Tinman50,
I originally went the same route as you (a single panel on a bracket on the ground). That lasted about a year. I finally got tired of lugging it in and out of the trailer, possibly breaking it (either by having it knocked over by wind, someone tripping on the cord or just bad handling), having to move it (angle and direction) constantly to face the sun so it'd get max sunlight, or having it walk off while I was gone. Ended up mounting it on the roof. Yes, it's not the best angle for sun, but I don't have to worry about it anymore. Plus, any direction I'm parked is perfect for my panel.
If you decide to mount it on the roof, think about your mounting brackets. The type that lift so you can adjust the angle towards the sun are great, but you have to be camped in a place where parking direction isn't an issue (like the desert). If you camp in areas where the parking is predetermined (RV park, etc.), you basically have a 1 in 4 chance of the panel(s) facing the correct direction. If you're not facing south, you'll just end up laying it flat anyways.
Rick
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Rick
2016 Springdale 212RB
2001 Ford F-250 Super Duty 7.3 Diesel <100K
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