Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: 19/189 roof mounted solar.

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19/189 roof mounted solar.

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13041
Printed Date: 24 Jun 2025 at 12:26am
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Topic: 19/189 roof mounted solar.

Posted By: Awchief
Subject: 19/189 roof mounted solar.
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2019 at 4:03pm

I would like to hear from any actual 189 owners that have tackled a solar roof install. I am stumped on how to cleanly run the wiring. I appreciated the advice from other model owners but just having trouble converting that advice to a 189. Mine is a 19/189 without the factory roof prewiring. I have 3 Renogy 100 watt flex panels and 40 amp MPPT controller being delivered tomorrow.

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Michael

Replies:

Posted By: Motor7
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2019 at 6:36pm

Look at the wall that has the most electronics on it. Mine is left of the entry door and also has the grey tank vent in it. Shoukd be plenty of room to snake the 10 ga from under the floor to the roof since the wall is about 3" hollow.

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2016 R-Pod 176T

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 16 Jul 2019 at 10:22pm

I would probably not mount solar on the roof. First, you would probably have to drill holes, and second, the R-pod is probably going to be in the shade half the time. I think you'd have more productive solar if it was on a stand that you could place where the sun is, then run a cable directly to the batteries. Solve two problems with one simple solution.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Jul 2019 at 5:41am

Originally posted by GlueGuy

I would probably not mount solar on the roof. First, you would probably have to drill holes, and second, the R-pod is probably going to be in the shade half the time. I think you'd have more productive solar if it was on a stand that you could place where the sun is, then run a cable directly to the batteries. Solve two problems with one simple solution.

I would agree for a 100 watt or so kit, but Awchief is installing 300 watts, that's a lot to be trying to set up to be portable. There are also additional camp setup time and theft factors that come with portable solar. There are pros and cons either way, its a personal choice.

In the 179 it works to install a dual gland plate above the cabinet where the stereo is and run the wiring for the solar install down that way, don't know about the 189 layout.

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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold