Solar system test
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
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=15293
Printed Date: 19 Jun 2025 at 7:52am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Solar system test
Posted By: StreetSweeper
Subject: Solar system test
Date Posted: 29 May 2022 at 1:24pm
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I was curious how well the solar system worked on my new (2022) r-Pod 171. I have dual Interstate batteries and ran them down to yellow light, 1/4 full, I then shut off all electric. After 1 cloudy day there was no change on the indicator. However after 1 sunny day here in Texas the system charged the batteries up to 3/4 full, green light. I was certainly pleased as I want to be able to rely on the solar when out in the boonies when I have no propane for the generators. The solar works, frankly, better than I expected.
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Replies:
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 29 May 2022 at 3:48pm
As you see, you can't rely on solar if it's cloudy, the output can be as low as about 10% depending on how dense the clouds are. I've been a solar engineer for over 40 years now but still carry a small genset for those dark days.
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1994 Chinook Concourse
1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft
2015 Rpod 179 - sold
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 29 May 2022 at 4:30pm
+1 Also pick up a multitestor as the factory light indicator is just that, an indicator. You don't want to run your 12v batteries below 12.2v for maximum longevity before recharging them.
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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."
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Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 30 May 2022 at 8:04am
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I ordered a small 1" Volt meter, switch and plastic mounting plate and cut a hole in the thin plywood above the factory panel, from Amazon, so now I can read battery voltage directly. Slick as can be. My 6v batteries are now close to 10 yrs old and starting to fade a bit. 12.6 is the most I can get at full charge and they seem to go down a bit faster. Copied a chart from a book called 12 Volt Bible for Boats.
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Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 30 May 2022 at 9:14am
You have done well. I had a pair of 12v Interstates group size 24 deep cycle that were purchased 6 months apart. Had to replace the oldest one last August, it was a few months shy of 11 years old. The other one turned 11 last month and is still going strong. The replacement I purchased was a 12v golf cart battery, Trojan T-1275 and is a beast at 85 pounds but it is something that was a blessing in disguise as I need extra tongue weight to offset the full FW tank of water that is carried on the 177 (tank is behind the axle). By getting the heavier battery I was able to lose a few truck rotors that were kept in the front stow area freeing up valuable storage space. And now I am above the 11% tongue weight needed to reduce/eliminate sway. Am all the way up to 340 lbs. on the tongue, way above that 11% figure.
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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."
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Posted By: StreetSweeper
Date Posted: 30 May 2022 at 2:21pm
Great advice, thanks all!
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"SWIZZLE STICK"
'22 #171
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
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