Additional Batteries

[Cowichan]

Has anyone added a second set of 6 volt batteries in parallel with the Escape installed units. I have one solar panel and the Go Power controller. The batteries will be flooded type and I do not want to add a "1-BOTH-2" style battery switch. Just would like to know if anyone has experience with 4 installed 6 volt batteries on a single solar panel.
Thanks

[Vermilye]

After thinking about the 120 pounds of additional weight, I switched to a pair of Battleborn lithium 100 amp hour batteries, and ended up with half the weight & close to twice the working capacity. I spent the winter of 2019-20 at the Quartzsite BLM LTVA and dry camped for 71 days, including three days in a row without sunshine. They worked far better than the pair of 6V stock batteries. This Spring I added a third lithium battery so I could go as long as a week without sun.

If you do add 2 more flooded batteries, be sure to include a well vented battery box. One of my problems with the FLA batteries & Escapes vented battery box was setting off the propane detector when ever the solar controller neared the end of the absorption charging cycle.

[hotfishtacos]

I added a second set of 6 volt batteries to the back of my 19', 2 in the front box and two in the back. They were originally wet cell batteries but I recently changed to Lifeline GPL-4CT AGM batteries for reduced maintenance. I had the rear bumper extended and battery mounting trays incorporated. The trailer balance is good with appropriate hitch weight for safe towing. I used 1/0 welding cable to connect the pairs together.

My trailer has three mounted panels so mine recharges rapidly. I would recommend at least 2 panels on your 21 since you have the room. On overcast days and northern camping spots during the winter the second panel will be very helpful.

Here is a picture of the two batteries in the back showing with a generator mounting plate in the hitch. I also centered the spare tire mount between the batteries.

[Cowichan]

Thanks. That looks great. I was hoping to charge with the one panel in order to keep the costs under control.