D-Cubed -
If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive panel to use for 2-3 days of dry camping, you might want to consider a 60w panel. You can get them in kit form which includes a charge controller and the wiring. The kits are either 1 single 60w panel, 2-30w or 3-20w. I've seen one 60w kit that comes with a charge controller, a 200w inverter and a stand and puts out 4A max - enough to keep a fully-charged battery maintained with light, reasonable and rationed use.
If you let your battery run down, the 4 amp output of a 60w solar panel won't do much to bring it up to charge in a hurry.
I wouldn't consider mounting such a small panel on the roof but would instead place it on a sandwich board-type stand or something similar.
The kit I saw at Canadian Tire was $299 but you should check out eBay for other panels and prices. By the time you pay for shipping, you are probably looking at somewhere around $300 anyway.
If you are going with a panel of 60w or more, you need a charge controller to protect both the battery from overcharging and the solar panel from any discharge current from the battery.
Remember that solar panels need sunlight to operate efficiently. Under cloudy conditions, their effeciency drops considerably and you may not be able to maintain a charge on your battery.
If you want to spend more money, you can always opt for a larger panel which will cost more but it has the potential to produce more amps. With careful use of your lights, water pump and other items that require 12v, you should be able to get by with a 60w panel. If you plan on using solar in the future, you might be wise to look at panels of 100+w.
Hope this is of some help.
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2008 Cougar 5th Wheel 27RKS
2005 2500 GMC Duramax
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