Just bought my 179!

I have been dreaming of owning an RV for 5 years and yesterday purchased an R-Pod 179. I am so excited and am already planning mods. My first mod will be slip covering all the cushions. All the colors options are pretty ugly in my opinion.

I want to get the ZAMP solar so I can dry camp. Can anyone advise on how many watts I should start with?

Welcome PamJones and congrats are your purchase.

Concerning the size of solar panels, I have done some research and spoken with the Zamp Solar representative but I am by no means an expert.

The size of the panels you will need are not only dependent on your usage but also on the amount of hours the panels are exposed to full sun. As an example, here on the east coast most of the parks have a good canopy from the trees (not all but most) so this limits the amount of charge the panels will obtain. On the flip side if you are camping in the desert, there is high sunlight exposure.

Panels are rated by an amps per hour.

So to simplify this mumbo jumbo :) your usage of amps and potential sunlight exposure will determine the size panel you need.

For me, after doing some testing on how fast I drain my batteries and after speaking with Zamp solar the 160W portable panel setup should suffice.

As an FYI there are other brands out there but make sure the setup you purchase also has a controller. From what I have read you do not want to connect a large wattage panel directly to a battery group. The controller will monitor and adjust the charge so you don't damage your batteries. Also, there are different type of plugs so you will want to get the one that matches the plug on the side of your 179.

Just my 2 cents. Take care and Happy Podding.

Welcome and congrats on your 179.  We are also new owners anxiously waiting for the cold and snow to move on.