solar panels |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Topic: solar panels Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:32pm |
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Just be sure to charge the battery overnight every 30 days and before/after each trip. Plug in the pod, reconnect the battery, then later disconnect and unplug.
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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Don Halas
Senior Member Joined: 01 Jul 2015 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 190 |
Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:06am | |
That was my suspicion, but I thought I would ask.
Thank you again for your quick responses. |
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Podster
Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108 |
Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:02am | |
Howdy from San Antonio. In your scenario, solar is a waste of money. You could use a small panel to keep your battery up between trips during the camp season, but most people just cut the power to prevent the POD drain at idle.
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
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furpod
Moderator Group - pHp Joined: 25 Jul 2011 Location: Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 6128 |
Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 9:00am | |
If that is how you intend to use your pod, there is no need for you to have an alternate charge ability, solar or generator. You don't need a second battery etc. You're good. Pod On. |
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Don Halas
Senior Member Joined: 01 Jul 2015 Location: Connecticut Online Status: Offline Posts: 190 |
Posted: 22 Jul 2015 at 8:07am | |
Hi.
We just purchased a new RP-178. I'd expect most of our camping to be in a campground with services. I don't expect to do dry camping with the exception of perhaps pulling into a parking lot or service area to sleep for a few hours. Can someone tell me (sell me really), why I would consider the solar option for my type of camping? What is it going to do for me to be worth the additional expense and time of setting up. Perhaps the answer is that it doesn't, but I'd like to know. Thank you in advance for your advice. |
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WillThrill
Senior Member Joined: 04 Jul 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 298 |
Posted: 18 Jul 2015 at 1:55pm | |
You can read about what I and others have done to address this exact issue here. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5017&title=connecting-a-100-watt-solar-panel-to-zamp-port There is nothing special about the 'Zamp port'. It's a standard 2 wire universal connector socket, and you can find connectors at just about any hardware store of any size. The only two sizable components you need to get going with a Zamp-ready plug in are a solar panel and a charge controller. You can get a 100 watt Renogy panel and a 10 amp charge controller on Amazon for under $200. In the thread referenced above, I show how I connected my solar panel with an extension cord to my charge controller and then with a connector from the charge controller to the Zamp port. The connector I used has an in-line 10 amp fuse built in, and the fuses are identical to those used in automobiles. |
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"Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien
2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
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Pooterpod
Newbie Joined: 13 May 2015 Online Status: Offline Posts: 38 |
Posted: 18 Jul 2015 at 8:31am | |
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Gavin
Newbie Joined: 15 Jul 2015 Location: South Carolina Online Status: Offline Posts: 23 |
Posted: 17 Jul 2015 at 7:55pm | |
Hi Folks, First time poster and about to buy my R-pod 176-t. Anyway, that connection is just fine. I have solar and wind systems for my home and have discovered Solar Panels can be way overpriced. If seriously looking for panels I would seriously consider Sun Electronics in Miami. I have no connection to them other than being a customer who bought 22, 225 watt panels from them and looked everywhere for the best quality/price. They offer a LOT of different sizes, wattages and quality too. You could probably and easily double your wattage for what you pay for that Zamp rig. I don't have their website but you can google them All the best! Gavin |
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sailor323
Senior Member Joined: 11 Jun 2015 Location: S Central KY Online Status: Offline Posts: 281 |
Posted: 17 Jul 2015 at 7:43pm | |
I'm sure that Zamp is good. But outrageously over priced. You can do the same thing at a fraction of the cost. I like altE.com, but there are other sources that are as good, maybe even better. Solar power has come done in cost significantly over the past few years.
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robapperson
Newbie Joined: 12 Dec 2014 Location: United States Online Status: Offline Posts: 8 |
Posted: 17 Jul 2015 at 11:18am | |
Check out AM Solar. I have a 2015 Rpod 179 that I will add 160 panel to the roof. I also have a 28' Airstream we use for 3 to 4 month trips. I just put 360 watts of solar from AM Solar on it. Love it! High quality systems at a good price. They have an excellent tutorial on their website about solar. Read it, no matter who you buy from.
Rob |
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Rob
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