Hello I'm a new member and new to my 2005 17ft. Hi Lo . I am wanting to put on a solar panel to mainly keep my batteries charged when it is not in use .I would like to have some info on what I need to buy and where to buy from .I am also wondering if I hook it to the batteries what happens when I plug camper the tow will my batteries still be charging from solar panel ?

You need a 20 to 30 watt solar panel, this will provide a trickle charge, you also need a solar panel regulator to go with the panel, so as not to over charge the battery. I have a switch on my 100 watt panel but you can leave it turned on when plugged into shore power or towing, the regulator blocks reverse current to the panel.

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Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
(2510 ) - 2010 25'

Thanks ,Where can I purchase these items ?

My 2209T came from the factory wired for a solar panel and it also had a regulator, I bought the panel on ebay, it had a 20 year warrant but the seller and the company disappeared, I can't recommend a place. Do an internet search, or go to your local RV dealer.

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Rich
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(215TL) - 1995 21' TowLite
(2209T) - 2009 22' TowLite
(2510 ) - 2010 25'

1sportster,
check out Harbor Freight, a lot of times they have their 45 watt solar panel kit on sale or you might find a 20% off coupon online.

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Cheers
Garyk52
DW Judy

96 24' Hi-Lo Funchaser, (99 Aliner Sofabed Sold 6/9/18)
06 Toyota Tundra SR5 Access Cab 4X4 36,000 miles and counting

I've gotten by with an 18W panel and charger- though it doesn't quite ever get them all the way topped off. Mine was a gift from a friend and it was marketed by Coleman. Check amazon, they also have different deals that are pretty "plug and play". However,a 30 -40 w would certainly be better. I leave mine as a "portable" so when camping I can move it around the site, especially when camped in some shade. It will help keep things topped off during the day.

rick

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2201 TL

2010 Nissan Titan king cab SE
4x4

You could also go with a trickle charger/battery tender that you plug in and don't have to worry about overcharging your battery. Available at plenty of places but here are a couple of links.

Search - battery tender - Camping World

Automatic Battery Charger - 12V

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"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

I am using two 150 watt solar panels, with mptt solar controller, and two 80amh, AGM batteries. Charges like crazy. I used a 30 amp breaker to control any overload. The solar controller protects against overcharge, as well as back feed at night. I also ran welding cable #4 with quick connects from my truck charge controller to the front battery. My truck is set up with two batteries with an isolator, and with 80 amp breakers on both the truck and trailer ends. I run with the fridge on, and no dead batteries.