Ridge Ryder 150W Solar Blanket $299 + Delivery or Free C&C @ Supercheap Auto

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[Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 13:27 supercheapauto.com.au (850 clicks)
Last edited 04/08/2020 - 14:41 by 1 other user

Small market but a heads-up for anyone looking for a decent, convenient camping power source.

• Max price $499, often on special, this is usually the best price.
• Also available at Supercheap Ebay - see the ebay price history.
  Note the ebay delivery cost is much higher ($24 V $5 for me) if you can't C&C.

Blanket uses high efficiency Sunpower cells, gets good reviews from users, although controller/regulator is mediocre. Good price for a branded 150W blanket from my research. 1 year warranty I believe (plus statutory warranty of course).

Features
150W Mono Crystalline Panels
Folded size: 385 (L) x 330 (W) x 100 (H)mm
Unfolded size:1710 (L) x 990 (W) x 5 (H)mm
Weight: 7.8kg
Regulator: 12v 10A
Max Power Output: 17.50V
Charging Current: 8.57A
Compact folding unit for easy storage
Includes carry bag for safe storage

Don't forget 2.1% cashback.

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• 

  cruiseronroad on 04/08/2020 - 14:18

  +2

  What advantages does this have over something like this, which can be had for under $150 on Ebay every day of the week

  https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/12V-160W-MONO-Solar-Panel-Kit-Ho…

  • 

    tor on 04/08/2020 - 14:34

    It folds up for portability.

    • 

      cruiseronroad on 04/08/2020 - 15:06

      So, nothing? There are plenty on Ebay that fold.

      • 

        [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 17:35

        If weight, compactness, ease of transport and being able to chuck your blanket across your vehicle (or pretty much anywhere you want) aren't issues then by all means please yourself and buy hard frames instead. Thousands of campers have. If you actually want to know about blankets there are MANY videos and articles about them and why they are becoming very popular.

        I doubt you're seriously in the market but just in case: some ebay seller claims wrt power output are rubbish (info courtesy of 4WD and camping forums) and there are plenty of ebay solar panels being sold with substandard wiring etc (not a problem if you're happy to upgrade the wiring and connections yourself). Extremely low price is probably a reflection of quality of the build and the solar cells themselves. As with anything you pays ya money and takes ya chances.

        • 

          cruiseronroad on 04/08/2020 - 18:03

          @[Deactivated]: Okay, like I said there are similar on Ebay, i.e blankets. There is a Kings one with 200w, Anderson plug to Anderson plug for less money RRP.

          I agree that Ebay claims could be rubbish but despite 4WD supacentres dodgy rep and past I doubt they would lie about something so empirical.

          I'm just not sure Ridge Ryder would be any better than a Adventure kings for example, and how much better are they than the Ebay special? Not including false claims. Do you own this blanket?

          • 

            [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 19:07

            @cruiseronroad: No I don't own the RR. Owners report that the cells actually deliver more power than the specs say (in the right conditions obviously) and is reliable after years of use. RR uses Sunpower C60 cells - more efficient than most standard cells. In short it has a solid reputation and runs on the board.

            Kings blankets might be fine, as may some of the generic chinese ones on ebay. Problem is finding info on and consumer experiences with particular "no-name"/rebranded ebay units (which may use cheap, inefficient cells and materials).

            As with anything do your own research and decide based on needs, price, seller, ease of return, user feedback, support of local industry etc.

            • 

              cruiseronroad on 04/08/2020 - 19:21

              @[Deactivated]: Alright cool, I genuinely wanted to know if there was some sort of headline features from the name brands that I was missing.

              It's always a gamble with quality when it comes to no name brand, thanks for the response.

              • 

                [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 21:08

                @cruiseronroad: Biggest differences between the more expensive blankets and the mid-low range are:
                - Higher quality cells (extra efficiency and longer life)
                - Wiring/connections - heavier duty and often now with ANDERSON plugs
                - Controller quality and type (MPPT > PWM)
                - Robustness of the blanket material (see HardKorr and Kickass)
                - Good eyelets for hanging

      • 

        OzBragain on 04/08/2020 - 19:11

        So, nothing?

        Probably best you stick to cruising on road if you can't see a difference

        • 

          cruiseronroad on 04/08/2020 - 19:17

          @OzBragain: Thanks for providing an enlightening answer to a genuine question.

          • 

            OzBragain on 04/08/2020 - 20:33

            +1

            @cruiseronroad: You asked a question and have already been provided the major difference between aluminium framed panels and solar blankets….portability.

            You chose to dismiss the response as nothing. Sounds much more like trolling than a genuine question.

            Keep cruisin champ!

• 

  seb on 04/08/2020 - 15:03

  Any reason to buy this instead of the $399 model which for $100 extra has 200W (33% higher) and an MPPT regulator that ppl aren't complaining about (unlike this model with s simple regulator)?

  • 

    [Deactivated] on 04/08/2020 - 17:18

    Nope. Both good buys. MPPT is a big plus