Solar, 12volt questions - Event Date: 20 Jan 2017 - 25 Jan 2017

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   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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puudged Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2017 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 5	Calendar Event: Solar, 12volt questions 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!

puudged Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2017 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 5	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..

Pod People Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Visit Members Homepage Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 22 Sep 2011 Location: Chapel Hill,NC Online Status: Offline Posts: 1088	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
	Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179

Podster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108	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. Cllena Triple Function Dual USB Charger + Blue LED Voltmeter + 12V Outlet Socket Panel Jack Marine For Digital Devices Mobile Phone Tablet 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.
	Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

puudged Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2017 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 5	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??

Podster Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2014 Location: San Antonio Online Status: Offline Posts: 1108	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!
	Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity)

puudged Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 14 Jan 2017 Location: California Online Status: Offline Posts: 5	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