Solar generators

Wanted to give you all an update on what I decided. Thanks for all of the information and advice! I decided to forgo the Jackery solar generator and add a portable solar panel kit to the mix. I skipped the solar port on the backend of the R179 and set up a quick disconnect at the battery bank (two batteries and yes, I have an inline fuse ). I also installed a Renogy 1000 watt pure sine inverter along with a fuse and battery disconnect in the storage compartment at the front of the R179. I added two outlets with USBs in the trailer, one by the bed along with the inverter's remote control and one in the kitchen. Everything seems to work as planned. Batteries charged up fine in the weak February sun in New Mexico. The 1000 watt inverter runs our small, 4 cup coffee pot and charges our electrical devices which is all we wanted to do in the first place. Taking it all out in a couple weeks camping in the Southern desert in New Mexico but still taking the generator just in case. 

Good. I am glad you found a workable solution. I look forward to reading how it works out during your upcoming trip.

Hi Lone Ranger

7 amps is all you should ever expect to get from a 110 watt solar module. Solar modules are tested and rated full sun conditions at room temperature. As soon as you take them outside and put them in the sun they heat up. Power output goes down about 0.5% per degree C temp rise, and under full sun the module temp will rise by around 25-30 deg C. So out of the gate you will lose around 15%, more on a hot day of course. So at a normal charge voltage of around 14 volts you might get 110x85%/14= 6.7 amps. And that's under perfect conditions, no shade of any kind,  perfectly clear sky, module pointed directly at the sun.

@mjlrpod, what size Jackery did you get. I was looking at the 1500 when I started this experiment. How are the solar panels holding up. A couple of folks that I had talked to who had Jackerys said that it doesn't take a lot of wind to start moving them around.