http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?MfrCode=SHU&MfrPartNumber=MC1&CategoryCode=3014

If this is the one he showed you, then...... It's just a regular 120 volt A/C powered 6 or 12 volt D/C output, 1 amp battery charger..... Nothing "SOLAR" about that charger, it's got to be plugged into a 110 A/C, "wall socket"!! How many time did the parts guy say, "DUH, AH it's sorta like a DUH!!"

Some batteries have two sets of terminals, one being the standard post type used in automotive applications, and the other a spade type allowing the usage of screws and wing nuts, commonly used in the RV and marine environments. They are mechanically connected together, and share the same polarities and voltages. They are just a different means, to universally attach the differently installed cables, without the necessity of stocking two different batteries.

Any charging method, whether it is solar, transformer, alternator, generator, inverter etc, will attach to the same terminals and charge the battery. The chargers add current to the battery, not take from it.

The solar panel creates electricity from the available light. It is a one way path from the panel to the battery. It doesn't use electricity and amplify it to work. Either the terms are being confused, or the sales person is not knowledgeable about what he is selling.

A small solar panel doesn't create enough amperage to run much more than a light bulb. It is considered a maintenance or trickle charger, recharging a small amount over a long period. When any current draw is effected within your trailer, the battery provides the amperage, with the solar panel recharging the battery as well as its capacity allows. Only panels almost the size of the roof of your trailer, in direct sunlight, could provide enough current to directly run an appliance.

Gard