The solar panel was attached to the lid of one of the aluminum boxes.

That charger looks like just what I need...where do I get one?

Thanks

550Doug · Jan 5, 2012

I use one of these and it works just fine:
BatteryMinder

old · Jan 5, 2012

Any good auto parts store will have them as will any good farm and home stores. My son got the one he has at O'Reilly's for around $30

LJD · Jan 5, 2012

A 10 or 15 watt panel does the job nicely, even if you get a lot of dark days with little sun.

The tiny panels many auto stores sell are not very useful.

A 10 watt panel in bright sun will charge at 1/2 amp max. No charge controller needed. Size is 12" square.

There are many sellers offering them now free shipping and not tax.

$35 at:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-WATT-12-VOLT-SOLAR-PANEL-10W-12V-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel-/280784870649?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4160151cf9

bobs old iron · Jan 5, 2012

check with camping world or r-v store that carry accessories, they have solar acc for keeping r-v batt charged

RayP(MI) · Jan 5, 2012

If the battery is going dead, probably a defective battery, needs replacement. Take it to a battery store and have them hook one of their new whiz-bang electronic analyzers to it... THen you'll know.

BCnT · Jan 5, 2012

as already stated a .5 amp panel wont need a controller but you will need a diode to keep battery from discharging back into panel at nite.

Needed: Solar Charger for Deep Cell Battery

tg in VA

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550Doug

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old

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LJD

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bobs old iron

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RayP(MI)

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BCnT

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