RPOD 178 Power Switch
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Topic: RPOD 178 Power Switch
Posted By: Texasvet1991
Subject: RPOD 178 Power Switch
Date Posted: 25 Apr 2022 at 9:38pm
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I purchased a 2015 RPOD 178 on 3-11-22... I have not used the Rpod yet... I tried using the Solar Panel to powerup the Rpod so I could try to operate the lights TV and AC...I moved it from storage to my driveway last week... I dont have any power source for now, I am ordering a 30 amp extention cord tomorrow and use the 110 dogbone to hookup to my house.... Will this work from my house I have never done this before... Is there a power switch to turn on the power to the RPOD??? I cant find one... Thanks James ------------- James Adkerson |
Replies:
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2022 at 11:33am
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Welcome to the forum Texasvet1991. There is no "off" switch unless the Rpod has a battery disconnect switch (which it might have since it's 7 years old). You should use a DVM or any kind of volt meter to check the battery to see if it is charged up. If it's been run down, the first thing you'll likely need to do is get a new battery. All the lights in the Rpod are 12V, so they need a "live" battery to turn on. ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: campman
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2022 at 12:19pm
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Welcome to the forum!
I would suggest that you check the security/cleanliness of the battery post connections and make sure that you verify the cables are connected to the correct post. If they have been connected backwards, even for a second I think there is a large fuse that can blow that protects your trailer. Check your fuse panel for any blown fuses. Andy ------------- Andy and Laurie '16 F150 5.0 4X4 w/factory tow pkg '21 RP192 "If the women don't find you handsome...at least let them find you handy!" Red-Green |
Posted By: Colt
Date Posted: 26 Apr 2022 at 4:53pm
Yes, that will work. There is a battery charger built into your fuse/breaker panel. That will charge your battery (test it to be sure it's good) and run your lights, slide, furnace, refrigerator (it's AC, DC & gas) and radio on the DC side. Your TV, Micro, AC water heater element (water heater also uses gas) and Air Conditioner are 120V AC only. There isn't a power switch. However, if connected, the solar panel should keep the battery charged (or mostly). Mine came with a battery disconnect switch. There is enough dark current to deplete the battery in about 10 days without the disconnect. My temporary 25 watt panel will keep my battery charged if every day is sunny. ------------- John '16 R-Pod 180 |
Posted By: Texasvet1991
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2022 at 11:15am
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Thank you all for the good advise... I really appreciate your help still learning about the Rpod 178.. I have another question,,, The Rpod came with a ZAMP SOLAR system 60 watt.. I hooked it up to my prewired Zamp system at the port on Rpod, but only get a 601 code on the monitor, I watched a video on U Tube and he said that the code means Battery not connected...CODE 601 means Battery not connected... I left the solar panel out in sun for 3 hours no change still code 601... If the battery is dead would that be the cause...  ------------- James Adkerson |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2022 at 11:24am
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Hopefully you have a voltmeter or multitestor, if not, go to HF and for about $5 you can purchase one. Testing your battery you should read (fully charged at rest) 12.72 volts. If it is down to 50% S.O.C. it will only read 12.2v. For maximum battery longevity do not draw down below 12.2v. Pop off the cover and see if your cells are covered and full and fill to full mark with distilled water, if they are dry you may very well have a dead battery. If the battery was hooked up wrong previously you may have both 40amp fuses toasted, which would not allow you solar to charge the battery. Check to see if those fuses are good. Also make certain that the connections on the battery on not only finger tight but snugged down securely with a wrench. Not having solar i cannot offer any constructive advice as to that issue.
------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 27 Apr 2022 at 5:49pm
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Us suggest getting a multimeter with a DC current clamp on function. These are more like $35 from online retailers but well worth it because you can see how much current your charging sources are providing and your loads are taking. Be sure to get one that does DC current, not just AC current, which is more common.
And yes it is possible for a bad battery to look like an open circuit and fool a solar charge controller into thinking there is no battery connected. ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |