R-pod Owners Forum : solar https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : I need HELP!!! : solar Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 21 May 2026 15:13:31 +0000 Sat, 03 Apr 2021 03:12:20 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=14508 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ solar : Hunter, sorry about causing confusion... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141323#141323 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14508
Posted: 03 Apr 2021 at 3:12am

Hunter, sorry about causing confusion on the fridge. You have a larger rpod with the larger fridge which is 2 way (120Vac/propane) not 3 way like my smaller one.

Just leave it on propane unless connected to shore power. There are a few tunnels where you are required to shut off the propane at the cylinder, most notably in our general area the Norfolk VA area bridge/tunnels. Just turn it back on at your next stop and restart the fridge. The fridge will stay cold for quite awhile.

There are other members here using cpaps who can provide more cogent advice than I can on what works the best. By general rule is to use 12v gear when I can but you can certainly use an inverter and ac gear. If you don't already have an inverter get a "true sine wave" one, the ones described as "modified sine wave" really output a modified square wave which is hard on many load devices and creates lots of electrical noise. The "true sine wave" ones cost more but add well worth it.

Not sure what TV you have but if the TV has a 120Vac power cord and a 12V one then it's 2 way and should switch over to 120 if that is available. That's what mine does but it was an aftermarket purchase. ]]> Sat, 03 Apr 2021 03:12:20 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141323#141323 solar : The fridge is much more efficient... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141321#141321 Author: Ben Herman
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 10:18pm

The fridge is much more efficient running on propane, 12v fridge only  good  when you are driving and your vehicle is charging the battery. We actually  run our fridge on propane when travelling, some dont as there is some level of risk  from explosion if you were to get into an accident. So overall 12v loads during normal camping  are pretty low. I do not  know about 12 V TV, we don't  watch  tv while camping.]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 22:18:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141321#141321 solar : Sorry about pic. Not hooked up... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141320#141320 Author: Ricktoon
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 9:52pm

Sorry about pic. Not hooked up yet. Wire with SAE from controller. Plug in will b on battery case. Installing next week. ]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 21:52:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141320#141320 solar : I'm not sure i understand... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141319#141319 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 9:24pm



  I'm not sure i understand the pict?
]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 21:24:13 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141319#141319 solar : Thanks Offgrid. Are you saying... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141318#141318 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 9:20pm



  Thanks Offgrid. Are you saying the fridge will run off the 12 volt system if I do not have it turned on to gas and disconnected from shore power? You are right about the efficiency of the inverter but i thought since I already have it and the extra battery and the cpap i could save $ using it for now The tv in the 196 is 12 volt. I wonder if it is dual volt as you suggest?
]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 21:20:49 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141318#141318 solar : Don't try to run the fridge... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141315#141315 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 7:38pm

Don't try to run the fridge off 12v except while on the road while you can charge from the tow vehicle alternator. Change it over to propane as soon as you stop for the night.

Other than lights furnace fan bathroom fan stereo that's about it for the 12-volt loads in your trailer.


I've heard some of the new rpods have dual voltage TVs otherwise you could change it out to a dual volt TV. You can get a 12 volt CPAP as well. That would be more efficient than using inverter but it's up to you which way you go.

PThe air conditioner is too big to run off an inverter, batteries and solar and while it's possible to run the microwave it's pushing it.

Have fun!




]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 19:38:00 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141315#141315 solar : https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141313#141313 Author: Ricktoon
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 6:34pm

]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 18:34:15 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141313#141313 solar : I built a 200 watt solar suitcase... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141312#141312 Author: Ricktoon
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 6:32pm

I built a 200 watt solar suitcase setup for my R-pod 196. Plan to use an SAE connector on the battery box with the wires attached to the battery - with a fuse on the positive. I will then have the solar suitcase connected to the charge controller and a male version of the SAE connector attached to the charge controller. I can just plug in when I set up.

]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 18:32:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141312#141312 solar : Thank You all for your responses.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141311#141311 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 4:54pm

Thank You all for your responses. Very Helpful!  Gradually I am beginning to get  a handle on all of this . The walk though when I picked the camper up was not very thorough due to very bad weather.One of the reasons I am thinking of going with the 200 watt solar system is in anticipation of gradually building up my battery capacity. What all runs off the 12 volt system beyond fans for heater and lights tv etc? Does the frig when you are not using gas or shore power? I have a cpap that I ran off a battery and 750 watt inverter with my pop top before the rpod . I do not think that there is an inverter on board the rpod so I am planning on doing the same thing again when I am camping off the grid. Another reason for the 200 watt system.]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:54:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141311#141311 solar : No problem adding additional solar... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141306#141306 Author: offgrid
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 11:22am

No problem adding additional solar capacity. However, if you do that you should also consider upgrading your battery capacity. You will have over 300 watts which will recharge a single 100 amp hour battery from 50% (as far down as you want to take it) in a couple of hours on a sunny day, after which the remaining capacity is wasted. Solar power systems work best if the solar, battery, and load sizes are in reasonable balance. ]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 11:22:25 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141306#141306 solar : I do have the system and was responding... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141305#141305 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 11:04am

I do have the system and was responding to your question about permanent pigtails, thanks for answering Pod People. Mine is fairly new and has a fuse already included in the connecting wires.]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 11:04:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141305#141305 solar : We have used a Renogy 100 watt... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141304#141304 Author: Pod People
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 10:55am

We have used a Renogy 100 watt solar suitcase for about 4 years.  We love it.  It has always worked well in keeping our 2 6volt batteries charged. The Renogy materials and workmanship seem fine and the complete package has been very durable and dependable.
I don't see why the permanent pigtails would be a problem as long as they were shielded so they could not come into contact with anything that might create a short or be compromised by weather. I'm sure you would need an appropriate sized fuse somewhere between the panels and the battery.
Vann
]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:55:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141304#141304 solar : If the systems are run in parallel,... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141299#141299 Author: Colt
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 10:33am

If the systems are run in parallel, it should be no problem. Each charge controller should respond to the battery voltage it sees and react accordingly. They won't care how the voltage got to where it is. ]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:33:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141299#141299 solar : Originally posted by EchoGale...As... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141297#141297 Author: Pod_Geek
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 10:02am

Originally posted by EchoGale

...As for your other question I'll look forward to seeing what those with more battery experience than I have say. I like the idea.

Does this mean that you're not sure about have two separate solar inputs (both with their own controller) attached to a single battery?
]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:02:52 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141297#141297 solar : Thanks for your response. This... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141296#141296 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 10:00am

   Thanks for your response. This is what I thought but am new to all this. Do you have this system yourself?]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 10:00:46 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141296#141296 solar : Hi Hunter,Yes you can and it is... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141295#141295 Author: EchoGale
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 9:46am

Hi Hunter,

Yes you can and it is designed for this. It comes with alligator clips and has a built-in fuse. As for your other question I'll look forward to seeing what those with more battery experience than I have say. I like the idea.
]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 09:46:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141295#141295 solar : Happy Good Friday! I have a question... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141293#141293 Author: Hunter
Subject: 14508
Posted: 02 Apr 2021 at 8:37am

  Happy Good Friday!  I have a question about solar. I have a 2021  rpod 196 that came with the solar package. I am thinking of purchasing renogy 200 watt portable package that comes with its own controller to increase my solar charging  capacity. Can I hook this up to my batteries directly without causing problems with the existing electrical system? I have been thinking I could have a pos and neg pigtail permanently coming out from batteries that I could connect to when i want to use the portable unit? Anyone had any experience with the portable solar systems?]]> Fri, 02 Apr 2021 08:37:26 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=14508&PID=141293#141293