Solar, 12volt questions
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Topic: Solar, 12volt questions
Posted By: puudged
Subject: Solar, 12volt questions
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 7:15pm
We just bought an R-pod 172 with the solar hookup. It states on the sticker "20 amp". (1) Is this the maximum solar panel that we can hook up? (2) Does this just trickle charge the battery? Our previous trailer has a cigarette lighter port that we could plug in a small inverter to when boondocking, and charge our phones and camera batteries. The pod doesn't have this.. So, I am wondering how can I use the 12volt sources to charge small amperage electronics? The solar and 12 volt stuff is so confusing |
Replies:
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 8:03pm
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Hi, congratulations on your new Rpod 172? 20amps is way more than a trickle charge and many of us have installed 12v plugs to run 12v devices and to also plug in a small 150-200w inverter to charge phones etc... Good luck! Have fun!
 ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: puudged
Date Posted: 20 Jan 2017 at 9:56pm
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Thank you for the reply:) So, did you install the 12v outlet by yourself? I know there are 12v wires running all through the pod, but I am not sure how to access them. Is there a wiring schematic somewhere?? |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 5:36am
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Yes, many of us install a unit that has a 12v plug, USB chargers, and a 12v digital gauge to monitor the battery voltage. https://www.amazon.com/Cllena-Function-Charger-Voltmeter-Digital/dp/B01CU5HI7U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484998002&sr=8-1&keywords=12v+socket+with+usb+and+volt+meter - Cllena Triple Function Dual USB Charger + Blue LED Voltmeter + 12V Outlet Socket Panel Jack Marine For Digital Devices Mobile Phone Tablet No, there is no wiring schematic available. If this kind of thing is new to you, it may be best to have a qualified technician do the installation. Also, it could void any warranty you may have on the system related to the modification. That said, it generally doesn't stop most owners. If its done correctly, there should be no problem.
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Pod People
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 7:49am
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the other posts have answered your 12 volt receptacle questions. The solar question is different. I'm not sure what the 20 watt designation is referring to. It certainly is not the size of the solar panel. Most of us use solar panels that are rated between 100-200 watts to generate the power that goes into the charge controller. the charge controller is the brains of the system and determines the actual amount of charge pushed on to the batteries to keep them fully charged. the controllers are generally rated between 20-50 amps. Personally, I use a 100 watt Renogy suitcase panel system. It is portable and has two 50 watt panels that fold together suitcase style. It works very well to keep my two 6 volt golf cart batteries fully charged with about 5 hours of daily sun. Use the "search" feature at the top of the page and you will find multiple posts about solar systems being used in the R Pods. They are a very effective tool for boondocking. there is also a wealth of informatin on the internet about RV solar systems. The size and types of systems are numerous and the technology is becoming cheaper and more efficient. It is a great way to have power if you are not plugged in to an electric source. Vann ------------- Vann & Laura 2015 RPod 179 https://postimg.cc/0zwKrfB9"> 
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Posted By: puudged
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 9:32am
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thank you for the great information.. The more I delve into these subjects, the more questions arise! I appreciate any input.. |
Posted By: puudged
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 10:06am
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Thank you for the link! I just ordered these items, and will check around with my "geek" friends for some professional help! |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 12:21pm
You're welcome. I'm not familiar with the 172, but if you can mount the device in an area near the power panel where it is convenient to use, and draw power directly from a new run to the 12v side of the power panel, that would be best. You can certainly tap in to other wires as well, but depending on what you tap...it may limit the amount you can draw, but usually plenty power available for charging stuff, no problem. If you choose not to make a new run to the power panel, make sure you install an inline fuse on the power side of the tap and use a fuse rated appropriately. If one of your geek friends reads this and says "huh" don't let them do it... :-)
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 12:22pm
OP stated 20 amps, not 20 watts...
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 5:02pm
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Podster,
Comparing notes. Where did you mount yours in 178? I mounted mine in the panel, near door, that is the dinette passenger seat. I can open door and look at 12v status and use USB and 12v charge with device resting on dinette cushion or table. Drilled a hole thru floor of front storage compartment, and ran 14 gauge wire into floor of electrics bay and used spare fuse for connection point. Works great, silicone holes and secured wiring below TT and in front storage area. From what I have seen the 179 is much easier to access. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |
Posted By: puudged
Date Posted: 21 Jan 2017 at 7:27pm
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LOL, I will make sure my geekies know what they are doing😫 My main go to guy installs electronics in fire engines and police vehicles... Cross my fingers that he knows what he is doing:) Thanks again for helping me out! |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 7:51am
I try to use what I call the service panel for all things utility... Here is a pic... https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2M4imcnGBJoZVNKcmZJUFFFaDg/view?usp=sharing - 12-DSCN3385.JPG
------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 7:55am
Yes, sounds like you have a good geek there. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 9:28am
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P=I X E Ohms Law. I this case power = 20 amps X 12 volts or 240 watts. With the line loss inherent with low voltage DC don't plan on much from that solar install. ------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 9:31am
What solar install are you referring to? ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 11:10am
Not clear what you are saying here. Twenty amps for a typical 5 hour sunny day gives you 100 AH which is 3-6 times the typical camper's usage. ------------- Charlie Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2017 at 1:22pm
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Cool, thanks. ------------- Mike Carter 2015 178 " I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability." |