R-pod Owners Forum : Solar connection on 179 not working https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Solar connection on 179 not working Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 15:36:25 +0000 Sun, 06 May 2018 08:36:51 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=11514 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Solar connection on 179 not working : I think there are two different... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108795#108795 Author: Pod People
Subject: 11514
Posted: 06 May 2018 at 8:36am

I think there are two different responses to the  questions posed in several posts above--
1)not all solar suitcase systems are reverse polarity wired. Renogy does not use reverse polarity wiring
and 2) sometimes in the 12 volt DC world black and white are both used to denote neutral wires. Red is always noted as positive
at least, that is my experience
Vann
]]> Sun, 06 May 2018 08:36:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108795#108795 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by GlueGuy Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108779#108779 Author: furpod
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 6:43pm

Originally posted by GlueGuy

Originally posted by furpod

There isn't anything tapped into it. It's a straight shot. Reversing the wires, and adding a wrap of colored electrical tape on the end, is a thing done normally in the electrical world.
For a bit more "professional" job and probably a lot more permanent, you could use a long chunk of colored shrink tubing on each pigtail at the battery. One red, one black. I usually have some shrink tubing in my electrical odds & ends box.


Yes.. I do that regularly also..
]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 18:43:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108779#108779 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by furpod There... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108778#108778 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 6:41pm

Originally posted by furpod

There isn't anything tapped into it. It's a straight shot. Reversing the wires, and adding a wrap of colored electrical tape on the end, is a thing done normally in the electrical world.
For a bit more "professional" job and probably a lot more permanent, you could use a long chunk of colored shrink tubing on each pigtail at the battery. One red, one black. I usually have some shrink tubing in my electrical odds & ends box.
]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 18:41:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108778#108778 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by furpod Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108776#108776 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 5:29pm

Originally posted by furpod

Originally posted by Ben Herman

Originally posted by Wood River Pod

Please excuse my possible ignorance.  Rather than cut and slice, couldn't you just swap the wires on the battery terminals.  Seems like the more simple fix.  Right?   Then if you ever needed to reverse, just swap them back.
Thanks

Well, I'd already cut and spliced since the suitcase system had alligator clips rather than the mini-plug. I'll probably avoid reversing the wires at the battery - too many things could go wrong with that approach (imo) since I don't know if there is anything else tapped into that line.


There isn't anything tapped into it. It's a straight shot. Reversing the wires, and adding a wrap of colored electrical tape on the end, is a thing done normally in the electrical world.

OK thx - appreciate the info. Since I have to re-splice the connection, I'll just go ahead and reverse it that way, but will do as you suggest and mark it accordingly. 
]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 17:29:03 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108776#108776 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by Ben Herman Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108774#108774 Author: furpod
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 5:26pm

Originally posted by Ben Herman

Originally posted by Wood River Pod

Please excuse my possible ignorance.  Rather than cut and slice, couldn't you just swap the wires on the battery terminals.  Seems like the more simple fix.  Right?   Then if you ever needed to reverse, just swap them back.
Thanks

Well, I'd already cut and spliced since the suitcase system had alligator clips rather than the mini-plug. I'll probably avoid reversing the wires at the battery - too many things could go wrong with that approach (imo) since I don't know if there is anything else tapped into that line.


There isn't anything tapped into it. It's a straight shot. Reversing the wires, and adding a wrap of colored electrical tape on the end, is a thing done normally in the electrical world.
]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 17:26:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108774#108774 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by Wood... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108770#108770 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 5:01pm

Originally posted by Wood River Pod

Please excuse my possible ignorance.  Rather than cut and slice, couldn't you just swap the wires on the battery terminals.  Seems like the more simple fix.  Right?   Then if you ever needed to reverse, just swap them back.
Thanks

Well, I'd already cut and spliced since the suitcase system had alligator clips rather than the mini-plug. I'll probably avoid reversing the wires at the battery - too many things could go wrong with that approach (imo) since I don't know if there is anything else tapped into that line.
]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 17:01:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108770#108770 Solar connection on 179 not working : IMHO - I would not modify the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108764#108764 Author: mcarter
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 3:38pm

