Just bought my 179!
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Introduce Yourself
Forum Discription: New Members - tell us about yourself and your r-pod
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5822
Printed Date: 19 May 2025 at 12:55pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Just bought my 179!
Posted By: pamjones
Subject: Just bought my 179!
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2015 at 11:34pm
|
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? |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 5:46am
Howdy and Congratulations on your new 1 seven niner!  Correct solar sizing is dependent on use (requirements), battery storage, charge efficiency, and available sun. But if you want to skip all the tech mumbo jumbo I can tell you that seems several campers are happy with around 100w. I have seen some use 200w panels. I will probably use a 100w panel with 2ea 6v batteries for dry camping on the beach at Port A where there is lots of sun. This system probably won't cut it in the Hill Country where there is lots of shade. I like the price and the looks of this setup: http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Foldable-Suitcase-Battery-Charger/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1423997224&sr=8-2&keywords=renogy+solar+panel+kit - RenogyⓇ Foldable Solar Suitcase Battery Charger 100W This is interesting, for those looking for more power in a small panel here Renogy offers a 39" x 39" 150w Mono-crystalline panel. http://www.renogy-store.com/Renogy-150W-12V-Mono-Solar-Panel-p/rng-150d.htm - Renogy 150 Watts 12 Volts High Efficient Monocrystalline Solar Panel for off-grid applications -- RV, Boat, Cabin, Yachts, Trailers, Motorhomes, etc. Please allow me to cordially invite you'all out to the BIG TEXAS RALLY this fall. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5643&title=2015-big-texas-rally - 2015 BIG TEXAS Rally! - R-pod Owners Forum - Page 1
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Viperbyte
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 6:43am
|
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. ------------- Jon & Missy Bandit, Willy, Woody, & Fargo (The Pod Pack) 2015 (Early) R Pod 179 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac V8 4x4 |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 7:44am
|
Welcome to the group! Congrats on your 179!! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: IL-Podders
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 8:25am
|
Welcome and congrats on your 179. We are also new owners anxiously waiting for the cold and snow to move on. ------------- Marv-N-Kathy 2015 179 RPod 2016 Chevy Tahoe |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 Feb 2015 at 5:04pm
|
Welcome. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
|