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? 

JET

Read up here for battery and solar pairing depending on your planned use of the Pod.

Welcome to the forum.

Texman   

Jet,

Welcome to the group!

If I were you I would just run the single group 24 for awhile and hunt around later for the best 6v set up if and when you find you need it. you may not, and a 100 watt solar panel should be all you need unless your living in it off grid.

 You can do it a bit cheaper later when money isn't so tight, you may find it will work fine for the time being or that just adding another G24 will be all you really need.

G24's are the bare minimum, cheapest, worst option for boondocking, but for most weekend campers and travelers they are plenty good enough.  

The big questions are;

1. Are you staying at parks with full hook ups?  1- G24 ok, no solar needed

2. or a campground w/ no power hook up for up to 4 nights?  2- g24 is ok,  would benefit from solar.

3.or traveling every day, or every other day, with a TV that will charge the Pod battery? 1- g24 is ok no solar needed.

4.Or are you boondocking for 4-7 days with no access to a power source for charging? 2- g27 or better yet 2-GC 6v needed. solar helps lots.

5. Are you going to live in the woods for week or more, 2-GC6v and solar recommended.  (by me)

5. Do you have a small generator ($89 harbor freight tailgater) that you could run and hour or so to charge things up some?, (i know someone here should be able to tell us how long to full charge).

 One low end group 24 battery should give at least 2  nights / 3 days between charges If you are a little bit careful, This option will kill the G24 charging ability over time.

My Two group 24's last me 4 nights in the woods no problem, just being a little careful and I plan to run them until they start to die. And then go for the true deep cycle 6v.  It's been 8 months and 6 trips for 22 nights and no issues with power so far. 

Iv'e found that If i travel at least every other day, my batterys stay charged just fine.

Also you could bring a battery with you to the dealer if you have one you can beg, borrow, or steal, Get the credit from the dealer, and be part way to a better option.

Good luck and welcome aboard!!!

rgds John