Hello all. My vehicle's solar controller has packed up. It is one I bought from AC DC about 5 years ago and has worked well. Unfortunately I don't know what the Amp rating is as nowhere on the unit or the instructions does it tell me. It is a SML-V2 Solar Charge Controller and has been used with a 120W solar panel and 105 Ahr deep cycle battery to run Engel fridge (3.1A) and a Waeco 50 fridge (7A)

I would like to buy a MPPT controller but wonder if I should go 10 or 20A rating.

Any input will be appreciated.

Thanks.

Oom Stoom.

I wil go for 20amp, always can use with extra amps, and you are not straning the 10amp

Ja, I would as well, but not being that jacked up with electrickery I have heard that too high a rating is no good as well.

I think it is for when both fridges are running, the solar panel can replace the full draw comfortably.

No rush now as we're off to Marakele tomorrow and I will just put them on 220v while we parked in camp.

While we're driving around, the car will keep the battery going.

John I would contact www.bushpower.co.za.

Their prices are very good and also sell good stuff.

Jacque at number below in the mornings. They install a lot of solar systems.

They are based in Midrand next to the R101 on the Pretoria side.

I will any time recommend this regulator in 15A and this might seem expensive. I would not see any reason why not to go to a bigger unit than actually needed.

You could also search on bidorbuy for this unit.

Tracer3210CN 20A

I have a 20A WRND and have no experience with any others. There are a lot of users on Comunity 4x4 and all are very happy. 2 year warranty if I remember correctly. They go for R1970 @ 4x4 Direct in Hennops. What I like about them is that they are a DC to DC charger, keeping your caravan deep cycle fully charged while travelling (14.4V and a 13.8V float charge), plus a MPPT 20A solar charger. They can take up to 250W of solar so if and when you go bigger it will cope. 

Danie, thanks. The photo is exactly the one I've been looking at (apart from the name) from Sustainable.co.za in Cape Town for about the same price, so I'll keep it local.

Peter, thanks for your input. The DC battery is in the vehicle with a NL management system.

The fridges are still in a sliding drawer system also in the vehicle. (from our tenting days)

The way camping/caravanning is going in this country dictates that we only stick to regular SAFE sites, most of which have electricity anyway. (Tsendzi & Balule are about the only non-electrified sites I know of)

Anyhow! We're leaving for Marakele in an hour. Yaaaaay!

John hope you enjoy your trip and camping at Marakele.

There are so many cheap regulators which one should try and avoid and rather go for a branded item where the people using it can confirm the quality.

Bel vir Pieter Brommer om jou te help.

Dis sy ambag.