ZAMP solar plug in jack uage

Just got an R Pod 178 last week. Dealer ordered plug and I bought after market 80Watt panel. Huge savings

 I was passing by the boating stuff at the local Walmart and found a 10 gauge, SAE 2pin used as a quick disconnect for a trolling motor.  I had to splice it onto the leads from my solar panels using crimp butt splices and it works swell.

The plug is an "SAE" you can find them anywhere, but to a 10g size you may have to shop on line. I'm sure you can find one or two on Ebay. 

The plug  is one of several standard 12 volt plugs, readily available from many sources.  It is a 2 pin or 2 wire connector.  If you go that route get one rated for 10 amps.  And yes, you can save a lot over the cost of a Zamp set up.  For example, I bought 2 140 watt panels for $232 each.  Bear in mind, these panels are too large to be used as a "suitcase" unit.  Smaller panels are available--80 watt panels for about $160 each.  You also need a charge controller--$90 and up, up, up.  Also bear in mind that most charge controllers have to be mounted out of the weather but there are some on the market designed for harsh environments.  That's another advantage for the Zamp unit, the charge controller is integral to the panels.  I have posted a detailed description of my solar installation in the files section of the R-Pod owners Facebook page.

Originally posted by sailor323 One other consideration when buying "plug and play" is that you don't get to choose who actually manufactures the panel. As for the Zamp plug on the pod, it runs directly to the battery.  As such, you can use it for a 12 volt source to run 12 volt appliances.  You should fuse it if you do.  Frankly, I'm surprised that it isn't already fused.  It should be even if used for solar charging.

Sounds like if a person were to research who the female plug manufacturer was one could fashion their own solar panel arrangement and save some major moola.