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WinkenBlinkenAndPod View Drop Down
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Joined: 28 Apr 2017
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: solar panel
    Posted: 03 May 2017 at 12:37pm
My wife and I are new owners of a 2016  179 r-pod and are interested in finding out if we can use a Coleman 40 watt solar panel to connect via the solar panel input on our trailer.  The warning sticker by this connection indicates that only a zamp panel is to be used.  Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
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CharlieM View Drop Down
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Posts: 1797 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2017 at 12:49pm
Short answer is yes. Any reasonably sized panel/controller combination can be connected to that port. The sticker is marketing.
Charlie
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WinkenBlinkenAndPod View Drop Down
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Posts: 6 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2017 at 2:31pm
Thanks  for your very prompt reply.  We are heading out for a shot trip and are looking forward to trying everything out.
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rawest50 View Drop Down
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Posts: 440 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2017 at 2:51pm
New here also. I am not sure I will ever buy a panel unless I decide to go off the grid. LOL!. I have the 179.5 2017 Rpod. What size solar panel should I buy? I see everything from 40 watt on up to 100's of watts.

Also are they very heavy?
2017.5 RPod 179
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computerfixitguy View Drop Down
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Posts: 91 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2017 at 6:23pm
I have a 200w.  It was one of those bewildering moments like you are having.  So I opted for the biggest one.  Its really heavy.  the 200w is 2 full size panels hinged together.   Good news.  I almost don't need batteries.   They are that big.

At the end of the day, I have 2 6v golf batteries, which last 3 days (heater at night) by themselves.  With the giant solar farm outside, they never dip in juice.   I would probably be happier with a 100w.

Derek
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Posts: 29 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2017 at 8:16pm
I've got the 80 w go power portable kit.  Keeps me going for more than a week. 
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Danielw1 View Drop Down
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Posts: 115 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 May 2017 at 10:49pm
If the 80w can charge the batteries shouldn't it keep you going indefinitely?
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Posts: 29 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2017 at 5:04am
Cloudy and rain days make it impossible.  
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Pod People View Drop Down
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Posts: 1068 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 May 2017 at 7:37am
We use a 100w Renogy suitcase panel set and have 2 6v golf cart batteries.  the panels keep the batteries fully charged with about 4-5 hours of sun daily. even if it rains or is cloudy, the batteries will easily last 4-5 days without recharging.  If it rains /cloudy longer than 4 days, I will hook the TV to the pod and recharge if necessary.
the suitcase system is great for us.  i have it connected to a 30" cord which allows the panels to be in the sun and the pod in the shade. It is a simple system.

Vann

Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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sailor323 View Drop Down
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Posts: 281 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 13 May 2017 at 3:50pm
Originally posted by rawest50

New here also. I am not sure I will ever buy a panel unless I decide to go off the grid. LOL!. I have the 179.5 2017 Rpod. What size solar panel should I buy? I see everything from 40 watt on up to 100's of watts.

Also are they very heavy?

It really depends on how much off rid camping you do.  40 watts is not very useful regardless.  100 watts will do for short off grid trips, especially if your TV can charge your battery.  100 watts will probably not allow indefinite off grid camping.  We have 280 watts worth of panel and can camp indefinitely off grid.  Water, of course, is the big limiting factor both from a supply point of view and a waste point of view
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