If you have an RV or are considering one, perhaps solar panels have crossed your mind or come up in conversation.

As a family-owned and operated business, we strive to teach our kids the importance of caring for our environment. The RV lifestyle is a great way to connect with mother nature and we want to protect it for future generations.

Having a smaller carbon footprint is a fantastic reason to get solar power. Long term savings and cost-effective energy production are great reasons to go with solar energy. We enjoy the option of being able to unplug for boondocking expeditions too!

At East Coast Campers and More, most of our RVs are already solar prepped. The term “solar power prepped” means your RV has either the wiring or the wiring and the ports installed to easily add solar panels.

There are a few things to consider when you’re getting ready to purchase and install a solar panel system. Keep in mind you should always consult with a professional when you’re dealing with electrical equipment.

What are the Main Components of a Solar Panel System?

Solar Panels

There are two main types of solar panels to consider.

Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline.

There’s a big debate as to which of these is better than the other.

The main difference is how they are manufactured, but due to advances in technology, they are becoming more and more interchangeable.

In most areas, monocrystalline is more efficient for the same amount of space and handles temperature and shade much more efficiently. (Note: NO solar panel works well in shade, the differences are very minor in how monocrystalline and polycrystalline handle shade.)

At the end of the day, monocrystalline is the better option, but the difference isn’t enough to warrant keeping you up at night.

Charge Controller

The charge controller regulates the power input to the battery down to around 12-15 volts.

There are two kinds of controllers.

PWM – Pulse Width Modulation and MPPT – Maximum Power Point Tracking.

PWM is older technology, is much less efficient and other than being inexpensive, and it is pretty much a waste of your time according to the experts.

MPPT is a new technology, more efficient, and has more processing power.

Talk to the maintenance department at East Coast Campers and More today to find out which one is right for you.

The Battery

There are several types of batteries that you can use with your solar panel system, the most common types being Lithium and AGM batteries.

If you can afford it, lithium batteries are much better quality, provide more power for the same size battery, and will give you more bang for your buck in the long run.

With your battery, you’ll need an Inverter/Charger combo and a battery monitor.

Look Into Going Solar

Going green is highly recommended for anyone interested in energy savings and getting off the grid. These days you will see many RVs taking advantage of using the sun’s natural energy.

If you need more information or have any questions about your solar panel requirements just give us a call. Our service technicians would be happy to share their knowledge and expertise with you.

East Coast Campers and More is a Delaware RV Dealership.  Call us today at (844) 876-0872.

This article was written by Kristi Durham.

The post Is a Solar Panel System Right for Your RV? appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.

Winter RV camping can be so much fun if you’re willing to put in a bit of extra effort to make your rig warm and cozy.

If you love skiing and snow, winter RV camping can be a blast, but you’ll want to take extra care to keep parts of your RV from freezing.

As a family-run business, we know the importance of creating those incredible memories with the kids.  Winter camping provides an opportunity to create lots of fun stories they will tell for years and years, and traditions the kids will want to pass on to their own children.

Here are some tips on how to make winter RV camping more comfortable, less stressful, and allow you to focus on fun with the family.

Pay Special Attention to Insulation and Moisture

When the temperatures fall below freezing, you will be glad you put the time into insulating your RV.

Here are a few areas that will require special attention.

Windows and doors.

Some RVers like these folks like to put shrink wrap over their screen doors and windows.  This provides an extra barrier between you and the cold.

Slides

Cold weather RV camping presents a bigger moisture problem than camping during warmer weather.  As it freezes, moisture can travel upwards and expand, so it’s recommended to protect from moisture from the beginning.

These campers recommend using a slide cover to prevent snow from sitting on top of your slides.

You’ll want to be sure to add extra insulation to your slides as well.  Using foam insulation cutouts and foil insulation can significantly reduce heat from escaping.

See this video for more tips on insulating your slides.

Floors

Your floors can be a shock of cold to your warm feet in the morning.

Take the extra step of placing foam pads in high traffic areas to protect your feet from the cold.

Use a snap-on RV skirt to protect the underbelly of your rig from blowing snow and moisture while winter RV camping.

This will help with keeping the elements under your RV from being damaged and freezing in the cold, and will also help with the temperature of your floors.

Water Hose

You can buy a heated water hose if you like, but you can also accomplish the same thing by using heat tape and foam insulation.

You may want to wrap the spigot and the entrance to the RV to keep water from freezing where the hose connects.

Use a 40 watt bulb mounted inside the compartment where the host connects to the RV to provide an extra heat source.

Be extra cautious with this and make sure you mount it properly.  This can be a safety hazard if done incorrectly.

Sewer Hose

In really cold temperatures, you will only want to drain your sewer hose when you need to, rather than leaving it connected. If you leave it connected you will end up with matter freezing inside the pipes and creating a huge mess.

Staying Warm Can Be a Challenge

Space heaters are a lifesaver when camping in the winter.

The best space heater for winter camping is one with an oscillation feature, as this will circulate the air better than a stationary heater and helps reduce condensation.

Be sure to place the space heater so that it does not disrupt the thermostat readings.  You want your space heaters to be a supplement, not a replacement for your RV heater.

CAUTION: Make sure you do not leave space heaters on while you sleep and follow proper safety as recommended on the packaging.  It is recommended that you have a carbon monoxide detector if you use a space heater to keep you and your family safe.

Use a heated blanket to stay warm while you sleep.  You can get dual control blankets when you and your spouse prefer different temperatures.

Many of these tips were found in this video, so give it a watch for more in-depth tips.

Stay Safe and Warm

Winter RV Camping can be a lot of fun but comes with its own challenges.

Stop by East Coast Campers and More, a family-owned and operated Delaware RV Dealer, to consult with our maintenance team and let our family help your family stay safe, dry, and warm during the winter months.

Author: Kristi Durham

The post Best Winter RV Camping Tips To Stay Dry and Warm appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.