Battery/Solar panel question

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   First impression is their quote is a bit rich, but not totally out of line. I'd question the new battery rack since I think the factory supplied rack will accommodate the two GC2s, at least it used to. If so, Sam's club has GC2s for $85-$118 depending on the line and dealers usually go as cheap as they can. You should get at least $50 credit for the original 12V battery. You will probably want, but don't absolutely need, two battery boxes. Mostly cosmetic. If the dealer's quote includes adding an additional box, or maybe even two, the quote seems reasonable. Other than that, wiring is no big deal. You will need one additional 18"-24" jumper from Autozone, Wally World, etc. 

Bottom line is you can postpone the upgrade but you will lose credit for the OEM battery. Future solar has no effect. You're adding solar because you will not be plugged in so the better battery will serve well with or without solar. Just a bit more icing on the cake .

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CharlieM Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797	Topic: Battery/Solar panel question Posted: 17 Jan 2017 at 9:16am
	First impression is their quote is a bit rich, but not totally out of line. I'd question the new battery rack since I think the factory supplied rack will accommodate the two GC2s, at least it used to. If so, Sam's club has GC2s for $85-$118 depending on the line and dealers usually go as cheap as they can. You should get at least $50 credit for the original 12V battery. You will probably want, but don't absolutely need, two battery boxes. Mostly cosmetic. If the dealer's quote includes adding an additional box, or maybe even two, the quote seems reasonable. Other than that, wiring is no big deal. You will need one additional 18"-24" jumper from Autozone, Wally World, etc. Bottom line is you can postpone the upgrade but you will lose credit for the OEM battery. Future solar has no effect. You're adding solar because you will not be plugged in so the better battery will serve well with or without solar. Just a bit more icing on the cake .
	Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

JET Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 13 Jan 2017 Location: Ashland, Oregon Online Status: Offline Posts: 72	Posted: 17 Jan 2017 at 8:42am
	Hi everyone. I am brand new to the forum and just purchased a new 178. I won't be picking it up from the dealer for another couple of days so I have some time to make a few changes at the dealer before I take delivery. It has been a little nerve racking to deal with the money I have been spending in addition to buying the 178. I bought a good surge protector, WDH hitch, installed a good brake controller, need to alter and install a gate in my backyard for access to parking my new acqusition, etc. etc. My dilemma right now (as I am needing to stop spending retirement money :) is the battery set-up. A forum post I read suggested when buying a new Rpod to have the dealer install two GC2 batteries instead of the one 12V. Doing this before delivery will allow me to get a credit for the 12V battery not used and start off with the better two 6V GC2 set-up, which is very appealing to me. My dealer quoted me a total charge of about $250 (includes credit for the 12V battery) for a different battery tray and two GC2 batteries wired and ready to go. I have spent so much on the other stuff mentioned above that I am thinking to hold off for now on the two GC2 set-up. So HERE is my real question. I am thinking in a few more months when I have recovered a little financially form these initial money expenses I am definitely going to buy a 100W to 200W portable solar panel. If I end up buying the solar panel is there any real benefit to having two CG2 batteries or will the solar panels keep one 12V battery in sufficient charge to negate any real reason to spend money on the two GC2's?