R-pod Owners Forum : Zamp Solar http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks : Zamp Solar Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:57:33 +0000 Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:10:48 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4623 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ Zamp Solar : Originally posted by OhTallMan Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45272#45272 Author: Boomertype
Subject: 4623
Posted: 29 Apr 2014 at 12:10am

Originally posted by OhTallMan

Originally posted by Hairy Podders

. . .  Since our 2014 178 is Solar ready, does anyone know FOR SURE which plug that our 178 requires? ...

I also have a 2014 178, but nothing was mentioned about being "solar ready." I am new to all this. 
- - What would make the pod solar ready? 
- - Does the panels only charge the battery, or can it actually run the 12V system on the pod?

Thanks
The Zamp Solar models have a plug usually on the passenger side rear area.  Depends on when in the cycle it was built.  
They charge the battery or batteries.

]]> Tue, 29 Apr 2014 00:10:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45272#45272 Zamp Solar : Originally posted by Hairy... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45271#45271 Author: OhTallMan
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 11:23pm

Originally posted by Hairy Podders

. . .  Since our 2014 178 is Solar ready, does anyone know FOR SURE which plug that our 178 requires? ...

I also have a 2014 178, but nothing was mentioned about being "solar ready." I am new to all this. 
- - What would make the pod solar ready? 
- - Does the panels only charge the battery, or can it actually run the 12V system on the pod?

Thanks
]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 23:23:45 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45271#45271 Zamp Solar : Originally posted by JdubIt... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45268#45268 Author: furpod
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 10:18pm

Originally posted by Jdub

It would be a lot more forward thinking to have USB chargers that you could directly wire instead of the 12 v cigarette lighter crap. 

 
While this is a discussion about zamp solar panels.. there ARE usb ports you can hardwire on the 12v side. We have two. We also have two cigarette lighter style. We also have two built in usb ports on the 120v side.
 
12v USB
 
120v USB
 
I think they are shown in this thread.. furpods mods..
]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 22:18:00 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45268#45268 Zamp Solar : our '14 178 has a SAE connector... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45262#45262 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 9:24pm


our '14 178 has a SAE connector on the curbside rear corner. The 80 watt solar panel has the same connector, along with a fuse & a set of alligator clips that also plug into the SAE connector.
Plug N Play! ]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 21:24:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45262#45262 Zamp Solar : It would be a lot more forward... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45260#45260 Author: Jdub
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 9:09pm

It would be a lot more forward thinking to have USB chargers that you could directly wire instead of the 12 v cigarette lighter crap. 

]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 21:09:43 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45260#45260 Zamp Solar : Brown dropped off our Zamp 80... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45259#45259 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 9:01pm

Brown dropped off our Zamp 80 watt solar panel this afternoon. Its gonna be very handy to use & store. Plus I won't need to do the treasure hunt for some little obscure piece after reading somewhere online that "ÿep, it fits" . I'm tired of playing that game....]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 21:01:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45259#45259 Zamp Solar : The non-Zamp panels do require... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45246#45246 Author: cubsfan
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 2:51pm

The non-Zamp panels do require a few minutes connection time, but nothing more than making a couple screw connections.  My point is that there are alternatives for both flat and fold-up suitcase style panels that are simple and much more cost effective.]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 14:51:26 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45246#45246 Zamp Solar : I looked at the panels on Amazon... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45235#45235 Author: Boomertype
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 12:27pm

I looked at the panels on Amazon and they don't offer the stands that fold up and a digital readout on the controller.  Zamp also has much longer cord and with options for the plug-in on the trailer.  You do get more, and it's more ready to roll right out of the box.  No stands to bring along, not cords to modify.  
I'm sure the Amazon ones work fine, but they are not really ready to roll, pull out and use.  Zamp is filling a need and people will be willing to pay for that.
 
]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:27:24 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45235#45235 Zamp Solar : Nothing special about it that... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45228#45228 Author: furpod
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 11:14am

Nothing special about it that I can tell, other than it folds and has a padded case. People often like a "packaged" answer, and they (zamp) provide it. ]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 11:14:52 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45228#45228 Zamp Solar : I am not sure what is so special... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45225#45225 Author: cubsfan
Subject: 4623
Posted: 28 Apr 2014 at 9:58am

I am not sure what is so special about the Zamp that the cost is 2-3 times that of a Renogy solar panel.  Just received a 100W from Amazon with the charge controller for $165.  It seems to work very well so far.  I have used a Renogy unit on a previous trailer for several years without any problems.]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2014 09:58:56 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45225#45225 Zamp Solar : There is a Zamp Solar for sale... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45203#45203 Author: Boomertype
Subject: 4623
Posted: 27 Apr 2014 at 12:19pm

