Zamp Solar
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=6705
Printed Date: 22 May 2025 at 2:22am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Zamp Solar
Posted By: Pilot
Subject: Zamp Solar
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 8:23am
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I am a new guy to this. Will be picking up a 177 one week from today. How useful are these solar panels. I see a lot of mods but none listed adding the solar panels. Thanks. |
Replies:
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 8:25am
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How will you be using your 177? If you are going to be in campgrounds with power all the time, you don't need them. If you are going off grid for no more than a long weekend, I would suggest dual batteries instead. If you want to go, or have the ability to go, off grid for extended periods.. THEN they have a place in your kit.
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Posted By: Pilot
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 8:32am
| Thanks furpod. Now my next question is, is the 80 watt sufficient? |
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 10:40am
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Zamp is a ripoff IMO
------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |
Posted By: CoastalCal
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 11:57am
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My Hubby uses the Pod when he goes to music festivals....no hookups....and loves the Zamp panels. They are effortless and work great....just be sure not to leave them unattended as the are pricey and could walk off! ------------- 2015 178 R-Pod Ford F-250 4x4 Diesel 2014 Indian Vintage 2010 HD Ultra Classic |
Posted By: Pilot
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 1:13pm
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Hey Hayduke, Why are they a rip? Price? Is there something cheaper? What do you use? |
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 7:19pm
Yeah I think they are very expensive for what they are. I've never heard anyone complain about their quality though. I bought a folding suitcase style 120w setup from solarblvd for way less than half of the zamp setup. same function. Solarblvd only carries them sporadically. Another cheaper option: http://www.amazon.com/Renogy%C2%A0Foldable-Solar-Suitcase-Battery-Charger/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ - Renogy Suitcase ------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 8:54pm
How are you going to use your pod? how many, and what battery(ies) are you running? Zamp is not the least expensive.. doesn't make them a "ripoff" any more than a Mercedes is a ripoff. Can other cars get you from a to b for less money? yes. But that doesn't have jack to do with if you were ripped off or not buying it. ------------- |
Posted By: Pilot
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 9:30pm
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Thanks to both. I will be on hunting property with no electrical connection unless I have a generator. If we go to a campground it probably won't be a problem. Seems in this sport you need to cover a lot of bases. |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 9:46pm
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There are many suppliers of quality, name brand solar panels that cost much less than the Zamp panels. I think that Zamp buys panels that are available to anyone and then repackages them in kits for resale. You can probably get the same thing that Zamp sells for about half of Zamp's price. On the other hand, if you want "plug and play" and are willing to pay for it, Zamp fills the bill. |
Posted By: Pilot
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 9:47pm
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No one has really addressed what watt is sufficient regardless of brand. Is 80 okay? Too much, not enough? |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 10:04pm
It depends on what your energy needs are. Given that the refrigeration can be run on propane, most of us have modest needs. LED lighting, a few small, inverter driven appliances, fans, radio, 100 to 130 watts would certainly cover it all. If you want to watch TV or keep your laptop turned on or want to run an icemaker, you might more. In sizing the system, you have got to take an inventory or your power needs. You should also remember that the rated output of a panel is based on ideal circumstances. |
Posted By: Pilot
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 10:04pm
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Ended up placing an order for the Renogy 100 watt. We'll see! |
Posted By: Robwid
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 10:32pm
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My wife and I do a lot of dry camping ( no hookups) so my dealer recommended 2 - 6 volt batteries. We're in our fourth summer and have never had an issue with the batteries running low. I finally used a multi meter to keep tabs on them this summer. On a recent 4 day trip the batteries measured 12.80 at the start and 12.46 the end. I looked long and hard at the Zamp panels and the gear head part of me wants them but the practical, cheap part of me says "why bother!" ------------- Rob 2012 HRE 177 2010 Toyota Tacoma |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 27 Jul 2015 at 11:01pm
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In the thread below, I show how I connected a 100 watt Renogy solar panel to the Zamp port. It's a simple process when you have the correct equipment, which I discuss.
If you are willing/able to make several adjustments to the solar panel throughout the day so that you get maximum direct sunlight, you can send about 30 amps (360 watt hours in 12 volt terms) to your batteries. This takes into account the inefficiencies of battery charging. 360 watt hours is enough to power a 30 watt device for 12 hours, for instance. Whether this is enough is dependent on what you're planning on running. This should be enough to keep your refrigerator's electrical panel going, allow for lighting in the evening, and let you run the Fantastic Fan for a bit as well. If you want more than that, you'll probably need multiple panels. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5017&title=connecting-a-100-watt-solar-panel-to-zamp-port ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: topher2u2
Date Posted: 28 Jul 2015 at 4:25pm
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I purchased the Renogy 100w Suitcase and it came with an SAE connector that will plug right into the port labeled a Zamp ready on the R-Pod. I chose to connect to the battery instead because the alligator extension has a built in fuse and when you pull the off the extension from the SAE connector, the fuse is no longer in-line. I guess I could wire a fuse into the cable, and still use the SAE port. The 100w panel is plenty for our needs. We have run a the 12v fan (all day and night), watched TV, charged phones, and run lights with no concern of draining the battery. ------------- #3PsnRPod 2016 R-Pod RP 171 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee |
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2015 at 12:48pm
Again this is just my opinion: Yes a Mercedes costs more than a Hyundai of same size, and it is generally accepted that the Mercedes is a better quality product. In this solar panel scenario, I think you're paying Mercedes price for the Hyundai quality. I haven't seen anything to show that the zamp panels are any better than renogy. ------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2015 at 2:33pm
| Price is not always a guarantee of quality. |
Posted By: ChinookPod
Date Posted: 29 Jul 2015 at 2:47pm
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We have a portable 80W Go Power panel, works great. However, this spring we installed a 100W Solarflex panel on the pod roof. We cannot store the pod at home so now the (dual) batteries are always charged, even after sitting in the storage place for several weeks. It has been a big simplification in our podding. We haven't yet had to plug in the portable panel, but may need it if we park in the shade, or when the daylight hours decrease. ------------- 2014 RP171 HRE 2010 F150 |
Posted By: MPRpod
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 12:50pm
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In response to Topher 2u2 and his 100W Renogy setup: It appears you use the alligator clips supplied with the panel to connect from the panel directly to the battery - is this correct? It also sounds like there's an in line fuse with the alligator clamps. What does the fuse protect if you're using the charge controller? You mention you charge phones with this setup and here's where I really demonstrate my ignorance: If you're running the Pod only off the 12V system, how are you watching TV or charging your phone? Do I need to buy an inverter of some type? I'll have a generator with me as a back up but want to minimize use and the amount of gas I need to carry. Thanks for any help, advice, or clarification!
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Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 8:43pm
The solar panel will need to run to a charge controller, which regulates the voltage and amperage going to your batteries and charges them correctly. So your solar panel will be wired to your charge controller, which will also be wired to your batteries. I show how to do this with lots of pictures in the thread I referenced earlier. I have a 10 amp in-line fuse going from my charge controller to my batteries, though it isn't absolutely necessary. It's a safety measure so that if something screws up with your charge controller and/or solar panel, it won't fry your batteries. You can indeed run your TV from your batteries, but you will likely need an inverter to do it unless your TV runs on 12v DC. You can either use alligator clamps to connect the inverter directly to your batteries, or you can wire your inverter into a spare opening in your Pod's fuse box. Be aware that a TV will probably draw at least 100 watts, maybe much more, and this will drain your batteries in a matter of hours. If you plan on watching a lot of TV while not running your generator, I would suggest looking at some of the small DC powered TVs out there. Some even have built in DVD players and only draw 5-10 watts. To charge your phone, all you need is a 12v socket. These must also be installed into an opening in your fuse box. There are many pictures in this forum of people showing how to do this. It took me about 20 minutes. You can then use a car charge to charge up your phone. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: rumman
