One of the biggest factors to consider when choosing a travel trailer is whether you want solar features or not.
Solar panels have started growing in popularity over recent years, and for a good reason! You don’t have to haul around heavy generators or go to campgrounds with full electrical hookups – your trailer is powered by the sun. It’s a cool feature to have, but before you sign the papers to your new trailer, you should know what you’re signing up for.
At Oliver, we have some amazing solar features you should consider before making a decision to purchase a camper. The very first question everyone asks when learning about the solar features is, “Do I really need this?” The short answer is, it depends. If you do a lot of boondocking, you use your trailer a lot, and you find yourself having to charge your trailer often with generators, solar panels will probably be a game-changer for you. On the other hand, if you only visit campgrounds with electrical hookups, you won’t really benefit from this feature.
How solar panels work?
Solar panels are placed on the roof of your trailer and they collect energy from the sun to charge your batteries. The more sun that hits your panels, the more power you’ll generate. You can use this power to run lights, fans, TVs, and other small appliances in your trailer.
One of the great things about solar is that it’s completely silent – unlike generators, which can be noisy and disruptive to your camping experience. Solar panels are also much more environmentally friendly than generators. If you’re someone who loves being outdoors and taking care of the environment, solar is definitely the way to go.
Does Oliver provide everything I need?
If you decide that solar is right for you, our experts will make sure your trailer is equipped with everything you need. All that solar power will need somewhere to go, so it’s important that you have the right batteries in your travel trailer. According to our experts, the more batteries you have the better.
According to our site, “More batteries mean more available energy to run all your accessories and charge up all your toys. Luckily, Oliver has the largest battery compartment of any molded fiberglass trailer being manufactured today so you can have up to four 6-volt batteries and easily access them from the massive pull out tray.”
We would recommend getting two 6-volt batteries instead of one 12-volt. The 12-volt battery is becoming less popular because it doesn’t hold a charge as long as the 6-volt. Two 6-volt batteries will give you more power and a longer lifespan.
What if it’s cloudy or shady outside?
If you’re worried about not being able to generate power on cloudy or shady days, don’t be! Solar panels can still collect energy on days when it’s not sunny. However, the amount of power generated will be less than on a sunny day.
To make sure you get the most out of your solar panels, we would recommend parking your trailer in direct sunlight for at least part of the day. You never want your battery to drop below 50%, so keep that in mind when you’re looking for the perfect camping spot!
What if I want to add solar panels later?
If you decide that you want to add solar panels to your travel trailer after you’ve already purchased it, don’t worry! Oliver Travel Trailers solar panels can be easily installed on any of our trailers, even if you’ve already taken it out camping. We understand that you might not want to commit to the solar panels right away, so we make it easy for you to bring your trailer in to get them later. We would recommend getting them right away if you think you may want them in the future, but we also know plans can change!
If you want to add solar panels to your Oliver, call your nearest store and set up an appointment with our service team. We will get you and your trailer in as soon as possible!
How many solar panels do I need?
The number of solar panels you’ll need depends on how much power you want to generate. If you’re not sure how many solar panels you need, our team can help you figure it out! We will ask you some questions about how often you use your trailer and what kind of appliances you run off of battery power. Based on your answers, we will be able to recommend the right number of solar panels for you.
Can the air conditioner run off of solar power?
The air conditioner is a big power draw, so it’s not recommended to run it off of solar power alone unless you have multiple 100-watt panels. However, you can use solar panels to supplement the power you’re getting from your generator or hookups. This will help you save on generator fuel and reduce the amount of noise you’re making while camping.
What are the benefits of solar power for my travel trailer?
There are many benefits to solar power for your travel trailer. Solar panels are Silent, meaning they won’t make any noise while they’re running. This is perfect for people who want to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature without being interrupted by a generator. Solar panels are also environmentally friendly because they don’t produce any emissions. They’re a great way to power your trailer while being kind to the environment! Finally, solar panels can help you save money on your camping trips. If you have solar panels, you won’t need to use as much fuel for your generator or hookups for your electrical appliances.
Oliver is committed to helping our customers enjoy the outdoors in the most sustainable way possible. Our unique molded fiberglass construction makes our trailers some
If you’re considering solar for your travel trailer, we hope this article has helped you make a decision. Solar panels are a great way to power your trailer without having to rely on generators or electrical hookups. They’re also environmentally friendly and Silent so you can enjoy your camping experience without any disruptions.
If you have any other questions about solar power or our Oliver, please feel free to give us a call or stop by one of our stores! We would be more than happy to chat with you about all things solar!