There is a Zamp Solar for sale over on the FaceBook group. 60 amp, new and unused, $310 shipped.
Check it out.
]]> Sun, 27 Apr 2014 12:19:58 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45203#45203 Zamp Solar : Got curious to see if the Zamp... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45200#45200 Author: Budward
Subject: 4623
Posted: 27 Apr 2014 at 11:35am

Got curious to see if the Zamp jack on my 179 was diode isolated, ie can only be used as an input.
NOPE! no diode Smile
That means if Zamp jack equipped it will be easy to have a 12V source outside for phone charging or whatever, simple to make up an adapter to plug into the Zamp jack and dangle the requisite cigarette lighter jack off it....

I despise cigarette lighter jacks and plugs but they are the most common 12v connection for phone chargers etc.
I haven't chased the wiring and fuse yet to see what current capacity can be drawn....but surely it will handle at least 7 amps if an 80 watt panel plugs in.

Sure wish FR published their wiring diagrams...
]]> Sun, 27 Apr 2014 11:35:22 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45200#45200 Zamp Solar : Thanks for the info, Mark. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45061#45061 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4623
Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 12:40pm

Thanks for the info, Mark.]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2014 12:40:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45061#45061 Zamp Solar : Thank you everybody. I think the... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45052#45052 Author: CasaJack
Subject: 4623
Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 9:28am

Thank you everybody.  I think the 120 watt one would be the best but it's pricy - about $600.00.
The 80 watt one is about $400.00 but my guess is that it would take several more hours to charge your batteries than the 120 watt one.  Anyway, I look forward to hearing more on this topic.
]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2014 09:28:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45052#45052 Zamp Solar : SAE. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45043#45043 Author: furpod
Subject: 4623
Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 7:28am

SAE.]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2014 07:28:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45043#45043 Zamp Solar : Looking at the Zamp Solar chargers... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45040#45040 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4623
Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 4:58am

Looking at the Zamp Solar chargers on Ebay; The 40Watt charger has an Anderson plug on it, the 80 Watt has a SAE plug on it. Both also come with alligator clips. Since our 2014 178 is Solar ready, does anyone know FOR SURE which plug that our 178 requires? Trying to avoid the "treasure hunt" after the purchase...]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2014 04:58:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45040#45040 Zamp Solar : http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4477... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45036#45036 Author: Cap-n-Cray
Subject: 4623
Posted: 23 Apr 2014 at 12:22am

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4477  Big smile]]> Wed, 23 Apr 2014 00:22:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45036#45036 Zamp Solar : Would love to hear a review on... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45035#45035 Author: OregonTrail
Subject: 4623
Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 11:43pm

Would love to hear a review on these...what would be the ultimate size for a dual battery setup?? 120 watt?

]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2014 23:43:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45035#45035 Zamp Solar : I've been looking at solar... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45032#45032 Author: Boomertype
Subject: 4623
Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 10:47pm

I've been looking at solar and I'm thinking a 80 watt should be the ticket with either a single or dual battery setup.  Quicker charge than the 40 which means you don't have to leave it out and setup as long.
You wouldn't want to leave it out, unattended, while you're out messing around.  
]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2014 22:47:15 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45032#45032 Zamp Solar : Didn't someone in Canada... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45014#45014 Author: Hairy Podders
Subject: 4623
Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 8:16pm

Didn't someone in Canada just use one on the way to the west coast? I thought we were awaiting a report.
That said, we are in the final decision making on buying one on Ebay. Not sure whether to get a 40watt(the size Forest River sells) or go with an 80 watt. Gotta make sure that the 80 watt will fit in the storage compartment. ]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2014 20:16:18 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=45014#45014 Zamp Solar : They are all new just in the past... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=44990#44990 Author: kymooses
Subject: 4623
Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 3:56pm

They are all new just in the past few months.  I haven't read of anyone having field tested the Zamp unit yet at all.]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:56:31 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=44990#44990 Zamp Solar : My 2014 182G came with the Zamp... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=44976#44976 Author: CasaJack
Subject: 4623
Posted: 22 Apr 2014 at 12:27pm

My 2014 182G came with the Zamp Solar outlet on the back of the trailer.  Has anyone purchased the Zamp Solar 120 Watt http://www.zampsolar.com/Portable_Solar_Kits.htm?m=87&s=581  If so, does it work well?]]> Tue, 22 Apr 2014 12:27:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4623&PID=44976#44976