Date Posted: 01 Aug 2015 at 8:58pm
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I have a 2014 179 , dual 6V batteries and a 150 Watt solar panel permanently mounted on the roof with a charge controller and my display on the controller never goes below 12.0 volts. Have used them for a week running on just batteries with no problems. I also have a 2000 watt Yamaha generator just in case, have yet to use it with this trailer though. I couldn't be any happier with this setup. Works like a charm. Well worth the investment. ------------- 2014 RPod 179 towed by 2016 Chev Colorado (V6). |
Posted By: Plantguy
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 5:40pm
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I have a 2015. 179. It came with the Zamp port. Does it also come with a regulatir/controller? Seems like if the Pod comes setup for a Zamp solar panel pthere would be a regulator/controller built in to the system. If using a inverter are 2 6 volt batteries better than one 12 vwith a solar Charger? Also, anyone have an opinion on a flexible rooftop Panel? ------------- Life is too important to be taken seriously!i |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Aug 2015 at 8:03pm
the ZAMP system includes the solar controller, as do all folding portable panel sets. The trailer is equipped with wiring to the battery from the port only. The inverter itself doesn't car what kind of battery it's hooked to. Without going into the need for an EE, the inverter and battery(ies) DO care about the discharge rate. Size appropriately. I don't like roof top panels because it means you have to have the pod in the sun, and you can't aim the panels.. a double negative. With a portable panel setup, pod can be in shade, panel in sun, and the panel can be manually tracked. ------------- |
Posted By: Chacoan
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 9:52am
I am getting ready to install a 100w solar panel to the roof of my 177; can anyone tell me about the infrastructure of the roof? I have removed the A/C cover and can see a metal framework but am not sure if there is a layer of plywood under the fibreglass roof top that will hold the screws. Thanks ------------- Chacoan |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 04 Aug 2015 at 12:22pm
If you're interested in this mod, I would highly recommend that you go with flexible solar panels. Considering the shape of the Pod's roof, it's far easier, structurally sound, and aesthetically pleasing than the traditional, though cheaper, hard panels. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: mikeyg2347
Date Posted: 05 Aug 2015 at 11:03am
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You'll be happy with the Renogy. I added an extra battery and am charging with the Renogy 100W. No problems whatsoever, plus I can use the solar charger to maintain the batteries when the trailer is parked. Much more affordable option than the Zamp. ------------- Mike |
Posted By: StauchwallBend
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2016 at 12:03pm
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The Zamp Solar system is mfg here in Bend Oregon. The extension cable I purchased looks quite similar to one sold by Battery Tender. Overall, although pricy, the Zamp system is functionally easy to setup, monitor, and stores nicely beneath the rPOD 179 sleeping platform, where I also store a step ladder to aid in attaching the Pahaque Custom awning and slide cover.
------------- StauchwallBend |
Posted By: StauchwallBend
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2016 at 12:06pm
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The 100w panel is plenty for our needs. We have run a the 12v fan (all
day and night), watched TV, charged phones, and run lights with no
concern of draining the battery. Are you using a DC TV or running an inverter for a 120 volt AC TV? ------------- StauchwallBend |
Posted By: StauchwallBend
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2016 at 12:14pm
The extension cable in the picture from Battery Tender looks remarkably similar to the Zamp extension cable I purchased for 4x the listed $$. I need to check the wire gauge, but suspect this Battery Tender extension cable should work on my Zamp 120 volt panel setup.  ------------- StauchwallBend |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2016 at 2:23pm
| uploads/4247/Panel_01.jpg - uploads/4247/Panel_01.jpg |
Posted By: StauchwallBend
Date Posted: 28 Aug 2016 at 2:36pm
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I like your flexible panel mounted on the rear roof. How many volts rating for the panel? ------------- StauchwallBend |
Posted By: Don Halas
Date Posted: 29 Aug 2016 at 8:00am
| There's detailed information about my installation as well as a other set-ups in this post: http://rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=5017&KW=solar&PN=1&title=connecting-a-100-watt-solar-panel-to-zamp-port |