IMHO - I would not modify the trailer to accept an add on. I would check polarity when install begins and adapt accordingly. To my knowledge the Zamp connections from battery to rear of trailer are not fused. Moving connections around on battery is a bad idea. Easy to check polarity and easy to adjust without modifying trailer wiring.]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 15:38:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108764#108764 Solar connection on 179 not working : Is it just Zamp that runs reverse... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108757#108757 Author: Wood River Pod
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 1:39pm

Is it just Zamp that runs reverse polarity?  I didn't know my Go Power also ran reverse.  Is that a thing with the "suit case" setup/controllers?  Or is it just tied to those two brands?  While we are on the topic, are Zamp and Go Power connected somehow?  Seem to be different brands with the exact same hardware.  Curious...
Thanks 
]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 13:39:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108757#108757 Solar connection on 179 not working : +1 to the suggestion to use the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108748#108748 Author: StephenH
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 11:10am

+1 to the suggestion to use the appropriate color tape to mark the wires if you do this to avoid backward wiring in the future. However, if you were to eventually sell it, I would remove the tape and leave the two wires disconnected. That way, a future owner could then connect them as wired or everse the polarity if that is needed.]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 11:10:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108748#108748 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by Wood... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108740#108740 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11514
Posted: 05 May 2018 at 9:10am

Originally posted by Wood River Pod

Please excuse my possible ignorance.  Rather than cut and slice, couldn't you just swap the wires on the battery terminals.  Seems like the more simple fix.  Right?   Then if you ever needed to reverse, just swap them back.
Thanks
That's probably what I'd do with the caveat that the color of the wires at the battery would come into question. I would probably wrap the wires with the appropriate red/black tape to avoid future confusion.
]]> Sat, 05 May 2018 09:10:41 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108740#108740 Solar connection on 179 not working : Please excuse my possible ignorance.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108721#108721 Author: Wood River Pod
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 9:47pm

Please excuse my possible ignorance.  Rather than cut and slice, couldn't you just swap the wires on the battery terminals.  Seems like the more simple fix.  Right?   Then if you ever needed to reverse, just swap them back.
Thanks
]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 21:47:53 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108721#108721 Solar connection on 179 not working : Well that did it polarity reversed... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108711#108711 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 4:42pm

Well that did it polarity reversed and all’s good. Never would have guessed that one. Of course no tape in my tool kit from last year so using strips of plastic bag as insulators!

Thx all]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 16:42:23 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108711#108711 Solar connection on 179 not working : Thanks All, just got back to camp.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108709#108709 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 4:32pm

Thanks
All, just got back to camp. I’d already cut the wires to splice in the mini plug
I’ll reverse the wires and see if it works. And yes it’s a suitcase type panel with controller built in. ]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 16:32:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108709#108709 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by Olddawgsrule Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108704#108704 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 3:37pm

Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

Originally posted by Richand Cindy

If you have the Go Power solar on the side plug, the polarity is reversed from all other solar panel companies, even though the plugs are the same and the Renogy will fit.  You need to either cut the cables and reverse them or (recommended) buy a converter cable which reverses the polarity for you. Search this forum as it has been mentioned in the past.

Really! I have not gone to that point yet to test my panel. This is good info! Thank you. I will now test my leads from the panel and the connector.



I just pulled one of my smaller panels and checked polarity. Reversed.

So happy I saw this post!


]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 15:37:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108704#108704 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by furpodThere... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108703#108703 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 3:34pm

Originally posted by furpod

There is no controller installed. The system was designed for portable panels that have a built in controller, suitcase style. 

So I 'now' see.
]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 15:34:36 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108703#108703 Solar connection on 179 not working : There is no controller installed.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108702#108702 Author: furpod
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 2:58pm

There is no controller installed. The system was designed for portable panels that have a built in controller, suitcase style. ]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 14:58:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108702#108702 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by Olddawgsrule Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108700#108700 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 2:42pm

Originally posted by Olddawgsrule

Originally posted by GlueGuy

There is nothing but wire between the solar connector and battery. You should be able to verify it with a DVM (Digital Volt Meter). You should have 12V at the solar connector. If there is no 12V, then there is a wire or connector issue.

