ZAMP solar plug in jack uage
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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=7473
Printed Date: 23 Jun 2025 at 7:06am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: ZAMP solar plug in jack uage
Posted By: jimqbaum
Subject: ZAMP solar plug in jack uage
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 2:19pm
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A contributor to another forum (Forest River) supplied this handy PDF file on the solar plug in for the newer PODS. This is google drive file link as it is kinda large. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByJIbU3sdD1CZDFtUUZTN1JXeFk/view?usp=sharing Thinking about doing this! ------------- Have A Blessed Day Pod 171 Ram Hemi tow truck. Got rid of the Jeep Wrangler. It was puny and girly |
Replies:
Posted By: Hayduke
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 7:05pm
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Zamp solar products are extremely overpriced, IMO
------------- 2012 177 HRE 2017 Tacoma Double Cab |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 22 Feb 2016 at 9:20pm
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You can use whatever you want, it doesn't have to be a "Zamp" Just make sure you have all of the right components and correct plugs. If you get familiar with how solar works and what is needed, you can save hundreds. Zamp is expensive because it's plug and play, no brain power required. :-) ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2016 at 10:19am
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One other consideration when buying "plug and play" is that you don't get to choose who actually manufactures the panel. As for the Zamp plug on the pod, it runs directly to the battery. As such, you can use it for a 12 volt source to run 12 volt appliances. You should fuse it if you do. Frankly, I'm surprised that it isn't already fused. It should be even if used for solar charging. |
Posted By: jimqbaum
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2016 at 2:15pm
Sounds like if a person were to research who the female plug manufacturer was one could fashion their own solar panel arrangement and save some major moola.  ------------- Have A Blessed Day Pod 171 Ram Hemi tow truck. Got rid of the Jeep Wrangler. It was puny and girly |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 23 Feb 2016 at 7:02pm
I've said the same thing. Big fire risk IMO. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: sailor323
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 9:09am
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The plug is one of several standard 12 volt plugs, readily available from many sources. It is a 2 pin or 2 wire connector. If you go that route get one rated for 10 amps. And yes, you can save a lot over the cost of a Zamp set up. For example, I bought 2 140 watt panels for $232 each. Bear in mind, these panels are too large to be used as a "suitcase" unit. Smaller panels are available--80 watt panels for about $160 each. You also need a charge controller--$90 and up, up, up. Also bear in mind that most charge controllers have to be mounted out of the weather but there are some on the market designed for harsh environments. That's another advantage for the Zamp unit, the charge controller is integral to the panels. I have posted a detailed description of my solar installation in the files section of the R-Pod owners Facebook page. |
Posted By: jimqbaum
Date Posted: 24 Feb 2016 at 8:03pm
Thanks for the heads up. I will be looking into this for sure! ------------- Have A Blessed Day Pod 171 Ram Hemi tow truck. Got rid of the Jeep Wrangler. It was puny and girly |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 25 Feb 2016 at 8:16pm
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The plug is an "SAE" you can find them anywhere, but to a 10g size you may have to shop on line. I'm sure you can find one or two on Ebay. The POD is likely lacking the inline fuse on the charge lines due to the Zamp certification. This is a popular setup that can be fitted for the POD pretty darn easy. I agree with the idea that its always good insurance to include an inline fuse on the power side Good luck! http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Monocrystalline-Foldable-Suitcase/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456449228&sr=8-1&keywords=solar+suitcase - http://www.amazon.com/Renogy-Watts-Monocrystalline-Foldable-Suitcase/dp/B00HR8YNK6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1456449228&sr=8-1&keywords=solar+suitcase Here is an SAE connector... http://www.ebay.com/itm/QUICK-DISCONNECT-WIRE-HARNESS-2-PIN-SAE-CONNECTOR-10-GAUGE-PC100-/151892181683?hash=item235d7ac2b3:g:ZNYAAOSwhcJWMqZr - QUICK DISCONNECT WIRE HARNESS 2 PIN - SAE CONNECTOR 10 GAUGE #PC100 ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: jimqbaum
Date Posted: 26 Feb 2016 at 9:01am
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Thanks for the homework! This is all coming together now. ------------- Have A Blessed Day Pod 171 Ram Hemi tow truck. Got rid of the Jeep Wrangler. It was puny and girly |
Posted By: pjfrog
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 2:14pm
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I was passing by the boating stuff at the local Walmart and found a 10 gauge, SAE 2pin used as a quick disconnect for a trolling motor. I had to splice it onto the leads from my solar panels using crimp butt splices and it works swell. ------------- pjfrog HR 171 F150 |
Posted By: jimqbaum
Date Posted: 24 Mar 2016 at 2:36pm
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Git-er-done! A great idea. Who said the Yankees have one up on us Southern boys! ------------- Have A Blessed Day Pod 171 Ram Hemi tow truck. Got rid of the Jeep Wrangler. It was puny and girly |
Posted By: Oliveman
Date Posted: 06 Apr 2016 at 12:58pm
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Just got an R Pod 178 last week. Dealer ordered plug and I bought after market 80Watt panel. Huge savings
------------- 2016 R-Pod 178 2015 Pathfinder Platinum AWD Wife, Child and Dog on adventures |
Posted By: Rustler
Date Posted: 26 May 2016 at 4:18pm
The reason for having a fuse on the charge side is due to requirements of the National Electric Code (NEC). The charge controller is sitting between a solar panel and a battery, which is capable of very high currents. The NEC considers the charge controller to be a potential short circuit during a fault condition. A fuse is required to protect battery wires during a short circuit fault condition. The NEC is complex and often hard to understand. But it is worth following for fire safety reasons as well as protecting expensive equipment. The following link takes you to a lengthy discussion of the code from a solar power system perspective. There are some practical examples discussed as to properly protect a solar system and comply with the NEC. The article is entitled: Photovoltaic Power Systems And the 2005 National Electrical Code: Suggested Practices http://www.solar-electric.com/media/wysiwyg/PV-NEC-V-193.pdf - http://www.solar-electric.com/media/wysiwyg/PV-NEC-V-193.pdf ------------- Russ 2009 Toyota RAV4 V6 w/ tow package 2016 Rpod 171 HRE |