Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Solar setup question

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Solar setup question

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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=13915
Printed Date: 22 Jun 2025 at 7:47am
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Topic: Solar setup question

Posted By: vbdomenico
Subject: Solar setup question
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 6:59pm

I have decided that I am going to purchase a suitcase solar panel instead of a rooftop mounted one. My 2020 R-pod has the pre-wired solar connection on the roof. I only want to use the suitcase to occasionally charge my battery when I do not have shore power. I am wondering what will be the easiest way to connect the solar suitcase when in use. I do not want to get up on the roof every time I am setting it up. I have my batteries boxes locked via cable locks, and I would rather not have to open them up every time I hook it up (but I could if this is the best way). Do they make switches that you can wire to the battery and install on the outside of the battery box? Any advice would help.

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 8:39pm

I made a short wiring harness that connects direct to the battery tongue connections using PowerPole connectors. That seems to work quite well. I have the Zamp connector on the side that I could also use, but the harness I made works better since it is heavier wiring so would have less power loss.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Andy
Date Posted: 16 Aug 2020 at 9:52pm

I have used a GoPower 80W suitcase for a couple of years and find it very efficient for charging our battery. It comes with a Zamp connector, alligator clips for the battery terminal and an Anderson connector that you can place on the post with the other wires and then hang the connector out of the battery box so you con't have to open it every time. They all come with covers so weather's not an issue.

Enjoy the Pod!

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2017 179
2016 Silverado Z71

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2020 at 6:29am

Yes, attach the portable kit directly to the battery, no need to use the solar connection point provided.

But please do install a fuse at the battery positive terminal. You can short a 12V cable just as easily as a 120V one, and batteries can produce hundreds of amps of current. Not having a fuse there is no different from connecting to your ac panel without installing a circuit breaker. If you wouldn't do one don't do the other.

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

Posted By: vbdomenico
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2020 at 10:09am

Thanks for all of the advice. As far as attaching the solar directly to the battery, what is the best way to do this with two 12-volt batteries in parallel. I assume you attach them to the the opposite terminals (negative on one battery and positive on the other) that are not attached to the leads that go to the pod?

Or can you just attach to one battery?

Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 17 Aug 2020 at 10:20am

They're in parallel so theoretically its the same. There is a slight difference though. Ideally you should already have + to the trailer coming from + on one battery and - coming from the other battery. That helps keep the two batteries in balance. Just place the solar connections on the same terminals as the trailer connections.

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