I certainly hope that is not true.. 

There's supposed to be a charge controller involved.. Am I mis-understanding what you're saying?


Well, that made me run out to Lily and throw the DVM on and check. OMG.. It is direct wired!
Maybe I'm more happy about th OP's question than he is at this this point.
Also very happy he asked! I was going to test the solar tomorrow..

Looks like my controller is getting installed (somewhere)...Our buying a new one that is waterproof.

]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 14:42:50 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108700#108700 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by GlueGuyThere... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108699#108699 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 2:07pm

Originally posted by GlueGuy

There is nothing but wire between the solar connector and battery. You should be able to verify it with a DVM (Digital Volt Meter). You should have 12V at the solar connector. If there is no 12V, then there is a wire or connector issue.

I certainly hope that is not true.. 

There's supposed to be a charge controller involved.. Am I mis-understanding what you're saying?

"Read my next post before responding" Hopefully I catch you in time..
]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 14:07:17 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108699#108699 Solar connection on 179 not working : Originally posted by Richand... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108698#108698 Author: Olddawgsrule
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 2:04pm

Originally posted by Richand Cindy

If you have the Go Power solar on the side plug, the polarity is reversed from all other solar panel companies, even though the plugs are the same and the Renogy will fit.  You need to either cut the cables and reverse them or (recommended) buy a converter cable which reverses the polarity for you. Search this forum as it has been mentioned in the past.

Really! I have not gone to that point yet to test my panel. This is good info! Thank you. I will now test my leads from the panel and the connector.


]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 14:04:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108698#108698 Solar connection on 179 not working : Are you SURE the leads at the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108690#108690 Author: furpod
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 12:14pm

Are you SURE the leads at the battery end are connected? Most dealer do not connect them, to avoid owners confusion as to why there are 4 wires at the battery..]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 12:14:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108690#108690 Solar connection on 179 not working : If so a video I saw a while back... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108688#108688 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 11:23am

If so a video I saw a while back said you need a reverse polarity plug for it.]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 11:23:29 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108688#108688 Solar connection on 179 not working : zamp connector? https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108687#108687 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 11:21am

zamp connector?]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 11:21:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108687#108687 Solar connection on 179 not working : Are you using the same connector?... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108686#108686 Author: Leo B
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 11:21am

Are you using the same connector?]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 11:21:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108686#108686 Solar connection on 179 not working : If you have the Go Power solar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108685#108685 Author: Richand Cindy
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 11:20am

If you have the Go Power solar on the side plug, the polarity is reversed from all other solar panel companies, even though the plugs are the same and the Renogy will fit.  You need to either cut the cables and reverse them or (recommended) buy a converter cable which reverses the polarity for you. Search this forum as it has been mentioned in the past.]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 11:20:34 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108685#108685 Solar connection on 179 not working : Thx out camping and realized I... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108683#108683 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 10:25am

Thx out camping and realized I don’t have a meter with me so it’ll have to wait until we get home tomorrow. Should have tested it!]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 10:25:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108683#108683 Solar connection on 179 not working : There is nothing but wire between... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108682#108682 Author: GlueGuy
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 10:10am

There is nothing but wire between the solar connector and battery. You should be able to verify it with a DVM (Digital Volt Meter). You should have 12V at the solar connector. If there is no 12V, then there is a wire or connector issue.]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 10:10:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108682#108682 Solar connection on 179 not working : Hi all - out on first trip with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108681#108681 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 11514
Posted: 04 May 2018 at 10:06am

Hi all - out on first trip with 179 and having an issue with solar connection. When I hook my Renogy panel to the mini pin connector near the door it is not connecting into the trailers 12v system. I know the panel and control panel are good because it works if I touch the bare leads directly to the battery. Is there anything I need to do to activate the “solar on the side” connection? ]]> Fri, 04 May 2018 10:06:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=11514&PID=108681#108681