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puudged
Newbie
Joined: 14 Jan 2017
Location: California
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Posts: 5
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Calendar Event: Solar, 12volt questions Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 7:15pm |
We just bought an R-pod 172 with the solar hookup. It states on the sticker "20 amp". (1) Is this the maximum solar panel that we can hook up? (2) Does this just trickle charge the battery? Our previous trailer has a cigarette lighter port that we could plug in a small inverter to when boondocking, and charge our phones and camera batteries. The pod doesn't have this.. So, I am wondering how can I use the 12volt sources to charge small amperage electronics? The solar and 12 volt stuff is so confusing
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
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Posts: 1108
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Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 8:03pm |
Hi, congratulations on your new Rpod 172?
20amps is way more than a trickle charge and many of us have installed 12v plugs to run 12v devices and to also plug in a small 150-200w inverter to charge phones etc...
Good luck! Have fun!
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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puudged
Newbie
Joined: 14 Jan 2017
Location: California
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Posts: 5
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Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 9:56pm |
Thank you for the reply:) So, did you install the 12v outlet by yourself? I know there are 12v wires running all through the pod, but I am not sure how to access them. Is there a wiring schematic somewhere??
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108
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Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 5:36am |
Yes, many of us install a unit that has a 12v plug, USB chargers, and a 12v digital gauge to monitor the battery voltage.
No, there is no wiring schematic available.
If this kind of thing is new to you, it may be best to have a qualified technician do the installation.
Also, it could void any warranty you may have on the system related to the modification.
That said, it generally doesn't stop most owners. If its done correctly, there should be no problem.
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Pod People
Senior Member
Joined: 22 Sep 2011
Location: Chapel Hill,NC
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Posts: 1081
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Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 7:49am |
the other posts have answered your 12 volt receptacle questions.
The solar question is different. I'm not sure what the 20 watt designation is referring to. It certainly is not the size of the solar panel. Most of us use solar panels that are rated between 100-200 watts to generate the power that goes into the charge controller. the charge controller is the brains of the system and determines the actual amount of charge pushed on to the batteries to keep them fully charged. the controllers are generally rated between 20-50 amps.
Personally, I use a 100 watt Renogy suitcase panel system. It is portable and has two 50 watt panels that fold together suitcase style. It works very well to keep my two 6 volt golf cart batteries fully charged with about 5 hours of daily sun.
Use the "search" feature at the top of the page and you will find multiple posts about solar systems being used in the R Pods. They are a very effective tool for boondocking. there is also a wealth of informatin on the internet about RV solar systems. The size and types of systems are numerous and the technology is becoming cheaper and more efficient. It is a great way to have power if you are not plugged in to an electric source. Vann
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Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179
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puudged
Newbie
Joined: 14 Jan 2017
Location: California
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Posts: 5
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Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 9:32am |
thank you for the great information.. The more I delve into these subjects, the more questions arise! I appreciate any input..
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puudged
Newbie
Joined: 14 Jan 2017
Location: California
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Posts: 5
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Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 10:06am |
Thank you for the link! I just ordered these items, and will check around with my "geek" friends for some professional help!
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108
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Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 12:21pm |
Originally posted by puudged
Thank you for the link! I just ordered these items, and will check around with my "geek" friends for some professional help!
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You're welcome. I'm not familiar with the 172, but if you can mount the device in an area near the power panel where it is convenient to use, and draw power directly from a new run to the 12v side of the power panel, that would be best. You can certainly tap in to other wires as well, but depending on what you tap...it may limit the amount you can draw, but usually plenty power available for charging stuff, no problem. If you choose not to make a new run to the power panel, make sure you install an inline fuse on the power side of the tap and use a fuse rated appropriately.
If one of your geek friends reads this and says "huh" don't let them do it... :-)
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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Podster
Senior Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2014
Location: San Antonio
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 1108
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Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 12:22pm |
Originally posted by Pod People
the other posts have answered your 12 volt receptacle questions.
...I'm not sure what the 20 watt designation is referring to.
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OP stated 20 amps, not 20 watts...
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Cliff & Raelynn
Ranger 4.0/178
(1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)
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mcarter
podders Helping podders - pHp
Joined: 07 Apr 2016
Location: Greenbrier, TN
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 3419
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Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 5:02pm |
Podster,
Comparing notes. Where did you mount yours in 178? I mounted mine in the panel, near door, that is the dinette passenger seat. I can open door and look at 12v status and use USB and 12v charge with device resting on dinette cushion or table. Drilled a hole thru floor of front storage compartment, and ran 14 gauge wire into floor of electrics bay and used spare fuse for connection point. Works great, silicone holes and secured wiring below TT and in front storage area. From what I have seen the 179 is much easier to access.
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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."
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