The following post will prove I have too much time on my hands.
My RTT is a huge air dam that cost me almost 2MPG when mounted. I’ve been thinking about a wind deflector to help with problem. I also have an issue with the ability to run my 60qt frig on one battery without starting the LC during the day. So after many wasted hours pondering the issues I have come up with a solution to help with both issues and be green about. I purchased a Siemens/Shell 55 watt solar panel(13"x50") to be used as an air deflector when I have my RTT mounted and to be mounted flat when the RTT is not in use (95% of the time).
I mounted the panel to my heavy duty do anything factory roof rack that also supports my RTT. This rack has been proven by loading the factory rated 150# rack with in excess of 450# with no problems.
Any panel over ~20watts should have a charge controller. I have wired in a 7va rated charger controller that shuts off the panel when the battery is fully charged and pulse regulate the voltage to keep the battery fully charged without over charging. Because of the low amperage, solar is one of the safest way to avoid cooking your battery when combined with a controller. Both the controller and the panel is equipped with diodes to keep the power going one way and avoiding any possibility of discharging the battery when the panel is not producing power.
The testing I have done shows that I should be able to keep my frig cold and my battery charged without ever starting my LC given the panel is exposed to sun during the day. With my Scan Gauge I get a digital read out of the battery voltage without needing the key.
It would have been just as easy to go with a dual battery setup for the frig. Even with 2 batteries I would need to start the LC to recharge the batteries. I hope to end up with a cold frig, available air deflector, and save a little energy.
My RTT is a huge air dam that cost me almost 2MPG when mounted. I’ve been thinking about a wind deflector to help with problem. I also have an issue with the ability to run my 60qt frig on one battery without starting the LC during the day. So after many wasted hours pondering the issues I have come up with a solution to help with both issues and be green about. I purchased a Siemens/Shell 55 watt solar panel(13"x50") to be used as an air deflector when I have my RTT mounted and to be mounted flat when the RTT is not in use (95% of the time).
I mounted the panel to my heavy duty do anything factory roof rack that also supports my RTT. This rack has been proven by loading the factory rated 150# rack with in excess of 450# with no problems.
Any panel over ~20watts should have a charge controller. I have wired in a 7va rated charger controller that shuts off the panel when the battery is fully charged and pulse regulate the voltage to keep the battery fully charged without over charging. Because of the low amperage, solar is one of the safest way to avoid cooking your battery when combined with a controller. Both the controller and the panel is equipped with diodes to keep the power going one way and avoiding any possibility of discharging the battery when the panel is not producing power.
The testing I have done shows that I should be able to keep my frig cold and my battery charged without ever starting my LC given the panel is exposed to sun during the day. With my Scan Gauge I get a digital read out of the battery voltage without needing the key.
It would have been just as easy to go with a dual battery setup for the frig. Even with 2 batteries I would need to start the LC to recharge the batteries. I hope to end up with a cold frig, available air deflector, and save a little energy.
... it's a frickin mini van! 
and yes, on the trail Im way behind but nobody pisses on my tent
New and improved mounting is in the works. The panel will be flat 95% of the time so there is were I started.
